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20.18 Summary of the entire book: 10 key concepts

1. Preparation is vital. Read as many papers as possible on similar topics from
your chosen journal to learn about the expected style, length of the various sec-
tions etc.

2. Always have the referees and readers in mind. You are writing for them, not for

yourself.

3. Don’t equate the length of a paper with its importance. Do everything you can
to reduce redundancy (words, sentences, paragraphs, even sections).

4. Keep it simple. Write reasonably short sentences using grammatical structures

and vocabulary that you are familiar with. Your aim is to add to the state of the
art of your discipline, to communicate your results in the clearest and most
accessible way possible. Your aim is not to impress your reader with your won-
derful writing style.

5. Don’t underestimate the visual impact that your paper has on the readers’ eyes.
Avoid long blocks of text and very long sentences. Use headings to help readers
navigate. Place tables and figures strategically to break up blocks of text.

6. Be very very careful when using pronouns (if possible replace them with the
noun they refer to); likewise avoid synonyms for key words – the reader may
not know what the pronoun or synonym refers to.

7. Ensure the reader can see your key findings (don't bury them in the middle of a

long paragraph) and understand the gap you are filling and the level of innova-

tion. And make it clear whose findings you are talking about – yours or another
research group’s.
8. Always mention any limitations.
9. Where possible, show how your work could be applied in other fi elds.
Remember that your work is often funded by public money, and the public
needs to feel that their money has been invested well.

10. Triple check everything.

And if you can … Find ways to enjoy writing your manuscripts. If you don't fi nd it
a pleasurable experience, how can you expect your readers to enjoy or at least
appreciate what you have written?