- The author, an outsider, successfully published a paper in Nature Scientific Data by using a blog to gather feedback and following a rigorous process.
- Key steps include: ensuring you truly want to publish (it takes months), selecting the right journal with help from others, and avoiding predatory journals.
- Use reputable preprint servers like bioRxiv to build credibility, and deposit data (Dryad) and software (Zenodo) to support reproducibility.
- Create a professional online presence (homepage, ORCID, Google Scholar) to appear legitimate.
- Meticulously follow journal submission guidelines, write a tailored cover letter, and address peer review feedback thoroughly and respectfully.
- The author emphasizes that outsiders must get every detail right because they lack established reputation, but doing so can significantly increase chances of publication.