Strategic publishing refers to the intentional and well-planned approach that researchers, scholars, and academic institutions take when disseminating their research findings through publications. This process involves making decisions about where, when, and how to publish research to maximize its impact and reach within the academic community.  Here are some key elements and strategies associated with strategic academic publishing:

• Targeting Reputable Journals and Conferences: Researchers aim to publish their work in reputable journals or present at well-regarded conferences in their field. This enhances the credibility and visibility of their research.

• Understanding the Audience: Researchers consider the target audience for their work and choose outlets that will reach the appropriate academic community. This may include disciplinary journals, interdisciplinary publications, or conferences with a specific focus.

• Open Access vs. Traditional Publishing: Researchers decide whether to publish in open-access journals or traditional subscription-based journals. Open access can increase visibility, but researchers should weigh the associated costs and impact factors.

• Collaboration and Networking: Collaborative efforts, co-authorship, and networking within the academic community can lead to opportunities for publishing in well-regarded outlets.

• Strategic Timing: Researchers may strategically time their publications to coincide with relevant conferences, events, or trends in their field to maximize visibility and impact.

• Utilising Preprints: Sharing preprints on suitable platforms allows researchers to disseminate their findings quickly before formal peer review. This can lead to early feedback and increased visibility.

• Promoting Online Presence: Establishing and maintaining an online presence through academic profiles, research repositories, and social media can help researchers connect with their audience and increase the visibility of their work.

• Monitoring Citations and Metrics: Keeping track of citation metrics and other indicators of impact can help researchers assess the success of their publishing strategies and adjust their approach if needed.

• Engaging with the Academic Community: Actively participating in academic discussions, attending conferences, and contributing to collaborative projects can enhance a researcher's reputation and create more opportunities for strategic publishing. 

Listen to Dr Anne Jamison from Western Sydney University for tips on getting published!

Getting published: a researcher's guide (12:22 mins) by Graduate Research School Western Sydney University is licensed under CC BY 4.0