Effective research writing tips and advice

Author: Christabell Ndive

Getting your research published places you firmly on the path to a successful academic career. However, reaching this milestone relies not only on the quality of your work, but on the way you present it. Effective writing is key to transforming your hard work into a successful book. It’s a skillset every author needs to acquire, which is perfectly possible with careful planning.

Angelika Bammer and Ruth-Ellen Boetcher Joeres, editors of The Future of Scholarly Writing: Critical Interventions, are successful research writers. With years of experience behind them, they share their advice here with soon-to-be authors.

Writing is a craft – take it seriously

Writing is just as important as doing the research itself. The easier (and more enjoyable) you can make it for the reader, the greater your chances are that an editor, a journalist or the general public will pick your book up and pay it the attention it deserves.

Writing effectively is not an easy task. In fact it’s positively daunting. But with the right approach, you can convey your message and ideas powerfully and make your work stand out from the crowd. It may not come easily to you, but remember that writing is an art, not only a means to an end but to be enjoyed in its own right.

As Angelika Bammer and Ruth-Ellen Boetcher Joeres say, while there is no recipe for good or effective writing, some ways are better than others. So let’s explore what you need to consider when getting your writing into shape – investing a moment or two in this now will pay off down the line.

Prepare the foundations…

First of all, before you start writing there are fundamental, practical considerations to bear in mind.

• Focus on the big picture: Why are you writing this book, and what is the main contribution it will make to your field?
• Who are you writing it for: What are their expectations, and what are their needs that you’re addressing?
• Create a clear and logical structure: This allows the reader to be guided through your research and accompanying evidence. Each and every chapter should have a similarly clear and focused approach.
• Aim for clarity: Keep it simple, accurate and unambiguous, and your ideas and your voice will shine through.
• Don’t forget the basics: Grammar, punctuation, and citations are important. Cite your sources and list your references accurately.
• Revise and edit your manuscript: Do this as many times as it takes, and proofread. Take a fresh look at the structure, style, accuracy and coherence. Does it flow well? Is it compelling?
• Don’t work in isolation: Keep yourself on track as you write by revisiting these points on a regular basis. Turning complex research into an accessible and engaging narrative requires considerable focus.  

Lastly, but crucially, let’s explore the writing itself. After all, you’re speaking directly to your readers so how you do this really matters.

Talk to your community. Request feedback and support at every stage from peers, colleagues, reviewers and editors.  

Language matters… 

There’s more to writing engagingly and effectively than straightforward hints and tips. Writing is as much a form of inquiry as a means of presenting your work, so use it to let the intellectual and creative potential of your work unfold. If you do, your writing will be stronger - more productive, effective, and sustainable.

“It’s important to ensure your writing is generative”  

- Angelika Bammer and Ruth-Ellen Boetcher Joeres

Ask yourself questions…

Angelika and Ruth-Ellen recommend thinking about what and how you would like to write, rather than what you think is expected of you. Your writing then becomes part of your overall thought process, and not just a vessel for your research results.

• You can use your writing to do things, so think about what you want it to do. What do you want to come out of your work?
• Think about how you would write if you weren’t afraid of getting it wrong or offending convention. Telling the truth as you really see it, or experimenting with new ideas, might alter the way you write for the better.
• The possibilities of language are enormous, so use it and make it work for you. Better quality writing takes language seriously, avoiding shortcuts such as cliches and industry jargon. Demonstrate your own thinking, not that of others, and your work will be richer and more sustainable. 
• Remember that you are the author and creator of what you write. Take responsibility for this and reflect on the impact of your writing on you and on others, your readers.
• Writing is fun, so enjoy it! It’s an art, so find the pleasure in the poetry and music of what you’re creating. It’ll make your work a richer and more effective reading experience.

“Think about what a reader hears as they read your words, writing that asks: are you there, are you listening, I have things to say and I want to know how you will respond.” 

- Angelika Bammer and Ruth-Ellen Boetcher Joeres

Are you starting out on writing up your research? Springer Nature offers a wide range of help and advice, including a popular free mini-course on book publishing. Even if you’ve already published a book, this course is an invaluable resource rounding up all the essential details for a smoother publishing journey.