Writing papers is considered your first and foremost responsibility and obligation as a researcher. To get your paper accepted isn’t easy and deserves further attention. Allow your ideas to fluctuate during the writing process. In fact the process of writing may spark new thoughts that may eventually change your research process or set up.
See also ppt of Giulio Jacucci here: Paper-writing
Some factors that can affect this change:
Audience. Remember the first reader is most likely the chairman of the conference or a joint committee. Their choice of acceptance is subject to personal preferences. Be smart in this.
Type of publication. Theoretical, design, system, etc. paper. Also look at the contribution types mentioned on this page and this page.
Approach.
Schedule.
Authorship. There are different guidelines with naming and crediting authors. Here is one of the American Psychology Guidelines on authorship order.
Each conference has their own rules on paper format, deadline, etc. Best is to decide which conference you’re aiming for and to investigate their specific guidelines.
Writing process. Effective writing starts of with a set up of the skeleton of the paper. This skeleton contains the following:
Title. This will be subject to change throughout the process.
Abstract. This is particularly important when co-authoring. This piece can guide in communicating and coming to terms with co-authors what the paper is about. It can also guide in how the process of writing can look like and what roles each co-author will take on. The abstract is a stand alone section. However, it s good practice for the introduction and the conclusion together combined to a stand alone section. So there is no need to repeat yourself in the conclusion part of things already mentioned in the introduction part.
Table of contents. This can include dates, deadlines and people – organizational agreements
Study and results.
Plan.
Paper parts. The big issue here is to identify The/Your/Our single big idea. What is your single contribution? Your paper should reflect this. See also this page.
Readability. Make sure the different parts introduce eachother in way so the next part doesn’t seem to big to absorb. E.g. Have the parts about results point towards key questions and factors laid out in the discussion later on. This way the discussion won’t seem to large to absorb for the reader. Depending on your paper it can be:
- Read by pictures
- Read by titles
In fact is should be able to be read visually at all times.
Collaboration and co-authoring means that you will end up with more publications. Proof reading is supported by university services.
Where should I submit my papers to? Find inspiration in your idols. Look for those places where they seem to present their papers and imitate.