Journal Article•
The Science of Scientific Writing
TL;DR: The authors argue that complexity of thought need not lead to impenetrability of expression, and demonstrate a number of rhetorical principles that can produce clarity in communication without oversimplifying scientific issues.
Abstract: Science is often hard to read Most people assume that its difficulties are born out of necessity, out of the extreme complexity of scientific concepts, data and analysis We argue here that complexity of thought need not lead to impenetrability of expression; we demonstrate a number of rhetorical principles that can produce clarity in communication without oversimplifying scientific issues The results are substantive, not merely cosmetic: Improving the quality of writing actually improves the quality of thought
Citations
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TL;DR: Getting published depends heavily on starting with a well-designed, well-executed research question that is accurately described, and submitting it to a journal with an appropriate audience.
18 citations
TL;DR: Practical tips on how to navigate the process of getting a manuscript published, including how to respond carefully to every reviewer suggestion, even if they disagree, are shared.
Abstract: The author shares twelve practical tips on how to navigate the process of getting a manuscript published. These tips, which apply to all fields of academic writing, advise that during the initial preparation phase authors should: (1) plan early to get it out the door; (2) address authorship and writing group expectations up front; (3) maintain control of the writing; (4) ensure complete reporting; (5) use electronic reference management software; (6) polish carefully before they submit; (7) select the right journal; and (8) follow journal instructions precisely. Rejection after the first submission is likely, and when this occurs authors should (9) get it back out the door quickly, but first (10) take seriously all reviewer and editor suggestions. Finally, when the invitation comes to revise and resubmit, authors should (11) respond carefully to every reviewer suggestion, even if they disagree, and (12) get input from others as they revise. The author also shares detailed suggestions on the creation of effective tables and figures, and on how to respond to reviewer critiques.
18 citations
01 Jan 2009
TL;DR: In this paper, ideas on the logic of the structure of a paper and on particular aspects that may be worthwhile to consider when writing each of the paper's sections are provided.
Abstract: To write papers that are published in high standard journals is central in the activity of a scientist. In this paper I provide ideas on the logic of the structure of a paper and on particular aspects that may be worthwhile to consider when writing each of the paper's sections. Finally, I suggested using a check-list to finish the manuscript to be submitted based on the focal elements used by most peer-reviewers when judging the submission.
17 citations
Posted Content•
TL;DR: This article analyzed the relationship between scientific writing and scientific impact and found no practical significant relationship between linguistic complexity and citation strata in either discipline, which suggests that textual complexity plays little role in scientific impact in their data sets.
Abstract: The number of publications and the number of citations received have become the most common indicators of scholarly success. In this context, scientific writing increasingly plays an important role in scholars' scientific careers. To understand the relationship between scientific writing and scientific impact, this paper selected 12 variables of linguistic complexity as a proxy for depicting scientific writing. We then analyzed these features from 36,400 full-text Biology articles and 1,797 full-text Psychology articles. These features were compared to the scientific impact of articles, grouped into high, medium, and low categories. The results suggested no practical significant relationship between linguistic complexity and citation strata in either discipline. This suggests that textual complexity plays little role in scientific impact in our data sets.
17 citations
TL;DR: Achieving the goals and tasks of planning, preparing, submitting, and publishing academic manuscripts is the focus of this article, which is aimed at young investigators.
Abstract: Manuscript preparation and publication are a cornerstone of medical knowledge. The published manuscript is the “coin of the realm” in academic medicine, the specie by which physicians and scientists alike are judged relative to their peers; it is also considered an indicator of future potential and current achievement. The importance of publications is highlighted by their central role in academic advancement. There are multiple steps and multiple goals in the preparation of a manuscript and its subsequent publication. Gaining some understanding of these issues is crucial before taking on the actual practical task of turning ideas and concepts into a finished product. The primary goal of publication is communication. However, the means and form by which the communication takes place may vary widely. The goals of preparation and publication depend in part on the author and the landscape in which crafting the manuscript occurs. Sometimes manuscripts are the outcome of an experiment or research project; at other times, they fulfill a requirement of a training program. Some manuscripts result from a comprehensive review of a subject matter or field (as in a review article). Regardless of the landscape, it is critical to begin by defining what is to be communicated and to whom it will be targeted. Preparation of a manuscript for publication begins with a clear delineation of what is to be communicated. Once this task is completed, the primary aim is to write a manuscript in a format that attracts editors and reviewers and effectively educates readers. It might be said that an unpublished manuscript and an uncited published article are the 2 ultimate failures of communication and education. Another failure is related and equally important. It results from a series of events that include manuscript preparation and submission followed by several rejections, which a young investigator perceives as failure, becoming discouraged and hesitant to attempt other academic ventures. Achieving the goals and tasks of planning, preparing, submitting, and publishing academic manuscripts is the focus of this article, which is aimed at young investigators.1–8
17 citations
References
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Book•
07 Aug 2002TL;DR: The Style: Ten Lessons in clarity and grace as mentioned in this paperocusing on the single most serious problem that mature writers face: a wordy, tangled, too-complex prose style, is a useful resource for any mature writer.
Abstract: In his preface, Joseph M. Williams says that Style: ten lessons in clarity and grace focuses on “the single most serious problem that mature writers face: a wordy, tangled, too-complex prose style.” His book deals with that problem admirably. Indeed, the advice and examples furnished by Williams are varied and sophisticated enough to make it a useful resource for any mature writer — even the mature writer whose prose is clear and concise.
381 citations