Research dissemination: guiding the novice researcher on the publication path.

Dissemination is an important part of translational research. When the results of high-quality studies reach a wide audience of peers, they provide an evidence base that can guide practice and improve patient care and safety. From proposal to publication, the authors provide the novice researcher with advice on ethics, tips on selecting a journal, a summary of manuscript requirements, and a brief outline of the submission process and outcomes. By demystifying these processes and outlining some of the basic requirements, the authors hope to encourage novice researchers to engage in quality research and prepare them for disseminating their results.