myAU | AU Library | myWCL | Library Home | myLEAGLE Library Account

Pence Law Library Guides

Library Home | Research Guides | LEAGLE Catalog | E-Journals & Articles | Library Databases | Frequently Used Resources | Ask a Librarian

Skip to Main Content

Publishing Papers: Topic Selection, Preemption Checking & Preparing for Publication: Preparing for Publication

This guide contains information for WCL Students and Faculty on Scholarly Publication

Preparing for Publication

After researching the styles and writing parameters of journals, consider tweaking your article depending on the audience and the journal.

Writing your Abstract

The abstract is the first thing that editors see when they review a paper for submission. The abstract is a chance for you to explain why your topic is interesting and important and how your paper makes a contribution to the field. Make sure it is well-crafted and clear. Proofread it carefully. 

Formatting your Paper

Make sure to read the journal submission guidelines or instructions for authors carefully. They should specify whether they want single- or double-spaced, Word or PDF, footnotes v. endnotes and so on. In addition to formatting for style, you should also make sure that you have enough information in your footnotes so that the editors and source collectors at the journal can check your work against your sources. 

Library Resources