Writing for Peer Reviewed Journals: Strategies for getting published

In this review of Writing for Peer Reviewed Journals: Strategies for getting published the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, reflective guide for academics who want clear, actionable help with the article-writing process. It is aimed squarely at those who must publish for career progression and offers an insider perspective on the often opaque publication process. Readers will appreciate the book's blend of theorised moves and hands-on suggestions that address both the structure of a journal article and the identity and political dilemmas that appear on the page.

Key Features

• Insider perspective: Explains the hidden practices and expectations of academic publishing so authors can make informed choices about manuscript presentation.
• Practical moves: Offers a structured set of writing moves that make the task of producing an article more manageable and repeatable.
• Theoretical grounding: Balances practical advice with theory so writers understand not just how to write but why certain choices work.
• Identity and politics focus: Addresses how author identity and academic politics influence writing and publication decisions, helping writers navigate those pressures.
• Wide applicability: Useful for early career researchers, practitioners moving into higher education, and more experienced scholars seeking further guidance.

Who It's For

Writing for Peer Reviewed Journals is best for doctoral students, early career academics and professionals transferring from practice-based roles into academia who need a clear, doable approach to producing journal articles. The book is especially helpful for those who want to understand the non-obvious expectations of editors and reviewers and who value a combination of practical moves and theoretical insight.

Those looking for a quick tips-and-tricks pamphlet should look elsewhere; the authors avoid simplistic checklists and instead present a considered method that requires engagement with both form and scholarly identity.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical, structured approach makes article writing feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
• Clear discussion of the politics and identity issues that affect publication decisions.
• Theorised advice helps readers apply moves thoughtfully across different disciplines and contexts.

Cons

• Not a quick fix; readers seeking brief tips may find the book more detailed than they expected.

Specifications

Title	Writing for Peer Reviewed Journals: Strategies for getting published
Authors	Pat Thomson, Barbara Kamler
Focus	Practical and theoretical guidance for journal article writing
Audience	Early career researchers, practice-based academics, experienced writers seeking guidance
Approach	Structured writing moves; attention to identity and academic politics

Our Verdict

Writing for Peer Reviewed Journals is a thoughtful, valuable resource for anyone serious about getting published. Its combination of insider perspective, structured moves and theoretical insight makes it good value for researchers who want more than surface-level tips. Buy this if you need a methodical, reflective guide to navigating the journal publication process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for new researchers?
Yes. It is written to help early career researchers and those new to academic publishing understand both practical steps and the broader publication context.

Does the book give step-by-step templates?
It provides structured moves and concrete guidance rather than terse templates, encouraging readers to adapt methods to their context.

Will it help with publication politics?
Yes. The authors explicitly address identity and the politics of academic life as part of writing and publishing decisions.