Experiences of Ethnobotanists with Publication: A First Approach

Abstract

Writing and publishing scientific works are crucial parts of any scientist's career. Therefore, it is important, especially for those new to the process, to understand how to navigate the publication process. This study was designed to investigate the publication process in ethnobotany and to stimulate discussion among authors, reviewers, and journal editors. A survey was created and sent to ethnobotanists who had published between the years 2000 and 2009. Of the 166 invitations sent, 44 resulted in valid answers from researchers. Although the majority of the ethnobotanists who participated in this study were researchers in the early stages of their careers, the data showed that the most experienced scientists published more articles and received fewer rejections. It is likely that these more experienced researchers had a greater number of rejections early in their careers but that they had since adjusted to the requirements imposed by the journals. This study serves as a starting point for reflection on the scientific publication process in ethnobotany and about authors' perceptions.