The Detour: Tales They Didn’t Tell You About Journal Publishing(第1版)

Chapter 1 From Conference Hero to Journal Zero
You remember the feeling of seeing your name in the conference program, your PowerPoint slides ready, your voice shaking just a little less than usual. You step onto that conference stage and feel like a rising star. But here’s what no one tells you: just because you presented your research doesn’t mean you’ve published it. In fact, the applause from your conference might just be the first hook. The real test begins after you leave the podium, when your advisor looks you in the eye and says, “Now turn it into a journal article.” What comes next? Confusion, rewrites, ego bruises, and eventually… growth. Welcome to your first real taste of academic publishing.

Episode 1: Conference Glory
Scene 1: A strong confidence booster
Back in the spring of 2017, I had the opportunity to attend my second international conference. Only this time, it was held in the United States. To be honest, I hadn’t expected to get in. My professors often talked about how prestigious this conference was, making it sound like an impossible feat. But, against all odds, my submission was accepted. Since I had never faced a rejection in conference submissions before, my confidence soared. It felt like I was Iron Man in the first movie, standing tall with his arm raised as his Stark Industries weapons fired in the background. Conference acceptance can feel like a huge achievement, but it’s only the beginning.

On the last day of the conference, a Japanese researcher approached me and complimented my study. She also told me I spoke lovely English. I smiled modestly and brushed it off, but deep down, I wasn’t sure if she was more impressed by my research or my English pronunciation. Either way, I spent five days absorbing knowledge from experts around the world, then took some time to explore America. It was the perfect mix of academic inspiration and light tourism. I returned to Taiwan feeling rejuvenated, ready to share my experience with my advisor.

Now, my advisor, Professor Elliot, was a seasoned professor, someone who had probably attended more conferences than I had family gatherings. As I sat in his office, excitedly recounting and sharing my conference experience, he listened with a reassuring smile, waiting for me to finish.

“Ted, this is great stuff. You’ve now been to two conferences. It’s time for you to take the next step.”

I nodded, waiting for him to drop the next piece of wisdom.

Scene 2: Manuscripts, roll out! – Academic transformers
“It’s time for you to turn your study into something worthy of a journal.”

“Oh, okay. That sounds like a plan,” I said, trying to sound confident. Inside, my brain was like, “Sure... what does that even mean?”

At the time, I had no idea that this was where the real struggle began. Conferences were one thing, but journal writing? That was an entirely different arena.

“So, professor, which journal should I send my paper to?” I asked.

“Hold on now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You don’t have a paper yet,” he said, leaning back in his chair.

I frowned. “Well… I have my conference paper.”

Professor Elliot did his best to hold back a laugh, but he couldn’t help snorting. When he saw my confused expression, he quickly composed himself.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to laugh. But it’s interesting to see that you’re still new to this.”

Then, instead of giving me direct advice on my conference paper, Professor Elliot did something completely unexpected.

He reached for a thick dissertation that was on his desk, one written by a senior who had graduated the year before. He handed the copy to me.

“Here. I need your help turning this dissertation into a journal-worthy paper for submission. Once you finish this, then we can move on to making your conference paper a journal article.”

Chapter 1 From Conference Hero to Journal Zero
You remember the feeling of seeing your name in the conference program, your PowerPoint slides ready, your voice shaking just a little less than usual. You step onto that conference stage and feel like a rising star. But here’s what no one tells you: just because you presented your research doesn’t mean you’ve published it. In fact, the applause from your conference might just be the first hook. The real test begins after you leave the podium, wh...

Writing a Paper? Or Starring in an Academic Drama?

1. Why This Book?(A Not-So-Serious Guide to a Very Serious Process)
This book is for anyone who’s ever tripped on the road to academic publishing—got confused, felt crushed, or questioned their life choices—but still decided to give it another shot.

Whether you’re a master’s student, a PhD candidate, or a freshly minted assistant professor, publishing can often feel like an escape room without instructions: reviewer comments that feel like riddles, journal requirements written in an alien dialect, formatting rules that read like tax law. There are plenty of books that teach you APA or how to respond to Reviewer 2, but not many that talk about the feeling of it all—those sweaty palms before clicking“submit,” the deep breath before opening a revise-and-resubmit email, or the existential doubt while writing your third version of a rebuttal letter.

This book tells those stories—but with a twist. Written in the form of a novel, it follows the journey of a grad student, Ted, as he stumbles, struggles, and slowly grows into a more confident academic writer. You’ll laugh with him, cringe with him, and maybe—just maybe—pick up some useful skills without even noticing. Think of it as a backstage pass to the messy, human side of publishing. It’s not just a how-to guide—it’s a love letter to all of us trying to find our voice in academia.

2. Highlights from Each Chapter: Ten Moments of Chaos, Ten Lessons Learned
Chapter 1｜No Reviewer, No Growth
Ted submits his first paper—and learns the hard way that rejection isn’t the end, but the beginning of becoming a better writer.

Chapter 2｜Reviewer Comments Aren’t Love Letters (But They’re Not Breakup Notes Either)
Revise-and-resubmit can feel like emotional whiplash. This chapter helps you read between the lines—and respond with grace, clarity, and the right dose of courage.

Chapter 3｜Not All Journals Are Created Equal
Before you hit submit, are you submitting to the right journal? This chapter walks you through how to “matchmake” with journals that are actually a good fit.

Chapter 4｜Your Cover Letter: Not for Begging, but for Framing
The cover letter isn’t a mere formality—it’s your opening move. This chapter teaches you how to hook an editor without overselling.

Chapter 5｜Formatting Has Feelings Too
APA isn’t just about dots and commas—it’s about entering an academic conversation. Learn how to make peace (and maybe even friends) with formatting rules.

Chapter 6｜Even Your File Name Tells a Story
From file versioning to submission order, this chapter shows how the smallest details can make or break your workflow (and your sanity).

Chapter 7｜Replying to Reviewers: “Yes, I Fixed It” Is Not Enough
Learn how to craft thoughtful, professional responses that show respect, assertiveness, and a pinch of diplomacy—without sounding like a doormat or a diva.

Chapter 8｜Rejection Isn’t the Opposite of Success
Sometimes rejection is the most honest feedback you’ll get. This chapter reminds you that every “no” carries seeds for the next “yes.”

Chapter 9｜Real Publication Starts When Someone Understands Your Work
Getting published isn’t the final goal. This chapter explores how to make your research understandable and meaningful to those outside your field.

Chapter 10｜When Someone Starts Their Journey Because of Your Work—That’s the Echo of Scholarship
Ted finds out that his paper has inspired a teacher to apply for grad school. In this quiet moment, he realizes that impact is more than citations— it’s about touching someone’s path.

3. What This Book Means to Me (and Maybe to You Too)
We wrote this book not just to help you stumble less, but also to be there with a laugh when you do—and to help you get back up again.

Nobody is born knowing how to publish. All those moments that make you feel lost or stupid? They’re part of becoming an academic. This book isn’t a shortcut. It’s a map. It’s not a sermon—it’s a sidekick. And it’s here to remind you: Your confusion and self-doubt aren’t weaknesses—they’re proof that you’re growing.

If this book helps you feel a little braver the next time you open reviewer comments, or a little more confident before hitting submit—then it’s done its job.

✦ 作者序：寫一篇論文？還是演一齣人生？
一、本書的誕生：為什麼要寫這本「不太像學術書」的書？
這本書，是給在那個學術投稿路上跌倒過、心碎過，曾經懷疑人生，卻仍願意再試一次的你。
你可能是一個碩士生、一位博士候選人，或是剛升等的助理教授，這段投稿歷程，可能讓你覺得簡直像是在玩一場沒有說明書的密室逃脫——字裡行間充滿奧妙的審查意見，難以解讀的期刊要求像國家機密，像天書般的格式規範……等等，可能都是你
坊間有很多教我們怎麼使用APA格式撰寫作品或是處理和回覆審查者的書，但我相信，很少有人告訴你這一切背後的「人味」：毅然決然按下「寄出」前的手心冒汗，收到審查回信時，打開前的深深深呼吸，或是明明修正完稿件，卻還是不知道自己到底做對了沒的困惑感。
這本書，說的就是這些酸甜苦辣、嘻笑怒罵。但說法不一樣，我們用小說筆法，娓娓道來一位研究生「Ted」如何從困惑到開悟，從稚嫩到成熟的旅程。我們希望當你讀這本書時，就像看劇一樣輕鬆幽默，但卻能在不知不覺中習得了學術出版的基本功。
這不只是一本「教你怎麼發表」的書，更是一封作者給學術圈新人們的情書。

二、每章精華導讀：十個轉折，十種成長
第1章｜沒有 reviewer，就沒有靈魂成長
投稿不是寄出就算了的廣告傳單，而是一場有來有回的時空對話。讓我們從這裡開始，一起經歷 Ted 的第一次投稿震撼教育：那是一個從「被狠狠打槍」到「能被細細打磨」的蛻變契機……
第2章｜審查回信不是情書，但也不是分手信
面對 revise and resubmit，我們該怎麼安撫此時正在心中澎湃的內心戲？歷經百戰的我們想傳授你如何快點讀懂 reviewer 的「弦外之音」，也教你怎麼用語氣不卑不亢地回應──菜，也能菜得又有禮貌又有尊嚴！
第3章｜學術投稿就像交友配對？期刊不是全都一樣的！
投稿前的關鍵選擇題：投哪裡？選哪裡？本章教你如何透過期刊 scope、過去刊文、審查風格等蛛絲馬跡進行「期刊配對」，讓我們走上最閃亮的舞台，一起避免走錯棚。
第4章｜投稿信：不是用來求情，是用來鋪梗的
Cover letter 不只是格式而已，而是一種「開場白的藝術」。怎麼讓編輯願意讀下去（再多花一些時間看看我們的好作品），而不只是拖進審稿清單？這一章，讓我們給你答案。
第5章｜格式比你想的還要有感情勒
APA 格式常常讓你覺得綁手綁腳？Come on，我們要撕去這個標籤。APA不只是規範，它是進入學術語境的第一道儀式，讓我們重新理解「格式」背後的隱性規則，你將會從服從中找到自由。
第6章｜你的名字？投稿時的那個檔名，其實不只是一個名字
從 file name 到 document version，每一個細節都反映你對工作的態度。至於你的「學術專案管理小宇宙」該如何建立？該怎麼運行？──歡迎先來我們的小宇宙一探究竟。
第7章｜回應信不能只有「YES，我改了。」
這章帶你練個進階大法：如何逐點回應 reviewer，又不失禮貌、展現誠意？甚至有時候還需要一點點優雅又有憑有據的反駁？回應信是語言與態度的平衡藝術，也是我們與審查者間的以武會友。
第8章｜審查回來後，不是只有接受與拒絕
即使是 reject，也能帶來下一篇的養分。這章裡 Ted 的內心戲十分吃重，面對 reject，他來回反思什麼叫做「成長型學者」你可以在這裡看見他最真實的糾結與蛻變。
第9章｜從被看懂的那一刻開始，才算真正發表
研究不是寫來關在 PDF 裡塵封的古代文物。如何讓研究真的「有人聽、有人懂、有人用」？你真的值得來看看本章分享的知識轉譯（knowledge translation）的痛與美。
第10章｜當有人因你的一篇文章選擇出發……
雖然是全書的收尾，但並不意味著結束。當 Ted發現，他的研究成了意外啟發一位老師申請研究所的契機，他才幡然醒悟──研究的影響力不僅僅是被引用，它能夠觸動人心、點亮旅程，餘韻無窮。

三、這本書的意義：學術，不只是為了升等
我們想寫這本書，除了想讓你少跌幾次跤外，更想讓你在跌倒時，知道有人陪著你一起拍拍灰、笑一笑，再爬起來。
學術出版的路上沒有人天生就懂得怎麼投稿。那些讓你覺得自己很笨、很蠢的瞬間，其實是每個學者都會經歷的轉角。這本書不是捷徑，而是一份由生命刻劃出來、滿懷情感的地圖，它不是說教，而是讓那時的我能跨越時空，成為你的同伴。你的不確定、你的想放棄，其實都是成為學者的一部分。
如果這本書能讓你在下一次收到審查意見時不再那麼想翻桌，讓你在投稿前多一點從容和微笑——那麼，它就有它存在的價值了。

Writing a Paper? Or Starring in an Academic Drama?

1. Why This Book?(A Not-So-Serious Guide to a Very Serious Process)
This book is for anyone who’s ever tripped on the road to academic publishing—got confused, felt crushed, or questioned their life choices—but still decided to give it another shot.

Whether you’re a master’s student, a PhD candidate, or a freshly minted assistant professor, publishing can often feel like an escape room without instructions: reviewer comments that feel lik...

Preface：Writing a Paper? Or Starring in an Academic Drama?

Prologue 1 The Academic Rollercoaster
Episode 1: The Friendly Interview
Episode 2: The Brutal Interview
Episode 3: The Honest Interview
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Prologue 2 Pressure Makes Scholars
Episode 1: Opportunities Come to Those Who Take Initiative
Episode 2: Thrown Into the Deep End
Episode 3: When Pressure Turns into Preparation
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 1 From Conference Hero to Journal Zero
Episode 1: Conference Glory
Episode 2: Confronting Reality (Advisor’s Feedback)
Episode 3: Learning the Hard Way
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 2 The Literature Review That Ate My Soul
Episode 1: The Lit Reaper Rises
Episode 2: The Secret Scrolls of Professor Metta
Episode 3: Organized Chaos
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 3 Journal Matchmaking: Love at First ‘Cite’?
Episode 1: Hacks for Selecting Journals and… Finding Dates?
Episode 2: Red Flags and Research Frauds
Episode 3: Speed Dates and Submission Waits
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 4 Dear Editor, Please Love My Paper(and Don’t Desk Reject It)
Episode 1: The First Level Boss Fight
Episode 2: Sell Me This Research
Episode 3: Finding Your Academic Voice(and Achieving Inner Peace)
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 5 Ethics, Etiquette, and the Academic Hunger Games
Episode 1: The Return of the Math Hero
Episode 2: The Phantom of the Author
Episode 3: Spam, Scams, and Saving Sam
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 6 Congratulations! Your Paper Is Not Accepted (Yet)
Episode 1: Revise, Resubmit, and Run Away
Episode 2: With Great Power Comes Great Rewriting
Episode 3: Thank You for Lunch—Thank You for Your Comments
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 7 When Reviewers Don’t Agree…And You’re Stuck in the Middle
Episode 1: Caught Between a Rock and a Reviewer
Episode 2: Metta the Grey
Episode 3: Professors! Assemble!
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 8 So You Want to Be a Reviewer? Welcome to the Dark Side
Episode 1: Look, I’m Your Reviewer
Episode 2: A New Scope
Episode 3: The Reviewer Rises
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 9 If They Can’t Find It, They Can’t Cite It
Episode 1: Titles That Bite
Episode 2: Writefully Embarrassed
Episode 3: Abstract Reactions
Bonus: Research That Talks Back
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 10 Turning Research into Real-World Impact
Episode 1: You Lost Me at Lexical Threshold
Episode 2: A BBQ Debrief: Where’s the meat?
Episode 3: Passing on the Torch
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember
Final Reflection: The Beginning of Something Bigger

Preface：Writing a Paper? Or Starring in an Academic Drama?

Prologue 1 The Academic Rollercoaster
Episode 1: The Friendly Interview
Episode 2: The Brutal Interview
Episode 3: The Honest Interview
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Prologue 2 Pressure Makes Scholars
Episode 1: Opportunities Come to Those Who Take Initiative
Episode 2: Thrown Into the Deep End
Episode 3: When Pressure Turns into Preparation
Final Call to Action: What You Need to Remember

Chapter 1 From Co...