Reflections of a new academic

Purpose ? The purpose of this poem is to describe the feelings of uncertainty and frustration that

may be experienced by new academics as they seek to publish, or attempt to publish, in academic

journals for the first time.

Design/methodology/approach ? The poem is a reflective piece that expresses some of the

feelings of anxiety and uncertainty faced by the author. A poem was selected as the medium for this

reflection because it is an indirect way of expressing the issues and may have resonance for other new

(or even not so new) academics.

Findings ÃÂÿ The process of elucidating the difficulties associated with knowing where, how, and what

to publish was very helpful on a personal level.

Originality/value ÃÂÿ A poem that reflects on the trials and tribulations surrounding publication

efforts by new academics is an original contribution to the literature.