How to Publish Your First Paper (FAST)

Experiences from my personal journey

Apr 02, 2023

Hi! I hope you are well.

Publishing your first academic paper as a young researcher can be overwhelming. Yet, it is an important step to share new ideas with the world, make your resume shine and establish yourself in your field.

In 2016, I had the privilege of publishing my first paper on Ebola virus disease in children, thanks to the guidance and mentorship of Dr. Felicity Fitzgerald.

While my primary duties centered on collecting, entering, and cross-referencing data, this experience enabled me to develop multiple other research skills.

Based on my experience, here are the practical tips and insights that can successfully help you publish your first paper fast!

1. Find a Mentor

Find an experienced researcher with a high publication record. Identifying a mentor with a strong publication record in your field can be crucial to your success.

Your mentor could be a professor, lecturer or even a senior in your University.

Check the researcher’s publication record by searching their name on research databases such as ResearchGate or Google Scholar.

Use this method to identify 5-10 researchers/ potential mentors.

If they have been publishing regularly, it’s a good idea to connect with them on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

Experienced researchers have usually gone through the publication process multiple times and can provide invaluable knowledge and guidance.

2. Offer Your Skills

To get your foot in the door, contact your chosen researcher and offer your skills. Ask them upfront that you would like to learn from them and publish a paper together.

As a beginner researcher, you may have data collection or literature review skills. Don't worry if your technical expertise is limited; even skills like data collection can be highly valuable.

To acquire new skills, check out FREE online resources like YouTube, or revisit my previous posts on LinkedIn and Twitter for links to FREE online research courses.

3. Learn From the Process

Collaborating with an experienced researcher can not only help you get your first publication but also equip you with the knowledge needed for future independence.

Familiarize yourself with the difference between qualitative and quantitative research methods to determine which best suits your interests and goals.

Additionally, learn study designs and understand the various types of papers in the pyramid of evidence:

While lower-level papers may be easier to publish and result in more publications, they are often less valuable and garner fewer citations.

Striking a balance between quantity and quality will help establish your reputation in the field.

That’s it. These steps will help you publish your first paper fast! Your aim is to learn as much as possible from this experience to help you publish independently!

As soon as publish a few times, you’ll be able to collaborate with others and do projects independently.

An experienced mentor can make a significant difference in your success, so don't hesitate to reach out and build connections in your field.

Remember to re-assess your collaboration once in a while. If you aren’t learning enough or there is no paper in sight, you may need to find another mentor.

Good luck on your research journey, and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!

Thanks to everyone who helped my Twitter post go viral: