Chapter 18. Writing, Publishing and Sharing Results

Know your audiences. Academic peers, policymakers, communities, practitioners, media and funders each need different formats and languages.

Writing clearly and respectfully. Describe the research context, methods and your positionality. Use respectful terms for peoples and places, using preferred self-descriptions. Avoid stereotypes and exoticizing language.

Choosing a journal. Consider scope, audience, quality, indexing, peer review, cost and open access. Regional and national journals are valuable for reaching local audiences and may be indexed in regional systems; international journals offer wider visibility. Many scholars publish in both [30][66].

Indexes and visibility. International databases (such as Scopus and Web of Science), open-access directories (such as the Directory of Open Access Journals), the ASEAN Citation Index and national citation systems have different coverage and rules [30]. Assessment systems differ across countries and institutions, so check requirements for degrees, promotion and funding. Researchers should also consider the principles of responsible research assessment [14].

Avoiding predatory publishing. Predatory journals charge fees without real peer review. Check journal websites, editorial boards, indexing claims, publisher reputation and use checklists such as “Think. Check. Submit.” Ask experienced colleagues [66].

Publication ethics. Follow COPE guidance and journal policies on authorship, originality, plagiarism, duplicate submission, conflicts of interest, data availability and corrections [11][12]. Declare funding and conflicts of interest and acknowledge local partners, research permits and ethics approvals.

Translation and local-language dissemination. Publishing summaries or articles in local languages improves access and fairness. Plan time and budget for professional translation.

Citing properly. Use a consistent citation style, cite local scholars and primary sources, and avoid plagiarism. Take care with quotations from interviews: protect identities, and check that translations preserve meaning.

Open access and data sharing. Share data and materials where possible and appropriate, taking account of privacy, community rights and legal constraints [13][7].

Reporting back and policy engagement. Provide copies of reports to permitting agencies and partners if required, and consider policy briefs, workshops, community presentations, media and social media (with caution on sensitive topics).

Handling sensitive publications. Where publication could harm participants or researchers, consider changes such as anonymizing, removing details, delaying, publishing outside the country first, or consulting partners before publishing. Weigh scholarly value against safety [59].

Reflection: Plan at least one output for academic readers and one for non-academic audiences in the region, including language.