Publication in professional journals: A survey of editors

Eighty-seven editors of professional journals in engineering and allied scientific fields answered a questionnaire about their journals and the evaluation and publication of material received. The journals focus on basic and applied research, theoretical development, applications, and new developments, with little emphasis on other matters. Supported primarily by subscriptions and page charges, most have part-time editors of whom half receive some payment. Almost all editors use referees, but most do not always accept referees' judgments. AH editors supply instructions for authors. The most common reasons for rejection of material are the subject (not suitable), coverage (questionable significance, too shallow, or questionable validity), and presentation (bad organization or ineffective expression). The most puzzling factors in working with authors relate to suggested changes and to the quality of expression. The most common mistakes are in organization and presentation of material and failure to follow instructions provided. The most common advice is to follow guidelines for manuscripts, write clearly and concisely, and present only material of interest to the reader in a logical sequence with citation of related work.