Ch16 17

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


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)


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)


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


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


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


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


Submission

• Submit to only one journal

• Submit only professional manuscripts and figures

• Send a brief cover letter to go with the manuscript


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


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


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


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


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


Responding to the Editor


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% . . .


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


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


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!

Ch16 17

Documents

Transcript of Ch16 17