1. Different Types of Scientific Writing

2. Overview Different types of papers Types of reviews Organization of papers What to leave in; what to leave out

3. Types of Papers Review Articles Editorials Book reviews Letters to the Editor Book chapters Lay writing

4. Review Articles Is not an original article Can be general compared to a research paper Literature review tends to be the focus A good review provides conclusions based on the literature

5. Types of Reviews Compile published papers during a defined period of time State of the art review Can include some results

6. Structure of a Review Article Introduction Materials and Methods Results Discussion

7. Review Articles Wider audience Writing style is more general Writing tends to be expansive

8. Introductory Paragraphs Should be well written Skimmers and skippers Basis for reading further

9. Conclusions An important component Can be painful May influence future readers

10. Opinion Writing Editorials Book reviews Letters to the Editor

11. Opinion Writing Your scientifically informed opinion Evidence based Creative style but rigorous

12. Editorials Perspective editorial Comments on paper in the journal Persuasive editorial Argues for a specific point of view

13. Perspective Editorial Miniature review Note strengths and limitations of the research Discuss implications

14. Persuasive Editorial Structure depends on audience Supportive: present main point early Include arguments for and against Acknowledge view points Adds credibility

15. Book Reviews Should describe and evaluate the book Provide background of authors or editors What is the scope of the book? What is the main point? Are there special features? Compare to other books; strengths and weaknesses Who would benefit from it?

16. Book Reviews Not an advertisement Don’t ridicule Serve the readers of your review

17. Letters to the Editor Comment on recently published paper Post-publication peer review Authors may have opportunity to reply Case reports can be letters

18. Letters to the Editor Check journal’s instructions Maybe maximum length May limit figures, tables, or references Maybe time limit relative to article publication

19. Letters to the Editor Be concise Focus on points Support your position clearly

20. Book Chapters Write it well Submit it promptly Follow instructions

21. Book Chapters Can be like a review article Plan the chapter carefully Investing in the organization can save time later Meet the deadlines

22. Book Types Monograph; focused on a special topic Handbook; provide technical details Textbook; students of science

23. Why or Why not? Research papers count Can be time consuming For profit

24. Tips for Book Writing Protected time Copyright issues Representative intended readers

25. Lay Writing “Regard readers not as being ignorant but, more likely, innocent of your topic and its jargon. Write for them, not at them.” - Alton Blakeslee

26. Know Your Audience Peers likely interested in topic Engage the reader Consider what they are likely to care about Use human interest

27. Convey Content Use analogies Provide visuals Support what you say with examples Learn from good writers

28. Conclusion Topics covered Preparing to write Titles and abstracts Tables and Figures Marketing yourself effectively The Submission Process Ethics

29. Thank you! We look forward to reading about your exciting discoveries! A benefit of your ASM membership

30. SCIENTIFIC WRITING AND PUBLISHING For more information, please visit: www.asm.orgwww.asm.org E-Mail: international@asmusa.orginternational@asmusa.org ASM Professional Development Series One of the many benefits of ASM membership