Ten tips for successful writing and article submission

AORN Journal, Feb, 2007 by Cynthia Saver

This article marks the end of a year-long series on writing for publication. By now, you have learned a wide range of skills, from choosing a topic to using tables and figures to add interest to your manuscript. This concluding article reviews 10 tips that can help you avoid mistakes and promote a satisfying publishing experience.

TIP 1: READ THE AUTHOR GUIDELINES

These guidelines are a treasure trove of information, including the types of articles that the journal publishes, word count guidelines, submission requirements, and the peer review process. The guidelines can help you match your topic idea with the most appropriate journal. Just as patients fare better when they know what to expect in the OR, you will navigate the seas of publishing with a clearer sense of direction when you know what to expect.

Before you submit your manuscript, double check to be sure you are complying with all the requirements in the author guidelines. Always send a cover letter with your name, title, and contact information. Do not include this information in the article file unless you are specifically asked to do so, however, because peer reviewers usually do not receive any identifying information about authors.

TIP 2: QUERY FIRST

It is always best to contact the editor of a journal with your idea before writing or submitting the article. Promote your topic in a letter no more than one page long that explains why the information you will provide is important for the journal's readers and why you should be the one to write the article. Remember to tell the editor when you plan to submit the manuscript.

TIP 3: WRITE WITH PURPOSE

The most common error beginning writers make is to attempt to cover too much information in a single article. To avoid this, write with purpose by keeping the summary statement of your article (ie, what you want readers to think, do, or feel) clearly in mind as you write. Remember that it is best to include just one or two major points in a single article.

TIP 4: BE PATIENT

Unless you are presenting ground-breaking information, the publishing process takes time. Do not become discouraged. If you have not heard from the editor after a reasonable length of time (eg, four weeks), send an e-mail to the editor to ask about the article's status. If the journal uses an online submission and tracking process, you can follow the progress of your article by logging in to the online system.

TIP 5: MAKE YOUR EDITOR'S JOB EASIER

An OR houses many patients in different stages of surgery during any single time of the day or week. Similarly, the editor has many articles in various stages of the publication process. Make it easy for an editor to remember you. For example, instead of writing "article" in the subject line of an e-mail, use the title of the article or the manuscript number if one has been assigned. Repeat the article's title or number in your message. Sign your full name and include telephone numbers where you can be reached. If an editor sends you a question via e-mail, be sure to include the original e-mail with your reply so the editor can easily determine what you are responding to.

Writing effectively, including organizing your content logically, is another way to lighten the editor's workload. Keep the four C's in mind: clear, concise, correct, and compelling. The single most important technique for writing effectively is to use active voice, such as "The circulating nurse places the safety strap across the patient's thighs" instead of "The safety strap is placed across the patient's thighs."

TIP 6: BE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS

Consider yourself to be part of a team that is working to produce the best article possible, and be open to revision suggestions from the editor and peer reviewers. Be aware that every journal has its own style, and some changes may be made to your article during the editing process so it will conform to that style.

TIP 7: USE VISUALS

Illustrations, tables, figures, and photographs are all examples of ways you can give your manuscript visual interest for readers. Remember to obtain permission from the copyright holder to reprint a visual element that has been previously published.

TIP 8: SUBMIT AN ARTICLE, NOT A SCHOOL PAPER

Editors are accustomed to receiving school papers, theses, and dissertations with cover letters that say something like, "My instructor thought my paper was excellent. Would you consider publishing it in your journal?" Typically, however, a school paper or thesis will require some revision before it is appropriate for publication in a journal (Table 1). Such papers are often too long for a journal article, which make them unsuitable for publication, and their submission tells the editor that the nurse failed to read the author guidelines. Second, papers, by necessity, often have a different focus and purpose compared to journal articles. For example, a dissertation is designed to demonstrate the author's comprehensive understanding of a topic and ability to conduct research in the area. (1)