<p>I've been working in a research facility for about a year now, enough time to get aquainted with the facilities, the type of work I'm doing, and research in general. Now that I've been working for awhile though, I've been itching to write and hopefully publish one of the research papers I've heard so much about. Trouble is, no one seems to be suggesting that I write any type of paper until my eventual graduate thesis (I'm still in undergrad).</p>
<p>So how do I get this started? I graduate in a year, but I want to write more as a way to "do more" with my research, rather than to get into a good graduate program, (although both would be nice). </p>
<p>If there is a professor who you have a good relationship with, ask him or her for assistance. If this is not something you are comfortable with, then pull many journals in your field. By reading the articles, you can get a feel for the style of writing in each one and the types of articles they tend to publish. Most journals list authors guidelines at some point during the year. Find those and follow them explicitly. It tells how many copies to submit, the style required, and other information to include. Then send them off and hope for the best. Some journals review within a 6-8 week period and some you won't hear from for 3-6 months or more. </p>
<p>Regardless of whether your article is accepted, you will get very valuable feedback on your writing and research from the reviewers. Usually they include a copy of their comments and sometimes copies of the entire manuscript with comments in the margin. Be warned that this can be traumatic when you are just getting started. Rejection is more common than acceptance so be prepared mentally for it. I have gotten to the point now where when I get a manuscript back, I read the publication decision and then put it aside for a day. I do this because if it's rejected I get my feelings hurt...even though I shouldn't anymore at this point. On that first day I can't digest the comments yet. A day removed I pick them up and find them to be essential tools in improving both my writing and my research. You will get rejections, but when one of those acceptances finally comes you will feel on top of the world! Good luck!</p>
<p>Spot on, Teach. Picking the right kind of journal is essential, and, actually, at least early on, the reviewer's comments can themselves be a welcome validation. After all, this person has put some consideration into reading your work and they usually have very helpful advice. They are also, often enough, people in your field with whom you have some familiarity. It's a nice feeling to be included!</p>
<p>dcb1001: It's too bad that you were looking to publish since October of 2005 but you were unable to do so even until today. I feel sorry for your current situation.</p>
<p>dcb, what kind of research r you doing? i never heard that undergrad write and publish paper by him/herself. how do you know that your results are worth publishing? have you talked to the professor who supervises you?</p>