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Is it better to publish one paper in a top journal or several papers in good but lower-tier journals?

As I build my CV for the job market, I wonder about strategy. Should I spend a year trying to get a single paper into Nature/Science, or should I aim to publish three solid papers in reputable field-specific journals in the same time?

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By Justin Answered 1 year ago

This is field-dependent, but a general rule is to prioritize a strong pipeline of good publications. One blockbuster paper is career-changing, but the gamble is huge—it can take years and may fail. Search committees want to see sustained scholarly productivity and the ability to bring projects to completion. Three solid papers in respected field journals demonstrate this. They also give you multiple narratives for job talks and more co-authorship/network opportunities. That said, aim high strategically: submit your best work to top-tier journals first, but have a clear plan for where it goes next if rejected. The ideal CV shows both ambition (submissions to top venues) and productivity (a steady stream of good publications). Don't put all your eggs in one high-risk basket early in your career.

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