Peace Nwachukwu | March 20, 2026

You have done the research, written your paper, and now you’re thinking about getting it published in a journal. But if you’re wondering “Where do I even start?” you’re not alone. Here are six steps you can take to prepare your manuscript for submission to a scholarly journal.

1. Know Your Target Journal

Before you even think about submitting your paper, ask yourself: Where do I want this published and why? Don’t just pick a journal randomly. Look at journals that align with your topic and methodology. Read a few articles they’ve published. What kinds of questions are they asking? Are they more theoretical or applied? Your manuscript should speak the same “language” as the journal, while making a contribution to the ongoing conversation taking place in that journal.

2. Read the Author Guidelines

Every journal has specific submission requirements. These guidelines are usually found on the journal’s website under “For Authors” or “Submission Instructions.” Pay close attention to formatting (APA, MLA, etc.), word count, reference style, and whether they want an abstract or cover letter. Following these rules shows you’re serious and saves the editors’ time.

3. Polish, Then Polish Again

Even if your content is strong, editors will notice whether the writing is unclear or full of typos. Read your manuscript out loud. Share it with a professor or peer. If possible, work with a writing center or mentor to make sure your arguments are clear, your paragraphs flow, and your citations are solid. Clarity matters.

4. Write a Thoughtful Cover Letter

This part is often overlooked, but it makes a difference. A good cover letter briefly introduces your paper (1–2 paragraphs), explains why it fits the journal, and notes if your manuscript is based on a thesis or conference paper. Be respectful and professional, but don’t overthink it, keep it short and clear.

5. Be Ready for Peer Review and Revisions

Once submitted, your paper might go through peer review, where other scholars provide feedback. Don’t take their comments personally. This is normal, and revisions are part of the process. You might be asked to make small edits or completely restructure parts of your paper. This doesn’t mean your work is bad; it means your work is being taken seriously.

6. Don’t Be Discouraged by Rejection

Here’s a secret: even experienced scholars get rejected. If it happens, read the feedback, revise, and try again with another journal. Publishing is not about perfection, but persistence.

Concluding Thoughts

As part of the hidden curriculum, the ins and outs of publishing in a scholarly journal can be difficult to navigate—but with time, dedication, and courage, you’re well on your way to making meaningful contributions to ongoing scholarly conversations.

If you have a paper that you are ready to share with a broader scholarly audience, we encourage you to consider submitting your work to the Ohio Communication Journal. With a generous review board and dedicated authors, the official publication outlet of the Ohio Communication Association features cutting-edge scholarship, ranging in methodological and theoretical approaches and focused on a broad array of communication contexts and contemporary societal issues.Check out our Submission Guidelines today!

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