Writing for research

Fundamentals of manuscript preparation

As you embark on your publishing career, it can feel like there’s an endless array of procedures, protocols and best practice to absorb.

In this series of modules, we walk you through some of the key points you should pay attention to during that all-important manuscript preparation stage.

We explain how the publishing cycle works from submission and peer review through to decision time! You will learn about the various elements in a traditional research article and receive valuable tips on how to maximize their potential. Additionally, we highlight the importance of the abstract and how you can make sure yours packs a punch.

What you will find
  • An introduction to the publishing process
  • Insights into how to build an article
  • Top tips for writing a great abstract

Writing skills

No matter how novel your research, or how much time you’ve invested in your work, you still need to pay attention to some basic writing rules if you want to get published.

Our writing skills modules contain some helpful advice so you can ensure poor use of language or sloppy article structure doesn’t let you down.

You will discover the 10 most common mistakes researchers make in their manuscripts, from ambiguity and inconsistency to incorrect referencing. And then, of course, there’s the ethics issue of plagiarism….

We also look at the topic of manuscript language in detail, and offer some advice on where you can find support to improve it.

What you will find
  • Information on common writing mistakes
  • Advice on how to avoid those errors
  • A guide to correct manuscript language

Technical writing skills

Depending on your field of study, there are different types of articles and formats you’ll need to master. The LaTeX typesetting system, for example, has proven to be a powerful tool for researchers in fields where tables, figures, and formulae are regular manuscript features. Like any technology, there are tips and tricks that can make it easier to use. In this beginners’ guide, we walk you through them. 

What you will find
  • Practical advice to get you started
  • Guidance on using the system
  • Some golden rules and common mistakes

Book writing

Becoming a book author or editor can be a useful career move and help position you as an expert in your field. In this series of book writing modules, we explore the various ways you can become involved in book publishing and what you should consider before taking that step.

If books prove to be the right path for you, we offer advice on the various types available, the process of writing a book proposal, and how to identify the right publisher. Once your book finally hits the shelves, you’ll want to maximize discoverability – we show you how. 

What you will find
  • Why you should publish a book
  • Advice on writing a compelling proposal
  • Ideas for promoting your work