Journals + Articles

Converting a dissertation does not always result in a book, or only a book. One or more parts of the thesis may be best served by stand-alone journal articles. Your publication strategy will reflect the importance of monographs versus articles in your discipline, as well as opportunities for exposure and collaboration.

Academic journals have a specialist audience, and often a greater emphasis on methodology. But many of the issues are the same: how to divide up the material for best effect, how to sequence it, and how to balance questions posed with answers reached.

As in book publishing, articles are about finding a good fit with journal editors and their interests. They also have fixed requirements; cutting to length can be equally if not more difficult than when crafting a book chapter. I help authors clarify what can be cut or condensed without loss.

Other opportunities for building your publishing profile come from popularizing content for news-oriented platforms, arts/literary magazines, or CPD (continual professional development journals, learning resources).

Knowledge transfer, public engagement or outreach may go to the heart of the subject matter. In tension with commodified impact metrics, sometimes researchers are motivated to advance an under-recognised field; to bypass traditional gatekeepers and redefine what quality really means.

In all of this, open access presents new opportunities and pitfalls. At its best, it can challenge financial barriers and serve alliances of practitioners.

The draft article is a great improvement. I’m very pleased with it. The structure is tighter, and the writing and argument more direct and clear. (…) I have enjoyed working with you Andrew and will be in touch about my thesis into book form, in due course.

- Independent researcher, UK

You have been able to make a succinct text out of all the different pieces. I also liked your suggestions for the title and the subheadings (…) All your involvement deserves to be mentioned. I suggest to insert: ‘With thanks to Andrew Robertson for valuable support and advice.’

- Professor Rolph van der Hoeven (Netherlands Government/United Nations)