Watch this recorded webinar for writing tips and strategies. 

Writing strategies for Creative Practice Research (57:10 mins), RMIT University Library, Microsoft Stream (RMIT login required)

Some reasons that you might publish include: 

• To progress your career  
• For academic standing  
• For professional / industry standing 
• For societal impact 

As part of planning, you will need to consider which publication type is most appropriate for your research: book chapter, article, social media post, news media. This is a discussion you may have with your supervisor/s (if you are a HDR student) or a colleague (if you are an early career researcher). 

As part of selecting a type you should consider Relevance, Quality and Discoverability of your publication source:

• Relevance relates to identifying sources that are strong in coverage in your topic area.
• Quality is identifying "quality" or "well-known" publications in your subject area.
• Discoverability is ensuring that your work is discovered.

To reach a broader audience beyond academia, you might want to consider writing a non-academic publication such as a newspaper article, online article, blog post or an article for a professional (or trade) journal or newsletter. Writing for a non-academic publication could be one way to show research impact or engagement.

Writing for a non-academic publication could also be used as a 'rehearsal' for writing an academic or peer reviewed journal article. If you are seeking to write for a professional (or trade) journal, check the journal's homepage or the website of the association (e.g., Architecture Australia/Architecture Media) that publishes the journal (e.g., Architecture Australia or Artichoke) or contact the editor with a pitch for your article.    

For online based publications, particularly open access, a digital object identifier (DOI) can assist with the discoverability of your work. Some other benefits of a publication with a DOI include the ability to have:

• A unique identifier for your publication
• Long term access to your publication
• Accurate citations and metrics analysis of the publication

Examples of creative works include:

• an artwork, diagram or map, photograph, sculpture, or an installation
• a building or a design project
• a public exhibition or a live or recorded performance such as a play or a film
• a novel, an exhibition catalogue or an entry in an exhibition catalogue

Points for consideration when selecting an outlet for your creative work:

• The reputation of the gallery or venue, the exposure your work may receive, and how it will be discovered and promoted.
  • Will your work be independently reviewed, and will you be able to show engagement through attendance, feedback, reviews or other means?
  • Can you show evidence that your work has been selected based on evaluation by one or more peers within the same research field and the work is available in a public outlet or venue? See the list of approved venues for which RMIT does not require evidence of peer review as these venues are known to use a peer review or expert selection process for selecting creative works.  
• Will information about your creative work be discoverable online, for example, through a catalogue, recording, video, or images?
  • Will it be promoted through social media?
  • Is there a website that can be linked to in a social media post or added to a researcher profile or personal website?