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Getting your research paper published for the first time is a significant milestone for scientific researchers. The entire process from selecting the topic to writing a manuscript and submitting your study to getting it published involves many subtasks.
For many, writing a manuscript for research work is the most challenging task. But soon you will realize that though it’s quite complex, it’s rewarding too. Many times, the authors find it difficult to break through the editorial procedure and review barriers to getting their work published.
In this article, we will discuss the tips that can simplify the article publishing process for you while making it smoother.
Is Writing A Manuscript Difficult?
The simple answer to this question is – yes, it is difficult. Learning a few things can make it easier. As a very first step, it is important that you spend a good time identifying and evaluating the target journal to which you are planning to submit the manuscript.
Now comes the manuscript writing process which many researchers find daunting. Following the IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format will help you organize the research findings into a well-drafted logical section. This will also help you to present your thoughts and ideas more powerfully in front of readers.
Let’s now discuss how to write a manuscript effectively.
Tips to Write A Manuscript
Finalizing the topic is easy but focusing on it throughout the writing process is daunting. You need to gather data that can justify the facts and findings, so be very precise in your research. Now be clear with the topic when searching for the right journal and don’t forget to keep the audience in mind.
After selecting the journal, make sure to read the guidelines, policies, and other terms carefully. Even if you have read these guidelines previously, do re-read them as they get updated periodically. Although reading the guidelines can be time-consuming, reviewing them thoroughly will save you from last-moment rejections.
Once you are assured that the manuscript you have decided to write falls within the scope of the selected journal, start drafting it. Even if the research process is in progress, don’t wait for it to complete; instead, start to write. When writing the manuscript, use shorter sentences, consistent tone, and uniform language throughout.
Here you need to implement the IMRaD approach.
Now, is the time to put all the scattered data together. After putting everything together, ensure that all the sections are assembled correctly. Double-check to ensure that nothing is missing as every single section and sub-section is important. Draft an abstract that explains what the paper covers and how it benefits the readers in terms of learning.
The last, but most important step in writing the manuscript is reviewing the entire work right from the beginning. Even if you have reviewed several sections before, re-read them to ensure all the information is correct and no typing or grammar errors exist. Proofreading your work is important, irrespective of whether it’s a research paper or a website article.
Conclusion
So, you’re on the way to submitting your paper and everything seems to be in place. But the process is not over yet. Even after submitting the paper, you may need to go through a couple more steps such as communicating with the editors, responding to feedback, and more.
Alexia is the author at Research Snipers covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More.
