I was asked today, ‘when do you cut your losses on a paper?’
My first thought was, ‘I never cut my losses. I always find finished papers a home.’
So I responded, ‘and send it to a low-tier journal?’
What ensued was a conversation about where to send a paper that failed to secure a spot in a top #journal & how do you know when to change your target outlet.
Given that the paper was not on my topic & used #methods outside of my toolkit, it was interesting to learn a new view of journals & their fit with a topic.
Later, I thought about conditions under which I satisfice on a paper.
So if asked the question again, how would I respond?
First, I stand by my thought that every paper has a home.
Every #seniorscholar has papers that make multiple stops before finding a home. Each of those papers went through extensive #revisions before #publication.
It can be in a #conference, a journal or a #bookchapter, but your ideas should see the light of day.
Second, my low-tier comment was thoughtless. I would respond, how do I select an appropriate home?
I would rephrase my comment bc no reputable journal is low tier; they are all staffed by volunteers who take their work seriously.
Some low tier journals only reject my submissions :)
Third, so what is appropriate?
It’s a journal with a board that sees the value in your topic, has the expertise to evaluate the method & has an audience that will read your work.
If your paper is not accepted at a preferred outlet, identify a journal with readers who will like your work.
Usually, that suggests an editorial board will give you a fair shake.
Fourth, what should you consider beyond the focus of the target outlet?
* have you lost interest? If yes, satisfice with a conference proceeding or book chapter.
* has your team lost interest? If yes, consider whether you can do it alone. If you can’t, see above.
* do you need to collect new data? If yes, satisfice with a conference and write a new paper for submission to a journal.
* do you question the novelty of your work? If yes, see above.
* are you under pressure for tenure? If yes, look at your tenure guidelines and pick a journal on the list.
* are you going on the job market? If yes, keep aiming at your preferred journals. Sometimes, it takes a while to get traction.
* do you have an obligation to a coauthor? If so, defer to their wishes.
* do you want to continue with this author team? If not, satisfice in a proceeding or book chapter.
It’s not simple. It is bittersweet.
Finally, I am reluctant to write this, if a paper or author team makes you miserable; walk away, cut bait.
I've done this to one unpleasant and to one unethical coauthor.
I let them have the paper.
Happiness is worth more than any publication.
Best of luck & may all your papers find a home!
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