Writing for Publication: From Pen to Press Writing for Publication: From Pen to Press Pamela V. Moore, EdD, MPH, RN, FAAOHN Deborah R. Roy, MPH, RN, COHN-S, CET, CSP, FAAOHN

Objectives Describe the process of producing a finished manuscript. Discuss the role of the journal editor and the responsibilities of the author in the publishing process.

Developing the Idea Consider your expertise and interest. Ask yourself if the topic will be broad enough. Think about the interest of the readers.

Types of Articles Requested for the AAOHN Journal Review article. Clinical article. Case report. Research study. Business and leadership. Continuing education. Professional Practice. Letters to the Editor.

Review Articles Should include the following sections: –Introduction to the problem, –Review of the literature, –Identify and detail the new concept/program, or discuss gaps/inconsistencies in the literature, –Practical application to practice.

Research Studies Should include the following sections: –Introduction of problem or purpose of study –Methodology –Results –Discussion –Practical application/implications for the reader

Finding Relevant References Local college or university library. Past AAOHN Journals or other scientific peer reviewed journals. Online sources such as the National Library of Medicine (PubMed).

Importance of Proper Citations Use American Psychological Association (APA) style. Reference the primary author. If you use an abstract, note it. When using government regulations, note the correct numbers and citation. Use references that are current to the topic. Check to be sure internet references can still be retrieved.

Keep Track of Citations Find a system that works for you so that citations are noted during the writing phase. Be sure that directly quoted material is in quotation marks and that the page number is noted. Remember, the purpose is to allow the reader to retrieve the source!

Pre-Writing Strategies Consider your environment and what works best for you. Depending on your learning style, try: –writing all your thoughts without censorship, –brainstorming with others, –computer composition, –talking into a tape recorder, –taking a walk, –Whatever works!

Pre-Writing Strategies Remember that everyone has writer’s block at some time, just find a process that works for you and go with it!

The Writing Process – One Method Prepare an outline of major subject headings. –Include bullet items that need to be addressed under each section. Follow the outline and fill in the detail. Add citations as you write. Revise or rearrange the sections to achieve better flow. Then, fix sentence structure and edit.

Tips for Writing Write manuscripts in the third person. Use simple language. Be clear and concise. Use short sentences.

More Tips for Writing Define technical terms and new concepts. Write to inform not to impress. Do not advertise. Use simple charts and graphs, or good quality pictures. Disclose research funding.

Editing the Manuscript -THE LAST STEP- Paragraph development. Sentence structure. Content flow. Punctuation. Vocabulary – choosing the right words. Grammar. Spelling.

EXERCISES AREAS OF EXPERTISE? TOPIC LIST SENTENCE PRACTICE FEEDBACK

Submission Process Communicate with the Editor. Submission. Editorial Review and Revision. To Press. In Print.

Communicating with the Editor Query Letter – usually via . Telephone Call.

Submitting the Manuscript Rapid Review –Online.

Follow Author Guidelines Original. Length. Format. Style. Tables, Figure, Illustrations, Photographs. Electronic copy.

Tables, Figures, Illustrations and Photographs Purpose? Informative/accurate headings? Can the figure or table be interpreted with ease? Are the data in the table accurate? Submit on separate pages. High resolution digital images (see Info for Contributors for specifics)

Ethical Issues Who wrote the manuscript? Was the manuscript submitted to more than one journal at the same time? Copyright/permissions: –Copyright for the manuscript belongs to publishing journal or organization, –Adapted from... –Permission to use... –Reprinted from...

Manuscript Review If journal is peer reviewed, manuscript is sent out to journal review panel members for editing and recommendations. If journal is not peer reviewed, editor will review and make decision regarding publication alone or with associate editor.

Common Problems Lack of focus. In first or second person. Incomplete or run on sentences. Passive rather than active voice. References absent or incomplete. Singular/plural inconsistency. Incorrect use of plural/possessive Use of incorrect words – simplicity/accuracy. Limited use of examples.

Outcomes of Review Acceptance with no revision. Acceptance with revision. Request for revision and further review. Rejection.

Reasons for Rejection Not suitable for the journal. Similar articles either have been or will be published in the journal. Problems with research quality. Content inaccurate or undocumented. Difficult to understand or apply to practice.

If Accepted or Revision Requested... Revise as suggested and resubmit. Revise and submit to another journal. Do not revise but submit to another journal. Do not revise – TRASH!

If Revising... Revise as recommended OR Revise selectively with explanation to editor. Resubmit in a timely manner. Review page proofs carefully before signing that they are correct.

The Editor... Assigns reviewers. Reviews revisions. Writes decision letter. Submits to publisher. Selects publication date. Reviews page proofs.

Celebration!!!!! Celebration!!!!! The manuscript appears in print!

The Editor Must Be... Knowledgeable. Well organized. Tactful. Diplomatic. And have a continuous sense of humor.

The Editor/Publisher Will Provide Consultation. Limited copy editing. Reference verification. Contact with authors. Integrity.

Editors and authors are not natural enemies... Most editors get no pleasure from rejecting manuscripts but a great deal of satisfaction from accepting manuscripts... The successful author/editor relationship is symbiotic. When authors succeed, editors succeed. (Henson, 1995)

Objectives Review Describe the process of producing a finished manuscript. Discuss the role of the journal editor and the responsibilities of the author in the publishing process.

References American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6 th ed.) Washington, DC: Author. (Also see Henson, K.T. (1995). The Art of Writing for Publication. Needham Heights. MA: Allyn & Bacon. Johnson, S.H. (2010). Publishing Scholarly Works. In Stanley, J.M. (Ed.), Advanced practice nursing: Emphasizing common roles (3 rd ed.) (Chapter 12). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis. University of Wisconsin – Madison Writing Lab. (December 2011)

Contact Information Deborah R. Roy Director of Health, Safety & Wellness L.L.Bean, Inc. (207) Pamela V. Moore Consultant (615)