The Publication Process from Writing to Reviewing
Practical Advice from Journal Editors
Back for the 14th time in 2026 is the highly successful workshop for early-career geoscientists on the process of preparing and publishing papers.

Publishing your work is important, but how do you go about it? This workshop, led by experienced GSA editors Nancy Riggs (left) and Robinson Cecil (right), focuses on the process of preparing your research for submission to scholarly journals and navigating the editorial process. Interactive presentations by Riggs and Cecil are followed by open discussion.
When: Sunday, 11 Oct., 9–10:30 a.m.
Where: GSA Connects 2026, Denver, Colorado (GeoCareers Corner, Colorado Convention Center)
FREE
In-person attendees are eligible for a digital microcredential—the Success in Publishing Workshop Badge
Questions? josborne@geosociety.org
Workshop Objectives
Prepare, Write, and Revise
The aim of this workshop isn’t to address the writing process itself, but to focus on the bigger creative picture. How do you frame your paper to meet the journal’s aims and the reviewers’ expectations? Find out what makes a well-prepared manuscript—including an attention-getting cover letter, an introduction that serves its purpose, and well-thought-out figures and tables that communicate your ideas.
- Get advice on what to include, what to leave out, and how best to structure your manuscript;
- Learn how to avoid frustrating your paper’s reviewers; and
- Learn how to submit your paper online and what to expect during the review and publication process.
Reviewing: Be a Part of the Scholarly Community
Peer review is integral to publishing, so both reviewing and being reviewed are essential parts of your role as a scientist. As an early-career author, what kind of criticism should you expect, and how should you respond to critical reviews? Reviewing the work of others is also a great way to discover what works in a paper and what does not, and it teaches you the things to avoid in your own writing. Hear from experts on what constitutes a good review and how you would benefit from being a reviewer.
Learn how being a reviewer can advance your career toward an editorship.


Workshop Materials: 2025 Slides and 2021 Webinar
- View the 2025 slides: (1) Riggs (2) Cecil
- View the 2021 webinar of this workshop
- 30 Sept. 2021 • View the 2021 slides: (1) (2) • Duration: 1:01:39