Hi all, I wanted to share some thoughts on manuscript writing because it is indeed a daunting task especially if you have never done it before. It is important to remember that manuscript writing is an art, and it comes with practice. Writing a manuscript is a vital step for researchers, academics, and aspiring authors to communicate their findings, ideas, or stories to the world. So, let us look at 10 essential steps that can guide you through the process and help you in structuring a successful manuscript that doesn’t get desk rejected.
Step 1: Define Your Objective
Begin by clearly defining the purpose of your manuscript. Identify your target audience and the main message you want to convey. This step lays the foundation for the entire writing process and helps you maintain focus throughout. Some authors prefer to write research questions prior to their objectives so that the results could be stated in the same systematic fashion. It is always advisable to frame your objective in PICO/PEO format (i.e., P=population, I=intervention, C=comparison, O=outcome).
Step 2: Conduct Thorough Research
For academic or scientific manuscripts, conduct extensive research to support your arguments or findings. Provide a strong rationale for conducting your study with references to published work and highlighting the gaps in literature. The need of the study should be strong for it to be publishable. Use reputable sources and cite them properly. I have another post on predatory journals that can help you in identifying these [journals https://scienceiq.blog/2020/01/27/how-to-identify-predatory-journals-and-conferences/]
Step 3: Create an Outline
An outline is a roadmap for your manuscript. Organize your ideas, arguments, or story into logical sections or chapters. This framework will help you maintain coherence and flow in your writing. From my experience, I feel writing the methods section first will help you kick start the process and then consider completing results, discussion, introduction and abstract in that order.
Step 4: Craft a Strong Introduction
The introduction is your manuscript’s first impression, and it needs to be captivating. Clearly state the purpose and significance of your work and hook your readers with a compelling opening. Consider novelty and originality of your work and highlight it in your introduction. This logically flows into the need of your study and your research objectives.
Step 5: Develop the Body
In the body of your manuscript, delve into the details of your research, arguments, or storyline. Present your evidence, results, or narrative in a coherent manner, and use subheadings to improve readability. Use of tables or flow diagrams often improve readability. Avoid being repetitive and stating the same findings in the tables, figures, and text.
Step 6: Mind Your Language
Adopt a clear and concise writing style. It is quite common for a beginner to write manuscripts in flowery language like a Jane Austen Novel! However, the scientific manuscripts should be easy to understand and in simple language. Avoid jargon unless writing for a specialized audience. Use active voice, and be mindful of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Proofread your work thoroughly. I suggest using journal’s guidelines to prepare your manuscript to avoid unnecessary formatting.
Step 7: Include Visuals (If Applicable)
For scientific papers or educational works, consider including relevant visuals such as graphs, charts, or images. Visuals can enhance the understanding of your work and make it more engaging. Infographics are quite trending on ‘x-twitter’ to create an impact of your work. [https://scienceiq.blog/2023/07/13/its-all-about-being-visual-infographic-tools/]
Step 8: Craft a Strong Conclusion
Summarize the key points of your manuscript in the conclusion. For scientific articles, it is recommended to include study limitations. Emphasize the significance of your findings or the message you’re conveying. Avoid introducing new information in this section. Prefer to include future research scope and implications of your research in the real world.
Step 9: Cite Your Sources
For academic or scientific manuscripts, accurate referencing is crucial. Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, NLM, Chicago) and cite all the sources you have used in your research. You can use citation managers such as Endnote or Mendeley for creating an accurate bibliography.
Step 10: Seek Feedback and Revise
Before submitting your manuscript, seek feedback from supervisors, colleagues, peers, or writing groups. It is a very useful process. I was a part of PhD-writing group for a long time and their inputs always improved my manuscripts. Constructive criticism can help you identify weak points and areas for improvement. Revise your manuscript accordingly and repeat this step if necessary. At times, I had to revise my manuscripts 10 times before submission.
Writing a manuscript can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Following these ten essential steps will help you stay organized, focused, and improve the quality of your work. Remember, writing requires continuous refinement, and it is an iterative process. By mastering the art of manuscript writing, you increase your chances of effectively sharing your ideas, knowledge, and stories with the world by getting it published in reputed journals. So, pick up that pen or start typing, and let your manuscript take shape!
Cheers,
Amreen
Science IQ 