How to Submit a Paper to a Conference

Table of Contents

Submitting your work to a conference is a primary way to get your work disseminated, and potentially creating collaborative relationships with researchers in your field. A conference paper differs from a published article, so in this post we’ll cover the following topics:

What is a conference paper?
How to submit a paper to a conference.
How to write a conference paper proposal.
Can a conference paper be submitted to a journal?

Submitting a paper to a conference doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Let’s get started.

What is a conference paper?

If you’re a PhD student, you’ll want to attend conferences as often as possible. You’ll have numerous opportunities to network with researchers in your field, and get feedback on your work. Getting your work published in conference details and proceedings is another advantage.

So, what is a conference paper anyway, and how does it differ from a paper submitted to a research journal? Essentially, a conference paper is shorter and more concise, and often limited in how long they can be. If there is a revision process for a conference paper, it’s usually relatively brief, and the approval process for a conference paper is also shorter than a journal manuscript submission. Often, you can review prior proposals to get a good idea on what a successful conference paper proposal example looks like.

Submit Conference Paper to Journal

Your conference paper is typically limited to publication within the conference proceedings and documentation. Sometimes, if your work is deemed exceptional, you may be invited to publish in a research journal, along with other conference participants. So, a conference paper might be submitted to a journal as a part of the conference itself. Typically, though, a conference paper is not submitted as-is, if it’s not part of the conference proceedings publication in a research journal.

How to Write a Conference Paper Proposal

The first thing to remember is that your conference paper proposal is a stand-alone document. The proposal is just that – a proposal to present your information and paper at a conference. Your audience is very specific in that it is written for the selection committee for the conference that you would like to present at. In your proposal, you’ll want to address some key points. Let’s go through them briefly.

Propose a presentation that is unique, controversial, or treads new territory in your field
Review what your presentation will cover and address specifically
Address how your proposed presentation fits the theme and scope of the conference
Make sure you follow the conference guidelines for submission. Many organizations accept online applications that will naturally guide you through the process.

First, find a conference that is looking for submissions. You can do this by using search engines like Google, or utilizing contacts and connections you might have within any professional organizations that you belong to. Often, once you’ve presented at a few conferences, you’ll receive information on additional conferences that might fit your scope of research. Most organizations that are organizing conferences will specify how to submit a paper. So keep in mind that the conference paper proposal format depends on the organization soliciting for presentation proposals.

Glean as much information as you can about the specific conference, including looking at past presentations for previous years to see what might be of interest for the current conference. Remember, you want your presentation proposal to stand out above the others for the best chance of acceptance.

When you write your proposal, again pay attention to the requirements of the organizing institution. Read over all requirements, including formatting, word limits, etc. Most proposals are similar in length to abstracts at around 350 words, or even less. Submit your conference proposal, usually electronically, and make sure to attach any supporting documents that may be required by the organizers. Double-check your email address and phone number to ensure that conference organizers can reach you.

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