The academic culture of "publish or perish" can lead to stress and quantity-over-quality research. While publications are important, focusing on interesting, worthwhile problems is crucial for meaningful research. Breaking down a complex problem and focusing on its component parts can lead to both a more manageable research process and potential spin-off publications. Striking a balance between the pressure to produce and the need for deep, quality work is necessary.

A short guide to writing a paper

Preparation Phase:

• Gather Information: Review your notes and renew the literature search.
• Identify Audience: Determine who will read your paper, primarily focusing on reviewers because they are the gatekeepers of the road to publishing.
• Create an Outline: Organize your figures, tables, and data in a logical sequence, as you would tell your message to someone.

Drafting Phase:

• Avoid Procrastination: Start writing and continue without over-editing. Write the entire first draft, resisting the urge to correct and edit as you go. Many sentences won't end in the final paper, so why waste time and effort in your creative thinking period?
• Write Easier Parts First: Begin with the experimental section, and then move to results and discussion.

Editing Phase:

• Critical Analysis: Transform your first draft into clear and coherent English, ensuring scientific accuracy.
• Write Conclusions: Summarize findings in a numbered format.
• Craft Introduction: Explain the purpose and relevant background of the study.
• Collect References: Gather them at the end to maintain flow.

Finalization Phase:

• Comply with Journal Guidelines: Review manuscript requirements for your targeted journal.
• Write a Strong Abstract and a catching title: The abstract targets readers who have not read the paper. This can be crucial as some editors may judge the paper based on this alone. Also, most readers will search and check this first; if it is written well, it’ll attract much more reads and citations.

Understanding the Publication Process – Selecting Suitable Journals, Dealing with Rejections, etc.