"Why You and Why Now?": How to Present Your Article Idea to the Editor of a Scholarly Journal
Abstract
In the context of increasing competition for the attention of academic journal editors, an author’s ability to effectively present a research idea at the stage of preliminary inquiry is gaining critical importance. This article examines the genre of the academic pitch (a concise presentation of a proposed article to an editor) as a meaningful form of scholarly interaction that requires precision, audience awareness, and motivational transparency. The first part of the article explains the growing relevance of pitches within current publishing practices and outlines their core rhetorical functions: articulating a clear research focus, identifying the target audience, justifying the timeliness of the topic, and presenting the author’s expertise. Drawing on editorial experience and an analysis of academic writing guides, the article then identifies common mistakes made by authors and offers practical strategies to avoid them. In conclusion, the pitch is positioned not as a mere formal element accompanying a manuscript, but as a legitimate mode of academic expression that can strengthen research culture and enhance the effectiveness of scholarly communication.
About the Authors
Elena Tikhonova
MGIMO University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nataliia Mekeko
Russian Academy of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
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Review
For citations:
Tikhonova E., Mekeko N. "Why You and Why Now?": How to Present Your Article Idea to the Editor of a Scholarly Journal. Journal of Employment and Career. 2025;4(1):4-12. (In Russ.)
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