Plan your time and try to publish as early as possible: the process can take a lot longer than expected (up to two years from submission to publication in some cases!).
Some journals may have a backlog of papers, particularly at busy periods of the year.
Remember that the peer review process can take a long time. The Editor will chase the reviewers if they take too long about the process, but be prepared for some wait.
- Be prepared to revise your paper; very few papers are published on first submission.
- Never be rude to an editor! (Or in response to a Reviewer, also observed by the Editor!)
- Never assume you know a reviewer of your article, or try to contact zed person.
- Never send your manuscript to the Editor outside of the submission process.
- Never email a response directly after rejection! Take a week to cool off, then write a diplomatic and polite response.
- Finally, never submit your paper to multiple Journals at once!