From New Author to Editor: Unique Perspectives and Strategies to Successfully Publish Your Work in the Journal of Contemplative Inquiry and Holistic Education.

• In Event: Groundbreaking Venue to Publish Your Manuscripts: Introduction of the Journal of Contemplative and Holistic Education (JCHE)

Abstract

This presentation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process with the Journal of Contemplative Inquiry and Holistic Education (JCIHE) from the dual perspective of both a contributing author and a current editorial board member. Presenter 5 will share insights gained from their own journey—from an emerging scholar submitting a first manuscript to now serving as part of the editorial team shaping the journal's direction and priorities.
Drawing on this insider knowledge, the session will begin with an overview of the presenter’s first successful article, [insert article title], published in one of JCIHE’s early volumes. The presenter will reflect on lessons learned from that initial submission and highlight the strategies that helped navigate the peer-review process. In addition, the presentation will discuss the author’s recent experience of having a manuscript accepted for an upcoming special issue.
This presentation will guide prospective authors through the entire submission process, beginning with how to assess whether a manuscript aligns with JCIHE’s mission, audience, and current editorial priorities. Attendees will learn how to critically examine the journal’s aims and previously published articles to better understand its unique niche within the broader landscape of contemplative and holistic education. The presenter will also offer guidance on choosing the most suitable article type—whether empirical, theoretical, reflective, or practice-based—and crafting a manuscript tailored to that category’s expectations.
Furthermore, the presenter will demystify typical timelines, stages of editorial review, and the meanings of various editorial decisions (e.g., “revise and resubmit,” “conditional accept,” “reject and resubmit”). A key focus will be on how to approach the revise-and-resubmit process constructively and strategically. Drawing from personal examples, the presenter will share effective ways to respond to reviewers’ feedback, balance revisions with the preservation of one’s scholarly voice, and advocate respectfully for key elements of the manuscript when necessary. This session will also highlight common pitfalls to avoid—both in initial submissions and in the revision process—as well as practical tips for improving the clarity, coherence, and alignment of submissions with the journal’s values and standards. Additionally, attendees will gain insight into what editors and reviewers look for, how decisions are made, and how authors can position themselves for a positive reception. The presentation will conclude with a brief Q&A, allowing attendees to ask specific questions about the journal. This session is ideal for early-career researchers, graduate students, and practitioner-scholars interested in contemplative and holistic education who seek practical and candid guidance on publishing in a mission-driven, peer-reviewed journal.

Author

• Steven Haberlin, University of Central Florida