Writing manuscripts

Last modified by sjhuotar@helsinki_fi on 2024/02/07 06:22

Manuscript preparation

  • Think how to get your point across
  • Write for both the beginner and the expert simultaneously
  • Steps to a great paper:
    1. Thoughtful research
    2. Thorough preparation
    3. Logical explanation

Before starting to write a paper, ask yourself:

  • Why does the topic interest YOU?

  • What was thought/known/done before this work?

  • What is the question everybody is asking?

  • What are the key findings of your work?

  • What’s the main message for your readers?

  • How does new data change the thinking, or support current approach, or open new avenues or research?

When writing the paper and the cover letter, describe why this work...

  • has a high degree of novelty and innovation
  • is interesting for a broad range of readers
  • is a significant step forward/breakthrough in performance
  • has a high impact in the field
  • is an important advance in scientific understanding that provides new directions for research
  • has data that persusively supports the conclusions

Introduction

  • Introduction is the most read section of any paper!
  • Aimed at readers from other disciplines
  • How to lose the reader at the introduction?
    1. Write a thesis instead of an introduction
    2. Include too many unrelated branches of thought
  • Instead: Introduce the field, clearing a path for the reader to follow

  • One or two broad general statements to orient the reader, set the stage, and provide context

  • Concise description of results, with mention of methodology used

  • Major conclusion

  • How this advances the field - why this is significant for readers

Write with the readers in mind!

  • Focus on a single main question

  • Plan the content and organization with an outline especially the flow of reasoning

  • Use simple, direct and concise wording

  • Check that all parts are connected with persuasive reasoning, appropriate structure, linkage and context

Paper writing tips

  • Write in active voice; for example, “We did…” rather than “It was done…”, “We demonstrate…” rather than “It is demonstrated…”

  • State the present work in present tense

  • State already published work in past tense

  • Be concise; limited space for a paper; put lengthy method and simulation details in separate sections at the end of the paper if you need more space

  • Express appropriate level of confidence: impossible -> implausible -> unlikely -> plausible -> possible -> probable -> likely -> certain

  • Do not extend your conclusions beyond those that are directly supported by your results

  • Clearly put your work into context, explain the importance of your findings in relationship to previous papers

  • Give potential impact and future work

  • Make sure that you reference relevant previous literature

  • Make sure your figures are of high quality!

Cover letter

  • A cover letter is a letter that you submit together with your manuscript but in a separate file only to the editors

  • Restate main message and significance of paper

  • Explain in clear and simple terms why the findings are important and what is their potential impact

  • Can suggest referees and include their areas of expertise

  • Can suggest exclusion list: who should NOT be approached to review the MS because of conflicts of interest

  • Include a statement that manuscript is not simultaneously being considered at another journal

Help for scientific writing, presentations