Writing Tips: Research Manuscript
A successful research manuscript tells a compelling story centered on a scientific question. It begins with an unmet need or gap in knowledge, and then proceeds to address that need through a methodical series of experiments. The story concludes with a summary of the main findings and a thought-provoking discussion that inspires future studies.
Before you Begin
Read the author instructions for the journal to which you are submitting. Every journal has its own guidelines and it is critical to follow those to a T.
Abstract
The abstract is your sales pitch, so make every sentence count. At a quick glance, a reviewer should easily find the significance of your study, the general experimental approach and the key findings.
Language
Science is already complicated, so don't make it even more complicated by using long sentences and fancy words. Here are a few tips:
Conclusion
The conclusion section should not be a repeat of the results section. Instead, briefly summarize the study goal and key findings, then take the discussion one step further to include relevant hypotheses/models, broader implications to the field, and future directions.
Additional Resources
How SEN Helps
Even the best writers are surprised to see how much our editors improve the overall flow and impact of their manuscript. Most importantly, the journal reviewers will always recognize a well-written manuscript.
Before you Begin
Read the author instructions for the journal to which you are submitting. Every journal has its own guidelines and it is critical to follow those to a T.
Abstract
The abstract is your sales pitch, so make every sentence count. At a quick glance, a reviewer should easily find the significance of your study, the general experimental approach and the key findings.
Language
Science is already complicated, so don't make it even more complicated by using long sentences and fancy words. Here are a few tips:
- Use the active voice (e.g., "We found that.." and not, "It was found that..")
- Avoid unnecessary jargon
- Split long sentences into two sentences
- Don't turn verbs into nouns (e.g., " We observed that..." and not, "We made the observation that...")
- Use a logical flow with good transitions
Conclusion
The conclusion section should not be a repeat of the results section. Instead, briefly summarize the study goal and key findings, then take the discussion one step further to include relevant hypotheses/models, broader implications to the field, and future directions.
Additional Resources
- A free online course through Stanford University: Writing in the Sciences
- Elsevier: 11 steps to structuring a science paper editors will take seriously
How SEN Helps
Even the best writers are surprised to see how much our editors improve the overall flow and impact of their manuscript. Most importantly, the journal reviewers will always recognize a well-written manuscript.