Writing for a journal: blood, sweat and tears

As a seasoned reviewer for many social work publications, I find myself making the same or similar comments about the content and structure of articles. I thought that it might be useful to offer some observations in a way that would be accessible and helpful to those who were disenchanted about their lack of success in getting published. I have also taken note of comments made to me about their frustration with journals that fail to give useful feedback and with their struggle to just get their first words on paper.