Writing for the NZCOM Journal

Writing for the NZCOM Journal

Tips to help with publication

Welcome to this series of slides which offer some tips for authors.1

Getting startedWhat topics are you enthusiastic about?What is the current literature around this topic?Can you see where you could bring a new perspective?Have you been doing some post graduate study and want to share your findings?Or is this a burning issue and you want to share your knowledge/expertise/ understandings?

When starting out it is important choose a topic that catches your interest. Getting from the idea to publication takes time and persistence so you need to have a topic that you are enthusiastic about.Consider how you might bring a new perspective to this topic.This may be a finding from some postgraduate study or research you have done and is an excellent way to share these insights with your midwifery colleagues.It may also be a topic that arises from your practice and one you wish to know more about. In fact that is how most great topics emerge.2

Who will you write with?Share the writingWe advise that you consider asking your supervisor or lecturer (if studying) if they would co-author with youIf not consider writing with somebody who:Has a good understanding of the issuesand/orHas previously published

Why?Writing your ideas and arguments into a written form can be difficultThe authors need to explain their ideas clearlySo explaining to each other is the first step do you all understand what has been written? If not how can it be clarified?

If you are a beginning writer consider who might help you with this project.Choosing someone with a history of publication is a good idea as they will be able to encourage and help you shape your work.

3

Writing with othersHowYou need to consider who will write which parts of the paperThis can be done primarily by one author with the other authors adding ideas and clarificationOr different authors can write different parts of the paper (the risk with this is that each person can write quite differently)

The processFeedback is usually done using track changes and commentsYou will need to set time lines and work out who is doing what and whenAll authors will take responsibility for the finished paper

Writing with others though having many benefits is not always easy.So clear conversations are needed.These should cover any particular parts of the article, timeframes for the exchanging or meeting to discuss drafts.Be open to hearing a different point of view or way of structuring your work.In fact you may need to try several different lines of argument until you achieve a cohesive article..All authors must take responsibility for the finished article. So make sure that this final step is done before the work is signed off.4

Getting to first draftCheck the NZCOM Journal contributor guidelines you can find them at http://www.midwife.org.nz/resources-events/nzcom-journalThoroughly review the research literature around your topicPut an outline of your paper together firstConsider the following:What explain your topic define terms, explain what is already known about itWhy is this important to the reader and/or why do you think it is important to look at? Give us your rationaleHow have you looked at the issue have you done some research or a literature review or is this a case study or academic argument? How have you gone about doing this?So what did you find and why is it important?

To make sure your article fits the requirements of the journal it is important to download and become familiar with the requirements of the editors.This will include reading some articles with a similar style to what you aspire to write.In your first draft try to get your topic and terms clear.Be consistent with your terms so as not to confuse your reader.Demonstrate by including reference to similar studies that you are familiar with the literature on your topic.Write clearly why the topic is of interest for midwives .It may be an article from a research project you have completed, a case study, or an academic argument.Each type of article will of course be slightly different in style.

5

The template for a research paperAbstractIntroduction & rationaleMethodsFindingsDiscussionStrengths and weaknessesConclusion

At every stage - write, edit, write, edit Polish and make changes as you write

A research paper for instance has a formal linear structure. This is so for both quantitative and qualitative research studies.So starting with these subheadings will help you keep on track.Whatever your findings and conclusions, they will not be the last word on your topic so show how your have considered the limitations of your paper and point the way for how it might otherwise be explored in the future.

6

Template for other papersLiterature reviewAbstractIntroductionRationale for literature reviewMethod (how, search criteria etc.)Body of paperDiscussionConclusionCase reportAbstractIntroductionBody of paper/discussion of caseDiscussion of issuesConclusion

A literature review has a similar framework to a research paper whereas a case report differs slightly.

7

The Introduction shouldGrab the readers attentionSay what the topic isSay why it is importantState the purpose/or research question of the articleinclude brief literature overviewIndicate the gap your study will address, but not give the whole game awayRemember write, edit, write, edit and polish as you write

Take time to write a good introduction.this is what is read first and should tell the reader about the topic, why it is important to write about and the purpose of your article.To position your paper include a relevant and up to date review of the literature. This enables you to identify the gap that your article will address.8

MethodologySet out the why, what, when, where, how and whom of your process; this includes how the data was analysedInclude a clear description and validation of any tools, instruments or apparatus used in the researchPlus any ethics processes undertakenRemember write, edit, write, edit and polish as you write

Next you will write about the way in which you went about exploring your topic.This should be clear and concise.Anticipate questions that the reader may have and ensure that you answer them all.Of particular importance is exploring any ethical issues inherent in your work and how you negotiated these in an ethical way. Also include the name of the ethics committee that approved your study.

9

FindingsThe finding section provides the details of the research findings or literature reviewTables and figures help explain numbers Themes and participants stories explain qualitative data Each of these elements will need some explanation for the reader you need to explain what is important within the tables and what is important in the stories of the participantsRemember write, edit, write, edit and polish as you write

How you set out your results/findings will of course depend on the type of study you have completed.Some brief notes are also needed to help the reader see the key points you wish to highlight from your results. If you are new to writing for publication it is a good idea to study how studies that are similar to yours are presented in other articles. This will help you find the best way to showcase your data and results.Always double check your figures and any calculations.

10

Discussion and conclusionInterpretation of the results or text what is important from your studyCompare to other research findings (from literature review) what is the same and what is differentDescribe any further research or practice implications (if evidence strong)Conclusion, summary of main points, (keep succinct)11Remember write, edit, write, edit and polish as you write

The discussion segment is where you pull the work together. This includes showing how your findings agrees or contrasts with findings in other similar studies. It is also where you pull any argument together about your topic, signal any limitations of your study and point to future research opportunities.

Keep your conclusion succinct but ensure that you restate your argument and key findings.

11

Using tables and figuresThese should stand without detailed explanation Use consistent terms for text and tables/figuresHighlight patterns and trends in the dataStyle should conform to the journal requirements

Where you use tables and figures these should be consistent in wording and style and consistent with the Journal's requirements.12

Getting to the finish lineRevise and refine wording and check that each paragraph is completeSmooth the bumpy bits so it flows (imagine taking your reader by the hand)Have at least one critical friend (or your co-authors) read and provide feedback on the paper

Read the paper out loud and answer the following:Is there a logical flow to the paperDoes each sentence or paragraph make sense?Are the arguments or points being made clear?Does it build to a comprehensive position?

Before you rush to push the send button ensure that you and your co-authors are happy with each aspect of the work.Set it aside for a couple of days before doing the final read as this gives you a fresh perspective for any pesky typos or awkward sentences. Reading it aloud to yourself or a good friend or colleague is also a good plan. If at any stage you stumble over a word or sentence it is possible that your reader will also. Check you have made all the key points clearly and that you have established a sound argument supported by the findings and the literature.

13

Final touchesWhen choosing the title be specific and concise & choose searchable terms; Go here for tips-http://authorservices.wiley.com/bauthor/seo.aspWrite the abstract - remember this is the bit that will be most widely read

Your abstract is written last because now it will be clear what you want to say.Ensure the title reflects the content and contains terms that are searchable.14

The abstractThe abstract is the paper in summary it starts with:What define the issue and provide backgroundWhy a summary of the rationale and aimMethods a summary of what you did and howFindings summarise your key findingsConclusion provide a concluding sentence

Follow the format for the abstract to ensure you have captured your findings, conclusions and any recommendations for practice that arise from your study.15

Final touches cont.Check & recheck references They should conform to the journals requirements (APA 6th edition)Be sure your co-authors are happy with the final version & author orderWrite a covering letter. Submit to practice@nzcom.org.nz subject line paper for submission to NZCOM journal

Finally the dreaded reference list needs to be checked carefully.And you are ready to send.16

The NZCOM Journal editorial processThe paper is read by one or both of the co-editors to determine if it meets the Journal objectivesAn email response will be sent to the authors notifying that paper has been received (normally within a week)Papers are sent to 2 reviewers for review (anonymised so they dont know the authors)You will get feedback from the reviewers - generally all papers will require some amendment and changes

A journal editor/subeditor will provide your feedback and work with you to get the paper ready for publicationThere may be several iterationsThe whole process can take several monthsHave a b plan in case your paper is not acceptedSee a rejection as a free reviewTake a few days break before re-engaging with the work

This slide explains the NZCOM editorial process.

17

Top reasons manuscripts rejectedInadequate literature reviewContent too basicInsufficient critical analysisInaccurate contentReferences outdatedToo biasedLack of clarity in the writing itself arguments not logical or not clearly explained

In this slide we indicate some of the more common reasons that manuscripts are rejected.They stress the importance of an up to date and appropriate literature review using primary sources wherever possible.Watch your wording for biases. These can creep in when we feel passionate about a topic. This also includes avoiding categorical statements that make unsubstantiated claims for a whole population or group or the use of emotive words that reveal more about the writers feelings than they do about the topic.

Best wishes with your writing from the editorial team.18

References consultedBelcher, W. L. (2009). Writing your journal article in 12 weeks. Los Angeles: Sage.Fahey, K. (2008). Writing for publication: the basics. Women & Birth, 21, 86-89.Fahey, K. (2008). Writing for publication: Argument and evidence. Women & Birth, 21(3), 86-89Huff, A. S. Designing research for publication.. (2009). Los Angeles: Sage.Likis, F., & Aikins Murphy, P. (2014). Writing for publication. Paper presented at the ICM 30th Triennial Congress. Prague.Single, P. B. (2010). Demystifying dissertation writing. Sterling, Virginia: Stylus.

19