Publish and Flourish: The New Mantra for Publications
Willy A Renandya, 1 May 2025
For many early-career academics, the phrase “publish or perish” feels more like a threat than a source of motivation. The competitive nature of academic publishing, combined with tight deadlines and high expectations, often creates unnecessary stress.
But what if publishing did not have to feel this way?
Rather than focusing on pressure and fear, it is possible to approach academic publishing as a process of learning and growth. By making informed choices, and taking manageable steps, new researchers can move from fear to confidence.
This post outlines key ideas and practical advice to help early-career scholars avoid common pitfalls, choose the right journals, and develop a healthier, more productive and healthier approach to academic publishing.
The Predatory Publishing Trap
One of the biggest challenges in academic publishing today is the rise of predatory journals. These journals appear to be legitimate but often bypass standard quality checks.
They tend to promise quick publication, charge high fees, and skip proper peer review. While they may seem like a fast way to get published, they can damage an academic’s credibility.
Many early-career researchers fall into this trap for two main reasons. Some are simply unaware that these journals are questionable, especially if they are new to the academic world.
Others are under pressure to publish quickly for job contracts, promotions, or graduation requirements. Because reputable journals take longer to review and publish work, the promise of fast results becomes appealing.
Unfortunately, publishing in a predatory journal can lead to long-term consequences, including limited academic recognition, loss of trust, and even damage to career prospects.
How to Spot a Predatory Journal
Recognizing a predatory journal is not always easy, but there are warning signs to watch out for. Here are some of the most common red flags:
- Editorial board: If the board lists unfamiliar or obscure names, or includes well-known scholars without their knowledge, be cautious. Reputable journals usually have a board of recognized experts in the field.
- Peer review process: Predatory journals may claim to review articles but actually publish them without a proper review process. Legitimate journals have a strict and transparent peer review process.
- Turnaround time: Be skeptical if a journal promises acceptance within a few days or weeks. Quality review takes time, often a few months or longer.
- Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate is very high; in fact most if not all of submissions are accepted as long as the authors are willing to pay the publication fees.
- Scope of topics: Reputable journals tend to focus on a specific subject area. Predatory journals often publish across many unrelated fields to attract more submissions.
- Publication fees: Although some reputable journals may charge modest fees, predatory journals almost always require high payments.
- Email invitations: Watch out for generic emails that invite you to submit an article. These are often sent in bulk to attract inexperienced researchers.
Choosing the Right Journal
Even if a journal is legitimate, it might not be the best fit for your work. One of the most common reasons for rejection is submitting an article that does not align with the journal’s focus.
For instance, if your paper is heavily theoretical but you send it to a journal that prefers practical teaching ideas, it will likely be rejected, not because the quality is low, but because it is not a good fit. That is why researching journals before submitting your work is so important.
Check the journal’s mission, scope, and the kinds of articles they typically publish. Also pay attention to technical requirements such as word limits, referencing style, and submission categories. Submitting a paper that fails to meet these requirements may lead to an automatic rejection without even reaching the peer review stage.
Understanding the Peer Review Process
Peer review is one of the defining features of reputable academic publishing. It is designed to ensure quality, fairness, and objectivity. In most mainstream journals, manuscripts go through a “double-blind” review, where both the author and reviewers remain anonymous.
Here’s what typically happens:
- Initial screening: A journal staff member checks if your submission follows basic guidelines (e.g., length, format, style etc.). If it doesn’t, it may be returned immediately.
- Desk review: An editor reads the manuscript to decide whether it is suitable for the journal. Many submissions are rejected at this stage.
- Peer review: If the editor approves, the paper is sent to two or more reviewers. They evaluate its content, originality, and relevance.
- Decision: Based on the reviewers’ feedback, the editor may ask for revisions, accept the paper, or reject it.
- Revisions: If revisions are requested, authors are expected to respond thoughtfully and revise their work accordingly. A polite and detailed response to reviewer comments can help build a good impression.
It is important to remember that peer reviewers are usually unpaid volunteers who review papers in addition to their regular academic workload. Delays are common, and patience is essential.
Getting Started: Ten Practical Tips
If you are just beginning your publishing journey, here are ten tips to help you get started:
- Start small: Try submitting shorter pieces like reviews or reports before aiming for major research articles.
- Choose generalist journals: These journals cover a wider range of topics and may be more open to new authors.
- Match your paper to the journal: A teaching-focused article should go to a practice-oriented journal, while a research-heavy paper should go to an academic one.
- Avoid predatory journals: If you are unsure about a journal’s credibility, ask colleagues or mentors for advice.
- Submit to special issues: These often receive fewer submissions and may offer a better chance of acceptance.
- Look at newer journals: They may be more flexible and open to submissions from newer researchers.
- Write shorter articles: Shorter papers are less demanding and may be easier to publish.
- Stick to ethical practices: Avoid plagiarism and never submit the same paper to more than one journal at a time.
- Consider co-authoring: Working with a more experienced researcher can provide guidance and help you stay motivated.
- Be prepared for rejection: Rejection is a normal part of the process. Use reviewer feedback to improve and resubmit your work elsewhere.
Changing the Mindset: From “Perish” to “Flourish”
Rather than seeing rejection as a failure, it can be more helpful to treat it as part of the learning process. Feedback from reviewers can often point you in the right direction, helping you to revise and eventually publish your work.
Publishing should not be seen as the final goal, but as an ongoing part of academic life. Like learning a new skill, it takes time, practice, and patience. New researchers are encouraged to shift from a fear-based mindset to one that embraces growth and development.
The pressure to “publish or perish” does not have to define your academic journey. A healthier and more sustainable mindset is to “publish and flourish.” With the right guidance, support, and perspective, publishing can become a rewarding part of your professional life.
Conclusion
Academic publishing may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it is actually quite manageable. By avoiding predatory journals, choosing the right venues, understanding the review process, and setting realistic goals, early-career researchers can take meaningful steps forward.
Publishing is not just about adding a line to your CV. It is about joining a larger conversation, sharing your insights, and contributing to your field. Take your time, ask for help when needed, and most importantly, keep writing.
References
Renandya, W. A. (2014). Choosing the right international journal in TESOL and Applied Linguistics. English Language Teaching World Online (ELTWO).
Yeo, M. A., Renandya, W. A., & Tangkiengsirisin, S. (2022). Re-envisioning academic publication: From “Publish or Perish” to “Publish and Flourish”. RELC Journal, 53(1), 266-275. https://tinyurl.com/2jkar9hn
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