An introductory guide for authors

This guide is for early career researchers who are beginning to write papers for publication. Academic publishing is changing rapidly, with new technologies and publication models giving authors much more choice over where and how to publish their work. Whether you are writing up the results of a PhD chapter or submitting your first paper, knowing how to choose the best outlet for your work is essential.

This guide will provide an overview of academic publishing and advice on how to make the most of the process for sharing your research.

Front cover image: Waves emanating from particles: a qualitative interpretation of the scattering of a skewed coherence beam in a random medium
D Brogioli et al 2011 New Journal of Physics 13 123007. Artistic interpretation by Frédérique Swist.