Inside the author experience: what collection authors say and what to expect

Author: Siobhan Bates

If you’re new to publishing in a collection, you shouldn’t have to guess what happens next, or where to go for help. In this post, we dig into the collections author journey and share what authors tell us in satisfaction feedback, alongside real author experiences, to show what outstanding support looks like in practice and what you can expect when you publish in a Springer Nature collection.

“Collections are really important for us because it's a way to offer researchers a home for their research, where we currently don't have the perfect journal for it. And oftentimes those are trending topics where it's just too soon to have a journal available on such a current or emerging topic.” 

– Daniel Korany, EVP Journals, Full Open Access Brands

Prefer the highlights? Watch the short video below for a quick summary of how experts working on Springer Nature collections keep your submission moving so you can focus on your research, not admin.

Supporting you from start to finish 

Publishing can sometimes feel overwhelming. That is why we built the CMA team, a dedicated group of experts from academia, publishing, and research. This team oversees each collection from proposal through publication and beyond, fostering collaboration and ensuring every project is meaningful and impactful. This specialised team is a defining hallmark of Springer Nature. 

From the initial idea to the final publication, our collections authors receive ongoing support to navigate peer review, production, and post-publication engagement with confidence. Our experts are here to guide you through the entire process and provide resources to support you at every stage.  

Think of your collection article as a chapter in a growing book, with each contribution adding something new. Our goal is to make your publishing journey as smooth and rewarding as possible. 

“At the end of the day, we're more than just a publishing team. We're partners in supporting the research community. Because we come from research, academia, and publishing ourselves, we understand what really matters: visibility, quality, and impact.”

— Petia Apostolova, Head of Collections

Author satisfaction: what collections authors tell us

Your trust drives everything we do. We measure our success by your satisfaction, and your feedback helps us continue improving.  

Farah Aldabbagh, Research Analyst from Springer Nature’s Market Intelligence team, explains: “To track and monitor author satisfaction, we send all corresponding authors a survey after online publication of their article, asking them about the general overall satisfaction with the journal they published with, and then satisfaction with specific aspects of the publishing experience.”  

Our latest survey data shows that 83% of collection authors are happy with their experience; a strong result that reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional author experience at every stage—from clear guidance and thoughtful editorial input to responsive communication and transparent updates throughout the publishing journey. 

That overall satisfaction is reflected in the detail, too. When we look at specific stages of the journey, authors consistently tell us what’s working. In 2025, more than 90% of authors rated the peer review process, editorial collaboration, communication, and production workflow highly, confirming that our dedicated teams deliver an outstanding author experience.  

So far this year, the results are tracking similarly: over 90% of authors felt peer review was useful in improving their manuscript, editor advice and comments were helpful, and their manuscript underwent an appropriate number of rounds, with reviewers that had a good understanding of their topic.

Authors also report a consistently strong service experience, including: 

• enquiries being answered promptly 

• helpful depth of information in responses 

• and clear updates on your manuscript status throughout the process

You should be able to publish with complete confidence, knowing you’ll be supported to help your manuscript reach its highest potential. This feedback from collection authors shows that our commitment is real and reinforced through continuous feedback and improvement.

Collections author experiences: visibility, impact and outcomes

Publishing in a Springer Nature collection enhances the reach and real-world impact of an article, and Dr Alfred Eboh from Kogi State University can testify to this. When he published his study on addressing malaria through healthcare expenditures in a Springer Nature collection, his work was academically recognised and referenced in the WHO’s World malaria report 2024. In this Q&A blog, Dr Eboh shares his experience publishing in the collection and the gratification of seeing it inform global policy.

“Publishing in a dedicated Springer Nature Collection has increased my work’s visibility among health systems researchers and donors. It's also strengthened my CV by demonstrating engagement with a focused, high-impact journal early in my career.” 

— Dr Alfred Eboh, Department of Sociology, Kogi State University, Nigeria

Megha Rao and her co-authors wanted to publish their research on health resource allocation in Malawi where it will reach the very people who could implement their findings and suggestions. Learn more about Rao’s experience publishing in the collection, and subsequent inquiries from policy makers about adapting and implementing her work across Africa

“Publishing in the Collection has given this research much greater visibility, specifically because it showcases the real-world application in Malawi. This has acted as a powerful proof-of-concept.[…] Collections offer an excellent opportunity to ensure one’s research contributes directly to a specific, impactful conversation, reaching the very people who can act on it. It’s about getting the work in front of the right audience, not just the biggest one.” 

- Megha Rao, Research Fellow for the Thanzi Labwino (Better Health) project

For Dr. Federico Virga, publishing his work in a Springer Nature collection not only enhanced the visibility of his research but also propelled his career to new heights. He adds, “I’ve already had two citations. I was also contacted by a student from outside Europe who asked me if I have a PhD position, and some companies have also been in touch to suggest we might collaborate. I can’t go into details yet, but some want feedback or to see if I can help them to develop specific tools related to my field.” 

“Publishing to the collection really was a great opportunity for me; I was extremely surprised and happy about the visibility I could get in a short time.” 

— Dr. Federico Virga developed his research in Italy (University of Turin), Belgium (VIB-KU Leuven) and Spain (CNIO and CNIC)  

Why authors choose Springer Nature collections

When you choose a Springer Nature collection, you gain:

• Expert guidance and dedicated support: We help you navigate publishing challenges with a dedicated team ready to support you. 

• Faster publishing for timely impact: We launch collections quickly to help your work reach the right audience sooner. 

• Research integrity and credibility: We uphold rigorous peer review standards, so your work is trusted and respected. 

• Global connections: Collections connect you to a thriving community of researchers and guest editors in your field. 

• Increased visibility: Articles published in collections receive more citations, downloads, and online attention, helping you build your academic reputation. 

• Continuous improvement: We listen to your feedback and develop our author services, so your experience only gets better. 

Benefits of publishing in a Springer Nature collection

When an article is part of a collection, it is easier to discover, attracts more attention, and reaches a broader audience. The data proves it: authors publishing in Springer Nature Collections enjoy 31% more citations, 30% more downloads, and 62% higher Altmetric scores than articles outside collections.

For researchers, publishing in Springer Nature collections means greater visibility, stronger influence, and deeper connections within their field.

Your publishing partner: support beyond submission

We see ourselves as more than just a publisher; we are your partners. Your research deserves a home where it is prioritised, cherished, and amplified; and that is exactly what we offer. Petia sums it up well: “We care deeply about your research and your success. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your work reaches its full potential.”

If you’re interested in publishing your work in a Springer Nature collection, check out our dedicated Springer Nature collections website, where you can find interviews with guest editors, impact case studies, author success stories, and much more.

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