Moving From Poster to Publication: Actionable Steps for the Field of Pediatric Psychology

Objectives: Poster presentations are an accessible means for many learners and early-career professionals to disseminate research findings and clinical innovations. However, posters often represent incremental progress towards training milestones (e.g., theses, qualifying exams, and dissertations) and may comprise preliminary data or null findings. Moreover, posters tend to reach narrower audiences and do not hold the same scholarly value as peer-reviewed publications. Despite these differences, posters and publications share many commonalities. This article outlines the considerations, processes, and actionable steps involved in turning a poster into a publication. Methods: Authors draw upon their experience and expertise as poster presenters, published authors, and members of the Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology editorial board to describe specific and actionable steps to aid learners and early-career professionals in evaluating their poster presentation to determine whether the content is publishable and, if so, how to proceed with turning the poster into a manuscript suitable for publication. Results: Specific guidance on converting a poster to a publication includes forming a writing team, seeking mentorship, employing effective time management strategies, and addressing barriers such as fear of rejection and criticism. Discussion: A case study is presented to illustrate implementation of the abovementioned strategies and a table outlines important considerations for selecting a journal, including evaluating the fit of the submission with journal scope and preparing a manuscript for submission.