Notebook Backgrounds

Writing for Academic PublicationHelen Fallon, Deputy Librarian, Maynooth University

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Learning OutcomesIncreased confidence and motivation to write/presentHave a sense of what is publishable and where to publish or presentUnderstand the peer-review process and the difference between peer-reviewed and professional publicationsBetter knowledge of the mechanics of writingAbstract for conference or article/poster producedOutline drafted and piece of writing advanced

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Task 1 Writing to PromptWrite for five minutes, in sentences, without stopping, using one of the following promptsAn area of my research/practice which I would like to write about isI feel at my most creative when Im writing aboutIts important for me to write because

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What can I write about? Research/thesisA particular projectSomething you read (book, article, blog post)Your practice/everyday workTopic that interests youA paper you presentedOtherConsider whether you want to collaborate (principal author)Putting a fence around your writing

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Task 2 - Making a case for writingWhy Write?

Write for five minutes in sentences, in no more than fifty words, explaining to your department head/manager why is it important that you publish

*Conference Paper/PosterUseful method of getting feedback on your workSome conferences publish proceedingsPrecursor to publishing elsewhereLook for calls for papersMake a note of comments/questions/feedbackAsk participants how this could be developed furtherEstablish connections

A&SL ConferenceThe Inside Out Library: Collaboration, Inspiration, Transformation, 26 & 27 February 2015WorkshopsPosters Case Studies

Deadline: Friday, 17th October 2014 for abstract of not more than 300 words/Workshops and Case Studies no fee/posters reduced fee

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LILAC ConferenceCall for Papers, Posters, Workshops LILAC 2015, Newcastle University, 8-18 April 2015

Deadline for abstracts 17th November
Notification 17th DecemberAbstracts should be between 300 and 500 words. You should also submit a short description of your paper (50 words max)

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LILAC Themes**IL and employabilityDelivering IL through new technologies IL for the under-18s Research based ILCreative approaches to ILOutreach and collaboration

Task 3 - ReflectionSelect a project/task you were involved withWhat happened (brief overview) 100 wordsHow did it work 100 wordsWhat was the outcome/impact 100 words**

Types of PublicationsNewsletterBlog postProfessional magazine Popular MagazineAcademic (peer-reviewed) JournalHybrid JournalPoster

Book ReviewBook ChapterBook (single author)Book (edited collection)Other opportunities conference presentation, radio broadcast, television, social media

Some Publishing OutletsAn LeabharlannSCONUL FocusCILIP UpdateJournal of Library Innovation (JOLI)JEAHIL
AISHE-JLibrary Review (Emerald)LibFocus Blog See Academicwritinglibrarian.blogspot.ie for calls for papers etc

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Practice-based articleBased primarily on experienceGive some backgroundDescribe what happenedWhat was the impactReflection what worked, what didnt work so well, what could be done to improve itConclusion(who, what, when, where, how)

Research-based article

Must draw on researchGenerally longer than practice-based article e.g. 5,000 wordsDouble blind peer reviewHas an abstract (informative or structured)Literature ReviewGives methodology and resultsReferences

Task 4 - Defining audience and Purpose

Describe in one sentence the purpose of the piece you are writingWhat is the audience for your article?

Whats your angle?What data do you have? Is this topic most suited for a research article/a practice-based article or some other format e.g poster/blog post?

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Abstract Two types informative and structuredSynopsis Details essence (not the same as introduction)typically range from 150 to 300 words

*Informative AbstractBy surveying reference practitioners on their perceptions of chat reference training, this study presents effective training techniques that could enhance the professional preparation for chat reference personnel. Results indicate that the most effective training techniques involve hands-on practice among trainees and easy access...

Study abstracts in your target journal. What verbs do they use?

Addresses, argues, asks, concludes, covers, demonstrates, describes, discusses, elucidates, enhances, evaluates, examines, expands, explains, explores, identifies, maps, outlines, presents, proposes, reports, reviews, shows, suggests, summarises, surveys, synthesizes, touches on

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Structured Abstract**

Purpose This article explores the benefits of a writing support programme in developing the skills and motivation of librarians to write for academic publication. Design/methodology/approach A brief review of the literature is presented. The model developed and implemented by this author is outlined. Findings from a survey of participants are discussed. Research limitations/implications The formal programme commenced in 2007. The publication process takes time, particularly in the case of peer-reviewed journals. This is exploratory work. It will take time to build up a body of information and a community of librarians writing for publication. Initial evidence indicates there is significant value to the programme. Practical implications The model is transferable and could help in building skills and confidence in academic writing. In addition academic writing could serve as a bridge between lecturing and library staff, addressing issues of common concern across the academy. Originality/value This is the first formal writing support programme for librarians in Irish universities. Models exist in the US. A similar model is used in the UK and Ireland to support lecturing staff writing for publication. Paper Type Case Study Keywords Librarians, publication, academic writing, writing intervention

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**Task 5 Title, Keywords and abstract

Give your article/poster a working titleAllocate three keywords which you would expect people would use to retrieve itWrite an abstract for your article/posterInformative (300 word max)Structured as per slide

Title

Stimulate readers interestWorking title/final titleAttract and inform the readerStand outBe accurateBe fully explanatory when standing aloneFacilitate indexing and retrieval (avoid using abbreviations)Suggested length no more than 12 words

(APA Publications Manual)

Task 6 - Query e-mailBefore writing/submittingIdentify journalIdentify editorSingle sentencesI am writing an article onMy experience is this areaI think that readers of your journal would be interested in because

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**OutliningOrder ideasSift & eliminate ideasContextualise/Give frameworkView structure at a glance

The reason many aspiring authors fail is that they throw themselves immediately into the activity of writing without realizing it is the forethought, analysis and preparation that determine the quality of the finished product Day, A. (2007) How to Get Research Published in Journals. Burlington, VT.: Ashgate. P. 9what, who, when, where, why, how

*to see the structure of a 5,000 word article at a glanceDifferent ways to structure articles Different journals different structuresDifferent types of articlesHone in on one aspect of your topic. Write a 100 word piece using the what, who, when, where, why and how structure

Give 7 minutes for this

Outlining/StructuringThere are different ways to structure articlesStudy the format of articles in the journal you hope to targetRead first for story then for structureModel articles on other articles that work well (template)Different structures can achieve the same end in different waysBe aware of your audience

Outlining
Murray, R. (2005) Writing for Academic Journals. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill/Open University Press, p. 9

Context/Background Literature review

Method/approachResults/AnalysisDiscussionConclusionTopic 1 250 wordsTopic 2 250 wordsTopic 3- 250 wordsIntroduction

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Title: Enter Title Here (36pt Arial)Subject: Enter Subject HereOverview: How it Works: Contacts: Name, OrganisationImpact: Enter Text Here

**Task 7 - OutliningDraw up an outline for an article for a journal using what, who, when, where, why & how(max words 300)ORDraw up an outline for a poster as per slideORDraw up an outline for a research article using Murrays outline. Write a description of each section beginning with the words This section will cover(max words 300)ORWrite your article as a story with a beginning, middle and end (max words 400)

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WritingTo begin writing you have to begin writingWriting generates ideasDont look for perfection, just writeGive yourself permission to write badlyAll writing is rewriting

Can start at any point, but generally not introduction or conclusionScientists often write the results section up first

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Task 8 - WritingConsider your outlineSelect a section and begin writing Dont try to write something perfect, just writeEvery sentence you write, every word, can be revised later

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StyleHouse style (journal style)First, second or third personActive or passive voiceVerbsTense LanguageSentencesParagraphs

TransitionsSignposts

Headings & subheadings (official)
Endings of sections that hark back to what went before, announce what comes next (unofficial)Movement/Coherence

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New paragraph signals a move from one clear idea to another or change of directionShould relate logically to the previous paragraph and relate to the overall theme of the text The first sentence or two usually present the topic or theme and the following sentences expand on thisShort paragraphs, surrounded by white space, can be very effective in keeping attention and creating a visually attractive manuscriptAct as signpostsBreak up textHelp organise ideasMake the structure clearer Allow the reader see at a glance the main themes of the paper Help readers anticipate key points and track the development of the articleCreate connections between the different parts of the paper Can make a manuscript visually more attractiveEndings of sections that hark back to what has gone before or opening sections that indicate what is to come act as unofficial signposts

Transitional words help maintain flow of thought
time links (then, next, after, while, since) cause-effect links (therefore, consequently, as a result) addition links (in addition, moreover, furthermore, similarly) contrast links (but, conversely, nevertheless, however, although)Provide signposts for readers

Use positive rather than negative constructionsThe staff did not believe the collection was in dangerThe staff believed the collection was safeNot important/UnimportantDid not remember/Forgot

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Task 9 Peer ReviewExchange your writing with a colleagueList three things you like about the pieceList three areas/aspects you think could be developed/changed

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**introductionIntroduces the substantive content of the paper Sets the sceneBrings the reader in and gives a flavour of what is to comeStates the purpose and scopeStates how issue is addressedUsually starts from the general and progresses to the specificIn general the introduction should be quite brief and certainly no more that a sixth of the total article lengthMay include context/background or this may follow introduction

*Introduction dont take pages to get to the point. New writers often use introductory section to warm up. No need for extensive scene setting. Brings the reader in, opens up strands of relevance, gives the reader a flavour of what is to come.

**literature reviewTells what others have found on topicProvides a context from which to illustrate how the work documented in the rest of the paper extends or advances understanding and knowledgeDemonstrates that the author is familiar with past and present thinking on a topic and understands where their work fits Highly selective and specific, referring to other pieces of work most relevant to the argument being madeReview article

*Literature review only literature that helps readers understand what you are saying,Extensive literature reviews can swamp your own ideas. If you dont get to the point quickly readers will lose interest. Engage your readers quick.Aby Day. Writing for journals

**Methodology & analysis/outcomes/resultsMethodology details how the research was carried outThe analysis should state clearly and unambiguously what the findings are and how they are being interpreted Where required it should supplement the argument made with analytic evidence e.g.statistics, tables, charts, maps, or quotes

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**Discussion and ConclusionDiscussion

Folds together the previous sections, linking the findings to the literature review and makes the case for the argument developed

ConclusionBrings key points togetherSummarises rationale and findingsReaffirming how the research advances understanding and knowledgeOutlining how future studies could build on and extend the research and argument reportedTry to link with introduction

*Conclusion brings the key points together in a convenient form for the reader to take away.Often, discussions of other peoples work that appeared in the introduction of an early draft will prove more useful towards the end where the they can by set against, or contrasted with, the authors own views. Try to hold your text together by making some obvious cross-reference from the conclusions to the introduction. could draft conclusions as you write.

**References and keywordsReferencesFollow journal guidelines CompleteAccurate

KeywordsIndexing termsThe way your article will be retrieved by databases/search engines etc.

EditingAll writing is rewritingDraft and redraftNumber, date and save draftsRead aloudWordinessCut unnecessary words and phrases; delete repetitive wordsDelete unnecessary adjectivesHelpful tips, terrible tragedyDelete unnecessary adverbs very, really, quite, basically, generallyAsk a critical colleague to readRefer back to your abstract & journal guidelines

Verbs Underline the main verb in each sentence. Watch for: (1) lacklustre verbs (2) passive verbs (3) buried verbs

Does each paragraph contain one main theme?It can be helpful to write down the main topic of the paragraph in the margin or at the top of the paragraph If the paragraph contains more than one main idea, divide it*

When finished put aside for a period then rereadSpell checkDate and File preprintLet it go!If you have already sent a query e-mail to the editor refer to that in your submission

Submission

*SubmissionBlogProfessional Journal editorAcademic Journal peer-reviewersReferees

Accept as isAccept with revisionsRevise and resubmitRejectMake changes as quickly as possibleRereadResubmitKeep postprint

www.sherpa.ac.uk

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*Why editors reject manuscriptsAuthor guidelines not followedNot thoroughBad writing (lack of clarity and style)Subject of no interest to readersPoor statistics, tables, figuresOld subjectUnprofessional appearanceTitleToo simple reportingWritten at the wrong level

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*Developing Your WritingSet realistic goalsWrite (Describe, reflect and evaluate)Read (angle?)Collect potentially useful dataNotebook/Journal snack & sandwich writingTalk to colleaguesCollaborate Give and look for peer supportCelebrate successKeep writing

**Too broad put a fence around your writingCovered already find a new angle, new marketCurrency certain information can date quickly Ownership -CollaborationSelf-censorship

angle

Dont look for perfection, just writeSnack/sandwich writingStop while you are aheadGive and look for peer supportSet realistic goalsCelebrate successWrite regularlyDont just describe, reflect and evaluateKeep a notebook/map ideasTry to find different angles

Think of different types of data quotes from library users, digital imagesConsider everything you write in your job how could a piece of writing created as part of your work be developed into an articleCollaborateCollaborate outside your disciplineWrite for publications outside your disciplinePresent at conferences outside your discipline

Task 10Draw up your writing plan for the next three month. Include specific goals

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Bibliography & other resourcesAcademic Writing LibrariansAcademicwritinglibrarian.blogspot.ie**

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*to see the structure of a 5,000 word article at a glanceDifferent ways to structure articles Different journals different structuresDifferent types of articlesHone in on one aspect of your topic. Write a 100 word piece using the what, who, when, where, why and how structure

Give 7 minutes for this

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New paragraph signals a move from one clear idea to another or change of directionShould relate logically to the previous paragraph and relate to the overall theme of the text The first sentence or two usually present the topic or theme and the following sentences expand on thisShort paragraphs, surrounded by white space, can be very effective in keeping attention and creating a visually attractive manuscriptAct as signpostsBreak up textHelp organise ideasMake the structure clearer Allow the reader see at a glance the main themes of the paper Help readers anticipate key points and track the development of the articleCreate connections between the different parts of the paper Can make a manuscript visually more attractiveEndings of sections that hark back to what has gone before or opening sections that indicate what is to come act as unofficial signposts

Transitional words help maintain flow of thought
time links (then, next, after, while, since) cause-effect links (therefore, consequently, as a result) addition links (in addition, moreover, furthermore, similarly) contrast links (but, conversely, nevertheless, however, although)Provide signposts for readers

Use positive rather than negative constructionsThe staff did not believe the collection was in dangerThe staff believed the collection was safeNot important/UnimportantDid not remember/Forgot

**Introduction dont take pages to get to the point. New writers often use introductory section to warm up. No need for extensive scene setting. Brings the reader in, opens up strands of relevance, gives the reader a flavour of what is to come. *Literature review only literature that helps readers understand what you are saying,Extensive literature reviews can swamp your own ideas. If you dont get to the point quickly readers will lose interest. Engage your readers quick.Aby Day. Writing for journals*

*Conclusion brings the key points together in a convenient form for the reader to take away.Often, discussions of other peoples work that appeared in the introduction of an early draft will prove more useful towards the end where the they can by set against, or contrasted with, the authors own views. Try to hold your text together by making some obvious cross-reference from the conclusions to the introduction. could draft conclusions as you write.Verbs Underline the main verb in each sentence. Watch for: (1) lacklustre verbs (2) passive verbs (3) buried verbs

Does each paragraph contain one main theme?It can be helpful to write down the main topic of the paragraph in the margin or at the top of the paragraph If the paragraph contains more than one main idea, divide it***

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**Too broad put a fence around your writingCovered already find a new angle, new marketCurrency certain information can date quickly Ownership -CollaborationSelf-censorship

angle

Dont look for perfection, just writeSnack/sandwich writingStop while you are aheadGive and look for peer supportSet realistic goalsCelebrate successWrite regularlyDont just describe, reflect and evaluateKeep a notebook/map ideasTry to find different angles

Think of different types of data quotes from library users, digital imagesConsider everything you write in your job how could a piece of writing created as part of your work be developed into an articleCollaborateCollaborate outside your disciplineWrite for publications outside your disciplinePresent at conferences outside your discipline