Writing a posthumous paper, one that includes or is authored by someone who has passed away, is a deeply thoughtful and sometimes complex process. It involves honouring the person’s intellectual contributions while navigating ethical, legal, and editorial considerations. Here’s a structured guide to help you approach it with clarity, care, and respect.

A step-by-step guide to preparing and publishing scholarly work after a contributor has passed away

Let’s talk about legacy and responsibility

When someone dies before their work is published, we’re left with more than just unfinished drafts; we’re holding a piece of their intellectual legacy. Whether you’re a co-author, mentee, or colleague, preparing a posthumous paper is about more than getting it “out there.” It’s about honouring the person’s voice, ensuring accuracy, and navigating the process with transparency and care.

This guide walks you through the key steps, from assessing authorship to seeking permissions and preparing the manuscript for submission.

Clarify the Contributor’s Role

Start by understanding the scope of the deceased person’s involvement.

☑ Ask yourself:

• Did they contribute significantly to the research or writing?
• Were they involved in earlier drafts or conceptual framing?
• Would they have wanted this work published?

✍ Their contribution included ____________________________
and I believe they would have wanted ____________________________.

Determine Authorship or Acknowledgment

Depending on their level of involvement, the person may be listed as a co-author or acknowledged.

☑ Use this general guide:

Contribution Level	Suggested Recognition	Notes
Substantial intellectual input and writing	Co-author	Seek consent from next of kin or estate
Conceptual input or mentorship	Acknowledgment	Include a tribute if appropriate
No direct involvement	Not listed	Consider citing their prior work instead

✍ I believe the most appropriate recognition is ____________________________
because ____________________________.

Seek Consent from Legal Heirs or Estate

If the deceased is to be listed as an author, most journals require permission from their legal representative.

☑ Steps to take:

• Identify the next of kin or estate executor
• Explain the intent and content of the paper
• Request written consent for authorship and copyright

✍ I will contact ____________________________
to request permission for ____________________________.

Prepare the Manuscript Transparently

Be clear about the deceased author’s role in the paper.

☑ Include in the author contribution statement:

• What they worked on
• What they were unable to review or approve
• A note that they passed away before publication

✍ In the contribution section, I’ll write:
“__________________________________________”

Choose a Journal and Communicate Early

Different journals have different policies on posthumous authorship.

☑ Before submission:

• Review the journal’s authorship and ethics guidelines
• Contact the editor to explain the situation
• Be prepared to provide documentation if needed

✍ The journal I’m considering is ____________________________
and I’ll reach out to ____________________________.

Honour the Person’s Voice and Intent

As you revise or complete the work, stay true to their thinking and tone.

☑ Ask yourself:

• Am I preserving their intellectual integrity?
• Have I made any changes they wouldn’t have agreed with?
• Is there space to include a dedication or tribute?

✍ To honour their voice, I will ____________________________.

Final Reflection: What Does It Mean to Carry Work Forward?

Publishing posthumous work is an act of stewardship. It asks us to balance accuracy, ethics, and care. What does it mean to carry someone’s ideas forward with integrity?

✍ If they could read this paper today, I hope they would feel ____________________________.

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