Using Your Educational Experience to Publish a Manuscript
As an experienced learner, you may find yourself at a point in your educational journey where you want to use your writing experiences from previous courses to become a published writer. Becoming a published writer allows you to share your experiences with others who may benefit.
By Dr. Gwendolyn Maria Parrish — October 11, 2022
Beginning Your Writing Journey
As an experienced learner, you may find yourself at a point in your educational journey where you want to use your writing experiences from previous courses to become a published writer. Becoming a published writer allows you to share your experiences with others who may benefit. Regardless of your field of interest, you can help others understand the demands of that profession by sharing your insights in a journal article.
You have likely worked on several research projects, essays, and other writing pieces that sharpened your skills. If you want to create a voice for yourself in your field to help your job search after graduation, now is the time to consider publishing. Once you begin your job search, published material may play a significant role in your success. Publications will showcase not only that you completed a degree program but that you gained expertise in the field, showcased by your publications. That publication may also ignite a fire within you that you didn't know existed (but love). Here are a few helpful ideas for getting started in your journey to becoming published.
How Can You Achieve This Goal?
You do not need years of experience to be a great writer. Your online college portfolio showcases your assignments and can also act as your writing portfolio, and you can share it with anyone looking for manuscripts. This includes potential employers. If you do not have a portfolio, you will want to start one now. All you need to do is create your job search, and you are all set. Note: Be sure to look at the profile of the person or business posting the position if you are applying on LinkedIn; it will help verify the position and get more insight before interviewing. Remember, part of the application/interview process will require a writing sample if you apply for a writing job. You may want to have a few to select from so there is no delay in starting your new job as a writer. Even a temporary writing job will help you sharpen your skills, making you more likely to be published in your selected journal.
Next Steps
You may want to consider publishing your manuscript in a journal that is read worldwide and has a readership of over 100,000 monthly. The North American Business Press and the International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines are examples. The NABP houses several other journals that cover articles for various professions, and it has articles that resonate with any reader. You can review information about each journal to see what topics are generally submitted. If it is the one you are interested in, you can submit your work. You may also research journals in which you would like to be featured that are more appropriate to your field.
Steps to Getting a Manuscript Approved
Step 1
Be sure to review the content for each journal so you are well informed about the kind of writing they accept. You would not want to submit a manuscript about education to a business platform or vice versa. Each journal provides the submission requirements, so you will know which is the best option for your manuscript.
Step 2
Once you have selected the journal that is best for your writing, download the submission requirements and formatting guidelines. This is where you will find the required font, text size, spacing, and other important formatting information. I suggest you print the procedure. This way, they are accessible while creating and editing your manuscript.
Step 3
Once you have finished writing and editing your work, you will submit it to the appropriate person. The submission guidelines document will include the email address to which you are to submit the manuscript with the naming conventions, etc. Construct a short email using a business tone and include your manuscript as an attachment.
Note: When I submit a manuscript, I use my name as the first in the title.
Example: lastname_title of article
Once you submit your article, you will receive an email confirming receipt by the journal. The review process will keep you informed every step of the way, so be patient. Reviewers will let you know once they complete the process. First, there will be a check for plagiarism. Once that step, you are well on your way. You can do it!
The Next 3 Steps After Publishing
First, update your current resume with recent publications to show prospective employers that you have professional writing experience. This is important if you want to receive consideration for the jobs you apply for. Send your updated resume to your college's Career Center for review. They will let you know of any revisions.
Next, go to Indeed.com and create a search for beginner writing jobs, primarily part-time or contract. This way, you know the position would not be too much for your current skill level. Here is where you will gain experience that is extremely valuable.
Finally, create a LinkedIn profile, go to the "jobs" tab, and complete the same search. You will also want to build a network of people who have experience in the field in which you are interested in working
You will find many opportunities for writers of various skill levels. Start completing applications and submit your best writing assignment as a writing sample. This may be a research paper that you submitted that received a perfect grade. Now you are all set to start your journey as a published writer.
Dr. Gwendolyn Maria Parrish
Dr. Gwendolyn M. Parrish is a graduate of MSU, where she received a BA in Elementary Education and an MS in Educational Leadership. Maria has more than ten years of experience in the classroom and two years as a high school vice-principal. She is a graduate of Capella University, where she completed a Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction and Administration. Maria has also been a writing consultant for Capella for the past three years and enjoy working with learners of all ages.
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