Last updated: April 2026 · 3 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
A first publication is both a methodological and procedural challenge. First-time researchers must simultaneously demonstrate scholarly competence and navigate an editorial process whose conventions are rarely taught explicitly. The guidance below addresses both dimensions.
Defining the audience for the work
Before any journal is shortlisted, the intended audience must be defined: which scholars need to encounter this research, and through which databases will they discover it? Journal selection follows audience definition, not the reverse.
Categories of journals suited to first-time authors
- Specialist journals with clearly defined scope
- Open-access journals with structured reviewer feedback
- Discipline-specific journals offering mentoring or developmental review
- Regional journals serving particular research communities
- Journals with transparent and documented review timelines
Preparing the manuscript
| Element | Common first-time issue |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Overly long, lacks results |
| Introduction | Reviews literature without identifying gap |
| Methods | Insufficient detail for replication |
| Results | Mixed with discussion or speculation |
| References | Inconsistent style, missing DOIs |
Engaging with peer review
Peer review is rarely comfortable on first encounter. Reviewer comments may appear blunt; revision requests may seem extensive. Treating the report as a structured improvement plan, rather than a personal critique, is the most productive stance. Systems such as EP Journals document their peer-review model openly, which helps first-time authors understand what to expect.
What to avoid
- Submitting to journals identified only by speed or fee
- Ignoring author guidelines
- Responding emotionally to reviewer comments
- Withdrawing after a first revision request
- Submitting to multiple journals simultaneously
Building a sustainable publication practice
Key points
- First publication is the start of a longer publishing trajectory.
- The discipline of preparation pays dividends in subsequent submissions.
- Reviewer engagement is a learnable skill.
- Track each submission's outcome and feedback for future reference.
First-time researchers seeking an affordable and structured publication process may explore platforms such as EP Journals as one option among several credible peer-reviewed venues.
Frequently asked questions
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Editorial enquiries
Questions about this guide or about preparing a manuscript for submission may be directed to the editorial office. Where a query relates to a specific journal in the portfolio, please indicate the journal abbreviation in your message.
Email: editor@ep-journals.org