How to Publish Journal Articles During Your PhD in Australia

Prof. David Chen · 2025-03-25 · 7 min read · PhD

Strategies for building your publication record while completing your Australian PhD, including tips for journal selection and co-authorship.

Introduction

Publishing journal articles during your PhD is increasingly expected in Australian academia. Whether you're pursuing a traditional monograph or a thesis by publication, building your publication record during candidature strengthens your CV, contributes to your field, and can accelerate your career. This guide covers strategies tailored to the Australian PhD experience.

Why Publish During Your PhD?

  • **Career advantage:** Publications are essential for academic positions. The Australian academic job market is competitive — publications differentiate you.
  • **Feedback:** Peer review provides valuable external feedback on your research.
  • **Motivation:** Seeing your work in print is a powerful motivator during the long PhD journey.
  • **Thesis by publication:** If pursuing this format, publications *are* your thesis chapters.
  • **Scholarship requirements:** Some scholarships (e.g., university-specific top-up awards) require evidence of progress, and publications demonstrate this.

    • When to Start Publishing

    Year 1

  • Focus on reading, developing your proposal, and confirmation of candidature
  • Consider publishing a **literature review** or **conceptual paper** based on your early reading
  • Present at a postgraduate conference to test ideas

    • Year 2

  • Submit your first empirical paper based on early data
  • Target conferences for feedback before journal submission
  • Co-author with your supervisor if possible (this is normal and expected in Australian academia)

    • Year 3–4

  • Submit additional papers from your thesis findings
  • Write a synthesis or theoretical paper that could become your discussion chapter
  • Begin thinking about post-PhD publications from your remaining data

    • Choosing the Right Journal

    Assess Journal Quality

  • **ABDC Journal Quality List:** Used across Australian business schools
  • **Scopus and Web of Science indexed:** Essential for ARC grant applications (ERA rankings)
  • **Impact factor:** Higher isn't always better — field relevance matters more
  • **Open access options:** Check if your university has publishing agreements (e.g., Read & Publish deals)

    • Practical Considerations

  • **Turnaround time:** Some journals take 6–12 months from submission to decision. Choose journals with reasonable timelines.
  • **Scope:** Ensure your paper fits the journal's scope — read recent issues
  • **Acceptance rates:** Top-tier journals reject 90%+ of submissions. Consider mid-tier journals for your first publications.
  • **Open access fees:** Check if your university covers Article Processing Charges (APCs)

    • The Publication Process

    1. Write the Manuscript

  • Follow the journal's author guidelines precisely
  • Use the IMRAD structure (Introduction, Methods, Results, And Discussion) for empirical papers
  • Have your supervisor and a colleague review the draft before submission

    • 2. Submit

  • Write a compelling cover letter
  • Suggest appropriate reviewers (the editor may or may not use them)
  • Declare any conflicts of interest

    • 3. Peer Review

  • **Desk rejection:** The editor decides the paper doesn't fit — common, don't take it personally
  • **Revise and resubmit (R&R):** The most common outcome for papers that are reviewed. Address every reviewer comment systematically.
  • **Accept:** Rare on first submission, but it happens
  • **Reject:** Extract useful feedback and submit elsewhere

    • 4. Revision

  • Respond to each reviewer comment in a detailed response letter
  • Be professional and thorough, even if you disagree
  • Highlight changes in your revised manuscript

    • Co-Authorship with Your Supervisor

    In Australia, co-authorship with supervisors is standard practice:

  • Discuss authorship expectations early
  • Follow the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research guidelines on authorship
  • Generally, the student is first author for work primarily conducted by the student
  • All authors must have made a substantive contribution

    • Avoiding Predatory Journals

    Predatory journals are a significant problem. Red flags include:

  • Unsolicited email invitations to submit
  • No peer review or very fast "review" (days, not weeks)
  • Not indexed in reputable databases
  • Charging high fees with no transparency
  • Fake or missing editorial board

    • **Check:** Use Beall's List (archived), Think-Check-Submit.org, or ask your university librarian.

    Conclusion

    Publishing during your PhD is an investment in your future career. Start early, choose journals strategically, and work closely with your supervisor. DissertlyPro can help you polish manuscripts for journal submission and navigate the peer review process.