How do you get your article published in a journal? How do you choose the right journal?

The Kenniscentrum voor de Gezondheidszorg Gent (KCGG) lists several tips for the medical sciences. Here's a selection of generally applicable tips.

How do you select a journal?

Twelve tips for getting your manuscript published¹

• (1) plan early to get it out the door;
• (2) address authorship and writing group expectations up front;
• (3) maintain control of the writing;
• (4) ensure complete reporting;
• (5) use electronic reference management software;
• (6) polish carefully before they submit;
• (7) select the right journal;
• and (8) follow journal instructions precisely.

Rejection after the first submission is likely, and when this occurs authors should

• (9) get it back out the door quickly,
• but first (10) take seriously all reviewer and editor suggestions.

Finally, when the invitation comes to revise and resubmit, authors should

• (11) respond carefully to every reviewer suggestion, even if they disagree,
• and (12) get input from others as they revise. The author also shares detailed suggestions on the creation of effective tables and figures, and on how to respond to reviewer critiques.