The process of writing and publishing academic research can seem lengthy and overwhelming, particularly for early career researchers (ECRs) and especially for those submitting their first paper.

Researchers have a lot to consider when preparing a manuscript for publication, from language and grammar to figures and graphics, and ensuring that the journal they choose is suitable for their work.

This article covers basic tips and advice that can save researchers time, improve the quality of manuscripts and increase chances of publication.

Improving your academic writing

Writing is a skill like any other, one that takes time and practice to improve. Understanding how to effectively write can help you communicate your research results with confidence.

Having a paper that is written well can significantly improve your chances of publication and the impact of your research. Accurate grammar, good language and a strong structure are just some important factors to consider when writing your paper.

Basic writing tips

Improving your academic writing can begin with some basic practices:

• Visualise your argument – break down your argument into subsections.
• Shorten sentences – aim for around 15-20 words per sentence where possible.
• Vary sentence structure – keep your argument engaging, confident, and free from repetition.
• Use simple language – ensure that you communicate your argument as directly and effectively as possible.
• Be persuasive but cautious – your writing needs to be persuasive, but avoid being too definitive, as research is always developing.

Click here to read more on 5 Basic Tips for Better Writing.

Making a good first impression

First impressions are important when writing an academic paper; it should aim to immediately engage the reader. Crafting a strong introduction is crucial in distinguishing your writing from that of others.

While there is not a definitive way to write an introduction, there are ways to ensure your paper hooks readers from the start and clearly conveys your argument:

• Define the purpose of your research to naturally improve the strength of your communication.
• Ensure your introduction guides the reader through the structure of your argument and clearly communicates an overview that is easy to follow.
• Aim to be direct, authoritatively clear, and utilize restraint where possible.
• Your introduction should be roughly 10% of your total word count.
• Every sentence in your introduction should aim to engage and reassure your reader. After all, you are the authority on your subject.

Click here to learn more about How to Write a Good Introduction for Your Academic Paper.

Leaving a lasting impression

Similarly, conclusions are an integral part of any academic paper, representing the lasting impressions your reader will have. Learning how to craft an effective conclusion can set your writing apart from others.

While there is not a definitive way to write a conclusion, there are things you can keep in mind that can help you strengthen your work:

• An effective conclusion looks back at the main points from a paper to either support or challenge the original thesis. It does not mean simply restating previous observations.
• Think about what your new research offers, and why it is necessary now.
• Focus on effectively summarising what the main body of your research paper already covers.
• Collect and analyse any findings from your research and suggest further recommendations within your field.
• The length of your conclusion should be around 10% of your total word count.
• Stay within the boundaries of your paper as you discuss the implications of your research.

Click here to learn more about How to Write a Conclusion for Your Academic Paper.

Common grammar errors

As an academic, you will likely receive at least one paper rejection over the course of your publishing career. One of the easiest ways to avoid paper rejections is to make sure you are not making any common grammar errors.

These errors include:

• Poor punctuation
• Incorrect subject–verb agreement
• Using clunky sentences

Grammar is an important communication tool that impacts the clarity, sense and persuasiveness of your argument. Ensuring consistent grammar is essential to delivering your research results confidently and effectively.

Click here to learn more about Common Grammar Errors That Lead to Paper Rejection.

The importance of figures and graphical abstracts

Another way to elevate your research paper is to utilise figures and graphical abstracts. The visual aspects of a manuscript hold just as much importance as the writing.

Best practices for creating high-quality figures

The quality of figures in an academic paper can have a large impact on how the research is understood. They should simplify complex data or ideas and provide a reference for readers.

To ensure your figures meet academic standards, ask yourself these questions when working on your paper:

Do your figures have a clear purpose?
Figures should adequately condense results and enhance a reader’s understanding.

Is your format appropriate?
The chosen format should highlight the key message.

Is it consistent with the rest of the paper?
Consistency throughout the paper can help the figure look professional and authoritative.

Have you referenced the data in the text?
An academic figure should be used to back up points raised in the body of the text.

Click here to learn more about 4 Best Practices For Creating High-Quality Figures.

Benefits of using graphical abstracts

A graphical abstract is a single, coherent image that offers a visual overview of a research paper, and they are becoming increasingly popular with academics. They aim to present important information as effectively as possible and can assist in communicating the main points of a paper by giving readers a visual overview.

Graphical abstracts can be very useful in manuscripts. Human brains process visual information faster than words, and images tend to be more memorable. Image summaries can also reach a broader audience, increase understanding and therefore facilitate the research process for others while increasing the reach of your own research.

Given their increasing usage, authors should learn how to create a graphical abstract.

Click here to learn more about The Importance of Graphical Abstracts.

Navigating the submission process

Once you have improved your manuscript and are happy with the standard of your work, the next step is to submit your paper to a journal. Preparing a paper for submission is a major part of any research project, and the process can seem particularly daunting for those approaching it for the first time. There is a lot to consider when submitting a manuscript, and many researchers face rejections and delays due to avoidable issues.

Steps to follow

Use this concise checklist to help review your paper before submission:

1. Make sure your paper aligns with your main research objective, and that each section transitions smoothly to the next.
2. Aim for concise, grammatically correct language that communicates your findings effectively.
3. Ensure your paper adheres to the journal’s standards and author guidelines.
4. Ensure all sources are properly cited and paraphrased.
5. Check that all visual elements are high resolution, accurately labelled, and referenced correctly.

Click here to read more of the Pre-Submission Checklist: 5 Key Steps Every Researcher Should Follow.

Choosing the right journal

Having research published in a scientific journal is an important step in an academic’s career, adding to the body of work in a particular field and advancing your career path.

Paper rejections are often compounded by researchers submitting to an ill-suited journal, which can delay publication and slow career progression.

Finding the right journal can significantly improve your chances of publication, so it is important to choose one that is suitable. In relation to your paper, you should consider a potential journal’s:

• Scope
• Readership
• Reach
• Metrics
• Publication model

By carefully evaluating your own work, understanding your target audience and researching potential journals in depth, you can ensure that your manuscript is published in a suitable journal.

Click here to learn more about How To Find The Right Journal For Your Research.

Choosing the right editing services

Editing services offer many benefits to authors, such as ensuring accuracy in language and grammar, enhancing structure and improving readability.

Choosing the right services can significantly improve the chances of a manuscript being published. MDPI offers several types of editing services that can improve language, grammar, and the overall quality of research papers:

• Standard editing services focus on language editing through correcting grammar, punctuation, phrasing and spelling.
• Rapid editing services provide standard editing services but at an accelerated pace.
• Specialist editing services include language editing with a detailed review of scientific content.
• Thesis and dissertation editing services help students to improve language, grammar and readability.

MDPI Author Services specialises in helping researchers prepare their manuscripts for publication, offering comprehensive options, expertise, customer satisfaction and post-editing support.

Click here for the full MDPI Author Services Guide To Choosing Editing Services.

Visit the Author Services page to learn more about the editing services on offer, and read more advice on the writing and publication process from our blogs.