ch16 17
TRANSCRIPT
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Chapters 16 and 17
Revising the Manuscript
Final Version and Submission
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Initial Revision
Concentrate first on the content and its location• All the parts (background, unknown, question,
experimental approach, results/answer, and conclusion) must be there
• Make sure the content is organized
• Paragraphs and sentences must be in the right order
Next, check logical organization and flow of sections• Paragraph ideas/topics, then move from sentence to
sentence)
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Overall Structure of a Paper
Title: 3–4 key terms Abstract: Content: Question/Purpose, Experimental approach, Results,
Interpretation/Answer, SignificanceIntroduction: Organization: funnel shape First paragraphs:
2nd to last paragraph Last paragraph:
BackgroundUnknown
Question/purpose experimental approach M & M: Organize chronologically or by subsectionsResults: 1. Paragraph(s): Overview—most important result(s) Middle paragraphs: Describe other results. Discussion: Organization: pyramid shape 1. Paragraph Answer to the question of the paper;
support and defend interpretation Middle paragraphs: Compare and contrast findings Last Paragraph: Conclusion: summary of main findings
and significance (future directions)
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Completing the First Revision
Revise for style only after you are satisfied with the content and organization
•Pay particular attention to key terms and transitions
•Condense where possible
•Proofread your manuscript
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Subsequent Revisions
• Let some time elapse between revisions. Count on ≥6 drafts
• Recheck the first draft for content and logical organization
• Use the basic writing principles to check for
• Word choice
• Word location
• Sentence structure
• Paragraph structure
• Pay particular attention to key terms and transitions
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Coauthor Revision of Manuscript
• Give complete copies of revised manuscript to your coauthors
• Show your manuscript also to a colleague in a related field and a friend in a different discipline
• Ask for comments and constructive criticism in writing
• Be prepared to accept the criticism
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Final Version of a Research Paper
• All authors need to approve the final version
• First impressions are important
• Recheck instructions for submission
• Be certain to send the latest complete version
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Submission
• Submit to only one journal
• Submit only professional manuscripts and figures
• Send a brief cover letter to go with the manuscript
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Cover letterDear Dr. Riccardo,
We would like to submit an article entitled “Characterization of two Herpes simplex virus type I transcripts” by A. Wagner and J. Klein, for consideration of publication in the Journal of Virology.
The work reported in this article extends the work described in our earlier article, “Isolation and localization of HSV-1 mRNA abundant prior to viral DNA synthesis” (J Virol 2002;10:45–51). For your reference, a copy of this work has been included with the supplemental material.
We look forward to hearing whether you can accept this article for publication.
With best regards,Alfred Wagner, Ph.D.
Introductory paragraphIntroductory paragraph
Overview and special featureOverview and special feature
Concluding paragraphConcluding paragraph
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Peer Review
• Evaluate early drafts with respect to major components
• Assess subsequent draft with respect to style and composition
• Revise final drafts in all aspects
• Point out strengths and weaknesses
• Point out unclear passages
• Treat the author with respect
• Track all suggested changes and comments
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
The Review Process
• Check Instructions to Authors to know how
soon to expect a decision on your paper
• Be courteous and professional at all times
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Learning about the Decision
• Be prepared to make editorial changes even in
the event of acceptance.
• Do not waste time trying to figure out who your
reviewers were
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Responding to the Editor
Paper accepted
Papers are seldom accepted outright
If accepted, acknowledge the editor’s letter
If required, make minor corrections
Return proofs to the editor by the requested date
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Responding to the Editor
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Resubmission
Address every comment raised by the editor or reviewer
Example Responses to Reviewer 1:
We thank Reviewer 1 for the critical comments and helpful suggestions. They have improved our manuscript considerably.
1. p. 3, line 37. The GenBank accession numbers should be matched with the “isolate” designation in Table 2
We have revised the designation of the GenBank accession numbers in the table in the manuscript. Please refer to Table 2.
2. What was the prevalence of rotavirus infection in this sample pool? The prevalence of rotavirus infection in this sample pool was
61.5% . . .
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Rejection
• If “ outside the scope of the journal” Try another journal
• If “too long and needs changes” Try different journal
• If “serious flaws in the paper” or “evidence is incomplete”
Put the paper away and go back to lab bench
• If editor and referees are mistaken Short but polite letter
If your paper is rejected
Read the rejection letter carefully
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
Rejection
Remember:
• You are not alone: 50% receive an initial
rejection
• Relax and then work on a revised version
• Follow suggestions of the reviewers
• Do not phone the editor
Scientific Writing and Communication, 2e Angelika H. Hofmann Copyright © 2014 by Oxford University Press
In general ...
Do not react too fiercely
Do not write a furious letter or argue on the phone
Do not put your anger on record
Do not waste time trying to guess who the reviewers were
When your manuscript has been accepted—CELEBRATE!