In preparing for publication, it is important we set clear expectations with contributors about the anticipated timelines and their role as co-authors. The peer review and revision process can span several months before a paper is accepted. Co-authors will need to be responsive to reviewer feedback by making revisions prior to acceptance.
Complete co-author information such as names and email addresses are being collected upfront to properly credit all contributors. Targeting an open access journal will ensure the findings become freely accessible for the scientific community and general public once published. Throughout the submission and review phases, it is essential to keep co-authors informed about the status of the manuscript. By understanding the full publication process, contributors can better appreciate the value of their images to advancing science through respected peer-reviewed channels. Open communication and transparency will lead to a rewarding publication experience for all involved.
General process takes time
This is the general process we intend to follow in two possible stages, first of which may take several months:
- Documentation and determination of observations
- Determination of causation and mechanisms involved
Data collection:
- Recruit contributors and and gain agreement to possible co-authorship.
- Collect images, metadata, and complete co-author name/particulars/emails, etc.
Analysis:
- Catalog and analyze images for discoveries
- Develop and conduct methods for measurement and modelling
- Assemble and analyse data
- Consult experts to validate findings
Texts and visualisations
- Present data and set out findings
Manuscript preparation:
- Draft manuscript introducing research
- Present methods, results, conclusions
- List all contributor co-authors
Submission:
- Identify target open access journals
- Review author guidelines thoroughly
- Submit manuscript and supplemental data
Peer review:
- Journal assesses manuscript for scope and quality
- Paper sent to independent experts for in-depth review
- Review process may take several months
Revision:
- Address reviewer comments thoroughly
- Make edits, additions, or clarifications requested
- Resubmit revised manuscript
Acceptance:
- Journal formally accepts paper for publication
- Authors complete any final pre-publication steps
Publication:
- Manuscript goes through production editing
- Authors review final article proofs
- Paper published open access in journal
Publication examples from group member
- The following two links show examples of open-access publications in which a member of our team was involved:
Journal: Space Weather, title: Early Ground Based Work by Auroral Pioneer Carl Størmer on the High-Altitude Detached Subauroral Arcs Now Known as “STEVE”, link:
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2019SW002384 - Journal: AGU Advances, title: The Mysterious Green Streaks Below STEVE, link:
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2020AV000183