Welcome to the University of Southampton Library self-study module: How to publish your research article
Each topic page provides details and links to information on individual parts of the publishing process. You can work through the module in order by following the buttons at the bottom of each page, or jump to specific sections via the menu bar.
There are two major parts to the academic journal article publishing process:
- Pre-submission tasks.
- The manuscript submission, revision and acceptance process.
Each of these parts is multi-facted and complex, and the specific tasks will vary from subject to subject and journal to journal. Here we provide guidance for the most common aspects you are likely to encounter.
There are a few minor post-publication tasks also detailed here and you can contact our Open Research & Publication Practice team for additional guidance at any time: eprints@soton.ac.uk
If you find it difficult and confusing that is because it is difficult and confusing! Frustration is very much a part of the process. When you inevitably get stuck, seek out a trusted colleague with experience for guidance.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Publishing
AI is increasingly being embedded throughout the publishing workflow. Although this has raised some concerns (for example research paper mills using generative AI to write papers and peer reviewers using ChatGPT to review), there are benefits to other appropriate and ethical practices.
AI tools used by publishers can help detect plagiarism, match papers with reviewers, and automate production tasks. An example is the AI tool launched by Springer Nature in January 2025.
Individual publishers will have guidance on how AI can be used by authors in the creation of work, and during the peer review process
Some publishers offer free or paid AI services to authors, including AI generated article summaries. As always, we advise you to critically evaluate add-on services to determine if they will add benefit to your work.