How should editors treat experienced authors?

Leslie H. Nicoll, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: Editorial decisions must remain consistent regardless of an author’s reputation or status.
What judgment this supports: Fair, rigorous, and unbiased editorial evaluation of all manuscripts.
How an editor might use this: Apply standard editorial and peer review processes consistently—even when working with highly experienced or well-known authors.

The Temptation to Treat Some Authors Differently

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What are ICMJE and COPE?

Peggy L. Chinn, PhD, RN, FAAN

At the Trailhead

Why this matters: Worldwide scholarly publishing standards guide best practices in journal publishing, assuring the scientific credibility and integrity of your journal.
What judgment this supports: These standards provide the basis for your journal’s policies and practices. You can rely on them when you face difficult editorial situations, such as ethical beaches, authorship controversies, or scientific misconduct.
How an editor might use this: These standards guide every aspect of your editorial role. They form the basis for your journal’s editorial structure, including your “Author Guidelines,” peer review process, and your approach to manuscript acceptance, rejection and revision.

This content is part of the Working Guide to Editorial Systems.

Access is available to subscribers.

Join us for practical guidance, real editorial decisions,

and to learn more about the systems that shape scholarly publishing.

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Who Gets Credit for Research?

The hidden rules of academic authorship often disadvantage women researchers, leading to issues like ghost and gift authorship. A study revealed that many researchers experience problematic authorship practices, with women facing more challenges. To promote equity, clear authorship policies and training are essential for fostering open discussions and fair recognition in collaborative research.

Reducing Publication Rejection

Cynthia Saver emphasizes that rejection is common for authors but offers strategies to minimize it. By adhering to journal guidelines, selecting suitable publications, and improving manuscript clarity, writers can enhance their chances of acceptance. When faced with rejection, it's crucial to avoid discouragement and consider peer feedback for future submissions.

Blog Post, Journal Article, or Both?

Peggy L. Chinn and Leslie H. Nicoll discuss the similarities and differences between blogs and journal articles, focusing on purpose, structure, tone, and engagement. Blogs are more conversational and approachable, while journal articles maintain formal authority. Both platforms can complement scholarly work, enabling broader outreach and interaction within the nursing discipline.

An Essential Resource for Authors: Reporting Guidelines

Reporting guidelines are essential checklists for authors that enhance research transparency and completeness. They ensure studies are accurately reported, minimizing bias and improving reproducibility. Familiarity with guidelines is crucial for nursing authors, as these resources help in planning and documenting research effectively before manuscript submission, ultimately improving reporting quality.