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Finding Topics For Your Papers and Journal Articles: Publication

Paths to Publication

Have you written a polished, innovative, well-researched article in an upper-level writing seminar or as a journal staff member? Would you like to share your hard work and novel ideas with the world? If so, keep reading for resources and advice on submitting your work for publication.

Resources

Advice

Some actionable suggestions for pursuing publication . . .

  1. "[B]reak new terrain." Ensure your article goes beyond the descriptive and into the innovative.
  2. "Be sure that the article you submit for publication (and call it an 'article' or 'essay') is immaculate."
    • Consider completing the Student Self-Editing Checklist to help with this one (listed to the left under Resources).
  3. Consider to which journals you plan to submit your article, keeping in mind not all journals accept student-authored works. Two tools in this guide can help you identify publications that accept student submissions:
    • Law Review Online Companions from Boston College Law Library
    • Submission of Law Student Articles for Publication
  4. Create a list of potential publications. Consider prioritizing:
  5. Gather your materials for submission, paying attention to timing and submission procedures for each publication on your list.
    • Starting on page 5, Submission of Law Student Articles for Publication offers guidance on the inclusion of a cover letter and an abstract with your article.
    • Consider starting with journals on your list that permit email or online form submissions, avoiding the cost of Scholastica submissions.
    • Note the withdrawal policies of the journals you submit to--some require notification upon acceptance elsewhere.

Acknowledgments

The advice featured in this LibGuide relies on wisdom shared in several of the resources listed above, in particular the valuable insights offered by Nancy Levit, Lawrence D. MacLachlan, Allen Rostron, Drew Greaves, Staci J. Pratt, Wanda Temm, and Bridget J. Crawford.