Before you begin your research (or before you get too far along the continuum) take time to consider the target audience for the results of your study.

• Targeting a specific journal (or journals).
• Choose your target(s) in the planning stages.
• Review the journal content and topic areas covered.
• Be sure your topic fits.
• Consider contacting the editor to “pitch” your idea.
• Review the Information for Authors.
• !! Follow the submission guidelines to the letter !!

Knowing the style and format for the target publication will help to limit your revisions.

• Submission Guidelines will dictate the editorial style for text, figures, and paper format.
• Published journal articles can serve as “templates” to guide you in preparing your submission.
• Reading the journal will help you gauge tone, voice, and vocabulary.
• Tailor your work to fit the audience.

As you write your paper:

• Write your paper in a logical, easy-to-follow manner.
• Do not make abrupt or hard-to-follow leaps from topic to topic.
• Focus upon relevant research issues.
• Be aware of tangential threads/issues that emerge.
• Resolve each issue introduced in your paper.
• Tie up all loose ends.

As you write your paper, as well as when you have finally finished with the document;

• Share your writing with peers and friends.

• Take note of where they get lost or questions that they may have.
• Revise as necessary to keep your reader engaged.
• Revise as necessary to maintain focus on your research question and the conclusions that answer it.