So, of course I do my homework trying to figure out which journal is appropriate for which kind of manuscript I've completed. And of course I read sample articles from that journal. After that, though, do I just submit the manuscript? Or do I check with the editor at the email address the journal site provides for questions? And if so, how do I approach the editor? What is a good/appropriate way of "checking in"?
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Can you please try to clarify and focus your question a bit? 1) There are a lot of different questions packed in here, and 2) Practices vary wildly from field to field, so knowing what field you are talking about will be important.– jakebealCommented Aug 6, 2015 at 22:02
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I see. Ok. Thank you. 1) do I check with the editor before submitting my ms? 2) Media studies/communication/film. Thanks again.– SadAcademicCommented Aug 6, 2015 at 22:09
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What does the journal's guide for authors advise? Is there further advice on the submission web page?– 410 goneCommented Aug 6, 2015 at 22:20
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1@MadJack, I think 'ms' in this question means 'manuscript'.– Bill BarthCommented Aug 7, 2015 at 0:56
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1@BillBarth Ahh, thanks! That definitely makes much more sense. (Coincidentally, I've never seen "ms" used as a substitute for "manuscript" before.)– Mad JackCommented Aug 7, 2015 at 1:52
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1 Answer
If you have a concrete and simple question then it could be reasonable to ask the editor in advance, for example "Would a mathematical model of the popularity of film sequels be appropriate for your journal", assuming that the answer wasn't obvious. There is no reason to "check in", and it's an imposition on the editor to pester him/her with merely "checking in". Write the paper, make sure it matches the requirements of the journal, and submit it.
