The process of completing a research project to publishing it in a high profile Q1 journal is usually daunting. When one writes the first book, it may seem like they are in a fog. They are highly competitive, peer reviewed and compelled to comply with complicated journal demands. We make this difficult process a clear path to be achieved at Fast Publications. We also assist researchers to get their place in the high-ranking publications.
Herein the case study elaborates on how our holistic Publication Strategy Services helped a brilliant but overwhelmed first-time author, Dr. Elias Varga, to get his biomedical engineering book published in one of the top Q1 journals.
The Dilemma: A Potential Promising Manuscript Lost Its Bearings
The scientific quality of the work by Dr. Varga on new biocompatible polymers was excellent. His information was sound and his conclusions were profound to drug delivery systems. But his manuscript was not doing well. He had previously gotten a desk rejection on one of the mid-level journals. His manuscript had a number of typical initial-author problems:
- Poor Targeting: He positioned too low, and he was not considering the actual effect of his work.
- Language and Flow Problems: The text was grammatically correct, but it was not written in the formal form and professional tone of an elite journal.
- Weak Pitch: It is his cover letter that lacked the strength to convey the novelty and significance of his findings to the editor.
Dr. Varga approached Fast Publications in a disheartened manner. He did not only require proofreading, he required total overhaul of publication and a bold outlook.
The Answer: Our Intended Publication Strategy Services
Our four stage Publication Strategy Services plan went into action to bring the work of Dr. Varga to the next level.
Mapping and Selection of Strategies
The initial important action was the proper evaluation of the real impact of the manuscript and finding the best-matched Q1 journal. Our group of subject-matter professionals compared the data provided by Dr. Varga with the scope and audience of a number of leading journals in his field. We decided that his work was appropriate to a journal with an Impact Factor (IF) that is much more than where his first target was.
Action: We suggested he aim at Advanced Biomedical Materials, which is a Q1 journal that is highly selective. Such a move instantly increased the level of stakes but corresponded to the quality of his science.
Developmental Editing The holistic approach to editing
Then we dealt with the presentation of the manuscript. We had to reorganise the narrative with the help of our senior academic editor and Dr Varga. Our experts were proactive in sharpening his introduction to have a better problem statement. We brought our discussion section into sharp focus to express the most important implications for future research. This profound developmental revision allowed the manuscript to follow the logic persuasively, and we could not disregard the scientific argument. We did not passively enhance the narrative flow and underline the novelty.
English Language Editing and Pre-submission review
A special editor was then engaged to carry out careful English Language Editing. We worked and reworked over the language, every sentence was to the point, commanding, and exactly understandable. Importantly, we have applied consistency in terms, verified all references with the specific journal style guide and ensured that all figure and table legends were verified. We also removed all the mechanical errors and the manuscript appeared professional and ready to be reviewed.
Writing the High-Impact cover letter
The main sales pitch in the paper is the cover letter. Together, we worked on a new letter which was written in a very distinct format:
- The Hook: State at once the important finding
- The Problem: In brief, what is the gap in the existing research
- The Solution/Novelty: Describe how the gap is filled with the current paper
- The Impact: State clearly the meaning to the particular readership of the journal.
This strategic letter motivated the editor of this journal to believe that the submission should undergo a peer-review.
The Findings: Q1 Publication of the First Attempt
The findings will be self-explanatory. Advanced Biomedical Materials took the manuscript by Dr. Varga through only one revision of minor changes.
- Status at End of First Year: Disheartened first-time writer with a slummed-out manuscript.
- Final Status: Published author in a Q1 journal (IF > 10.0) within six months of our first consultation.
Dr. Varga managed to change his position as a nervous new arrival to a published professional in his career. He used our Publication Strategy Services to circumvent the traps that have marginalized brilliant research. His work has become readily visible now and will play a significant role in the development of drug delivery systems.
Your Story of Success Begins Here
The present case study demonstrates that strategic support is what makes the difference between being rejected and published in a leading journal. There is no room to chance what defines your career.
Fast Publications offers the skills and strategic display necessary to compete on a high-level. We are also keen on the process of submission and polishing your work, and ensuring that your work gets the attention it merits. We can make you write your own Q1 success story.
