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8.6 In review papers and book chapters, use lots of headings
Review papers and book chapters are not divided into the traditional sections
(Abstract, Introduction, Methods etc). Authors thus tend to write one long paper
with very few breaks in the text. These is easy for the authors, but soul-destroying
(i.e. very hard work) for the reader.

You should try to have five or six main headings (depending on the length of the
review or chapter), possibly in bold. Then for each main heading, a series of sub-
headings, possibly in italics or bold italics – see what others have done in your
chosen journal or in the other chapters of the book you are contributing to.
These headings will then help readers navigate your text. Imagine that you were

reading a text for the second time, and wanted to find a particular section that you
found very interesting. How could you find the section if there are no headings?

The visual aspect of writing a text is often underestimated. However it can have a
massive impact on a reader's decision to continue reading or to stop due to the
excessive mental effort required.

8.7 Use tables and figures to attract attention

Some readers will begin your paper by looking at the figures and tables plus their

legends. Thus both the figures/tables and the legends must be immediately under-

standable. Otherwise, your reader may stop reading and move on to another paper.

Placing tables and figures strategically throughout the paper is also another visual
way of attracting attention. The readers’ eyes will inevitably be attracted to any non-
textual information, such as graphs and tables. The next thing their eyes will focus
on will probably be the legend to the figures, and then the paragraph immediately

following the legend. So use this paragraph to make an important point.

Of course tables are also the perfect way to summarize key findings. Check the
maximum number of fi gures and tables that your journal allows, and keep them as
relevant and concise as possible.