Author Kiewra has submitted many manuscripts, served on several editorial boards, and was a journal editor. He finds the review process flawed. Ask three academics to review a manuscript and expect an arms race of criticisms and recommendations. Also expect editors to behave like managers instead of scholars. Many line up reviewers, parrot their comments, and make no judgment of their own. Regardless, authors must know how to handle submissions that were rejected or given a second chance. If rejected, join the club. Top-tier journals reject about 90 percent of submissions, so don’t get discouraged. One productive scholar said, “You have to learn how to take criticism and rejection because we’re pretty critical of each other, and reviewers can sometimes be brutal.” Consider resubmitting your work elsewhere. Another scholar said, “You can always find a home for a paper in a second-tier journal.” Do a happy dance if you receive a revise and resubmit decision. The reviews provide a roadmap for acceptance. Follow that revision map. When you resubmit, include a response letter that specifies how and where you addressed each reviewer point. Also, accept the blame and be polite, respectful, thankful, and positive.

One of the most important and daunting roles of the early academic is the pursuit of NIH grant funding. Although NIH funding allows for great autonomy and comes with validation and prestige, the process can feel overwhelming even for the most seasoned investigators. Therefore, being armed with information is crucial. Aiming to provide a guide to NIH grants with the early stage investigator in mind, this chapter outlines many of the key issues you will tackle throughout the process. These include: a) Developing Your Idea; b) Finding the Right Mechanism for You and Your Idea; c) Preparing Your Application; d) Submission and Receipt of Your Application; e) The Review Process; and f) Post-Review Strategies. These issues are addressed in light of the recent changes in the NIH grant submission and review process to provide an objective source, complimented by our favorite tips for your consideration.