Hmm definately food for thought, sounds difficult :) thanks for your help fatbob X

13 months ... is that the average time - say a year or more for a journal paper? Aw noo :(

There are many easier journals to go for. Make a list of all the potential journals in your field, and find out their research rating. Your uni will love you if you get a high quality journal paper published as it makes their dept look better.

You can get a PhD without a journal but it is essential for a good academic career.

I have heard of one chap whose paper was under review for 12 years !! But dont dispair the average time is between 8-24 months for a good journal.

Be prepaired for the likely scenario of taking 12 months writing the paper only to have it rejected outright 12 months later with no chance to resubmit.

The journal process is a painful one.

It does sound like i'll need a lot of patience :( UFO! How do I find out a 'research rating' for a journal paper? When you say good quality, how do you find out .. you mean based on their opinion.. or critiques / based on journal reputation... hmm sorry for the somewhat daft questions! Xx Donut

Have a chat with post-docs and academics in your dept about journal paper research ratings, and the most appropriate journal for your work. Your supervisor, if they are any good, should be able to answer these questions. Also visit the journal website regarding what areas they specialise in.

Good Luck !

Thanks UFO Xx