Description
Book SynopsisThe new edition of this best-selling guide has been thoroughly updated for today's digital world, covering all aspects of the writing process and now including extensive coverage of ethical issues, including plagiarism. It offers a rich blend of practical advice, abundant examples from actual manuscripts, and hands-on exercises.
Trade ReviewReview of previous edition: '… does not disappoint. It is everything a 'how to' book needs to be, stuffed with plain common sense and sprinkled with useful tips.' The Biologist
Review of previous edition: '… strongly recommended for all geoscientists. There are three possible ways to use it. The first is to read it as a normal book from the first page to the last … The second way is to use it as a reference … The third way is … as a textbook … Despite of what way to choose, you will find this book always very suitable. Reading of any passage is enjoyable and stimulating. The book … is a great success …' Zentralblatt for Geologie und Palaeontologie
Review of previous edition: 'This book is beyond reproach and should be regarded as compulsory reading for all biomedical and science undergraduate and postgraduate students and all others likely to have to write or edit scientific reports.' Times Higher Education Supplement
Review of previous edition: '… very well organized and easy to scan for useful tips … will soon become one of the more well-thumbed volumes on our laboratory bookshelf.' Trends in Neuroscience
Review of previous edition: '… pragmatic, well-written and comprehensive … each stage - from marshalling ideas through bashing out a first draft, revising it, honing it for publication and correcting it in proof - is demystified with exercises and examples.' New Scientist
Review of previous edition: '… an excellent, well-organised text that will ensure that aspiring authors who use it will find that writing can be a joy, rather than a burden.' British Journal of Biomedical Science
Review of previous edition: '… a tightly written compendium of good advice, helpful examples and exercises, and a thorough coverage of topics, supported amply by references to other works … an excellent book and … a necessity for every research department and scientific/medical library.' American Entomologist
'Successful Scientific Writing is a must-read for all scientists. It will be especially valuable for the first-time author of a scientific paper. It is indeed 'a step-by-step guide' - a comprehensive, straightforward walk through the writing process. The book's greatest strength is its distillation of information that could only have come from the practical experience of its authors. It is packed with advice on every aspect of writing the scientific paper. The section on improving 'anyone's scientific writing skills' alone is well worth the price. As a teacher of scientific writing I have used the previous editions of this book for years, and look forward to using the fourth edition as well.' Marguerite Meitzler, Council of Science Editors, Colorado
'… as it walks the reader through the steps necessary to produce strong writing, [this book] includes lots of information about online writing, ethics and (perhaps most timely of all), plagiarism. Absolutely essential for everyone who writes about science or medicine.' GrrlScientist, The Guardian
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Start with a plan; 2. Conduct a comprehensive literature search; 3. Prepare for the challenge; 4. Begin well; 5. Compose the IMRAD core of a strong first draft; 6. Assemble the rest of the first draft; 7. Compile tables to develop, clarify, and support your narrative; 8. Include figures for evidence, efficiency, or emphasis; 9. Report numbers clearly and responsibly; 10. Revise for coherence; 11. Improve style and syntax; 12. Improve word choice; 13. Attend to punctuation, capitalization, and other mechanics; 14. Address your ethical and legal responsibilities; 15. Oral presentation: adapt the text and visuals; 16. Share your story in public: presenting talks and posters; 17. Publication: the rest of the story; Thirty exercises to improve anyone's scientific writing skills; Selected resources; Index.
