Shaping Chinese novice scientists’ manuscripts for publication

Researchers of scholarly literacy are becoming more aware that a published research article, especially if it is written by an English as an Additional Language (EAL) author, needs to be viewed as a product involving a range of “shapers” who participate in the editorial process (e.g., Burrough-Boenisch, 2003). Drawing on data gathered over a period of several years from doctoral science students and their supervisors at a major research university in mainland China, this paper considers such shapers’ roles in this group of novice scholars’ international publication attempts. Three main sources of English-language correction assistance are used: supervisors, peers, and language professionals. The strengths and weaknesses of each of these sources are analyzed. In addition, it is noted that professional editorial services are still used rarely in China, although they have the potential to develop if the services become more accessible, financially more affordable, and more reputable. It is concluded that, in the long run, it is in the interest of EAL authors to receive editorial assistance in their local scholarly community from systemized partnerships between language professionals and subject professionals, and that academic journals should join in the efforts of assisting EAL authors to overcome the English-language barrier in international publication.