Getting Published in the Life Sciences

ISBN-13: 9781118017166 / Angielski / Miękka / 2011 / 368 str.

Richard J. Gladon; William R. Graves; J. Michael Kelly

Opis

The goal of this book is to make it easier for scientists, especially those new to scientific writing, to write about their results and to get their manuscripts accepted in peer-reviewed journals. The book covers each step throughout the submission process, from organizing and outlining the manuscript, presenting statistical data and results, to what happens during the in-house manuscript review process and what to do if an article is initially rejected. In addition to providing practical exercises on these topics, the book focuses on helping writers distil their research into concise take-home messages for readers, in order to convey information as clearly as possible to the target audience.

Recenzje

The book covers each step throughout the submission process, from organizing and outlining the manuscript, presenting statistical data and results, to what happens during the in–house manuscript review process and what to do if an article is initially rejected.   (Landtechnik, 20 February 2012)

"Despite using the word ensure′ here and there, and allowing the jacket to carry a line containing unique guide to...′ I like this book and learned a lot from reading it." (Australasian Systematic Botany Society, 1 December 2011)

"I highly recommend the very practical and results oriented book Getting Published in the Life Sciences by Richard J. Gladon, William R. Graves, and J. Michael Kelly to anyone in any life, natural, or biological science who seeks to write a clear and concise manuscript for publication in any peer reviewed journal. This book takes the guesswork out of the planning, writing, and publishing process and is certain to boost the publication success rate of any practicing scientist." (Blog Business World, 23 November 2011)

Spis treści

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix 

PART I Preliminary Considerations 1 

Chapter 1 The Importance of and Need for Publishing 3

Chapter 2 Steps in Manuscript Preparation and Getting Started 11

Chapter 3 Ethical Issues in Publishing 25

Chapter 4 Choosing Your Coauthors 39 

Chapter 5 Choosing Your Journal 51 

Chapter 6 Principles and Characteristics of Good Scientific Writing 63 

PART II Development of the Manuscript 73 

Chapter 7 Developing the Take–home Messages and a Provisional Title 75 

Chapter 8 Organizing and Outlining Your Manuscript 89 

Chapter 9 Results I: Overview 113 

Chapter 10 Results II: Presentation 121 

Chapter 11 Results III: Options for Presenting Results 133 

Chapter 12 Results IV: Guidelines for Preparing Written Text of Results 151 

Chapter 13 Revising and Editing 155 

Chapter 14 References 175 

Chapter 15 Materials and Methods 197 

Chapter 16 Introduction: Rationale, Review of Literature, and Statements of Objectives209

Chapter 17 Discussion 223 

Chapter 18 Abstract 229 

Chapter 19 Title, By–line, Keywords, and Authorship Footnote Items 243 

Chapter 20 Polishing Your Manuscript with Good Word Usage 259

PART III Review, Submission, and Postsubmission Issues 277 

Chapter 21 In–house Manuscript Review Process 279 

Chapter 22 Cover Letter and Submission Form Preparation 293 

Chapter 23 Final Checklist and Initial Manuscript Submission 303 

Chapter 24 The Peer–Review Process of Your Initial Submission 309 

Chapter 25 Response–letter Preparation and Manuscript Resubmission 315 

Chapter 26 Proofs, Proofreading, and the Final Steps in the Publication Process 325 

Index 347

Blurb

A unique guide to developing and writing manuscripts for publication in peer–reviewed journals

This book makes it easier for scientists, particularly those new to professional scientific writing, to write about their results and get their manuscripts accepted by refereed journals in the biological/life/natural sciences. It covers each step throughout the submission process, from organizing and outlining the manuscript and presenting statistical data and results to what happens during the in–house manuscript review process and what to do if an article is initially rejected.

The book uses a new "backwards" approach to manuscript development, centered on delivering specific, concise "take–home messages" and teaching the reader to construct the manuscript beginning with conclusions and ending with the abstract. This method represents a major departure from the traditional way of writing a scientific manuscript for submission. It sets bounds on the ideas the take–home messages to be relayed to the target audience and keeps the writer centered on the task at hand, leading to a more focused, compact manuscript that has a greater chance of getting published.

Divided into three sections, Section I addresses the issues an author must consider before entering the writing stage, and also before entering the thinking and organizing stage. This section also contains a chapter devoted to ethics in publishing. Section II presents the author′s new method for developing and writing the manuscript. Section III re–creates the scenario of submission, external peer review, revision, and other miscellaneous events thatoccur after a manuscript has been written, submitted, and accepted. The book emphasizes compliance with the formatting required by refereed journals. There are also a number of exercises throughout for reinforcing skill development.

Easily adaptable to writing for diverse audiences and disciplines, Getting Published in the Life Sciences will benefit graduate students in the biological sciences and professional researchers, whether they are new authors looking to build a solid writing foundation or more experienced writers who want to improve their skills.