Chapter 11: Writing for Publication

Writers and potential authors may sometimes perceive many obstacles to writing for publication. Such obstacles include a lack of time, fear of rejection, not being sure where to start, or the overall length of the process. However, writing for publication can be a very rewarding experience. There are several reasons to consider writing for publication because it provides opportunities to:

• Contribute to the knowledge base to improve the delivery of patient care.
• Share knowledge with a worldwide professional community.
• Advance the practice of WOC nursing and the overall nursing profession.
• Provide pilot information for larger studies and product development.
• Disseminate research findings to a global audience.
• Advance an individual WOC nurse's career.
• Create a permanent record of WOC nursing practice.
• Gain professional and personal recognition and credit for ideas and contributions.

This chapter discusses the planning, preparation, and process for submitting a manuscript for publication. Also, the common types of articles that WOC nurses might consider writing are described.

Planning for Success

Writing starts with an idea, and every journal values original data. Preparation and planning are keys to developing a successful publication (Gray, 2010). When writing for publication, it is important to determine the type of article and the purpose and make a brief outline of the key content areas to include. To choose the appropriate journal for the article, consider the target audience that will have an interest in your information (eg, general nursing audience, WOC nurses, home health care, acute care). After you have a general idea of the content and purpose of the article, choose a journal that is the best match for your information and check the guidelines and instructions for authors of that particular journal.

Novice writers

New authors can gain helpful information to assist them in writing by reviewing articles, such as those by Moos (2011) and Redmond (2002), about writing for publication and how to simplify the writing process. Also, seeking a mentor or coach for guidance can help make writing for publication a reality for the novice (Moos, 2011; Redmond, 2002).

For the WOC nurse who is a novice at writing for publication, a good place to start is with the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing (JWOCN). The JWOCN is the professional journal of the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society, which seeks contributions from its members and has several types of articles that it publishes on a regular basis from experienced authors as well as novices. The JWOCN seeks clinically based and professional practice manuscripts related to WOC nursing practice, administration, and education. Original research reports, review articles, clinical series, and case presentations are welcome.

Author guidelines

“Information for Authors” is included in most journals or on their Web sites. For example, the JWOCN provides information for authors in each print issue and online (JWOCN, 2012). Some journals publish this information once or twice per year. It is important to meticulously follow the reference style specified in the author instructions as well as other guidelines including:

• Preferred topics.
• Overall format for the title page, abstract, and manuscript.
• Page limits.
• Specific instructions for research reports, case studies, and literature reviews.
• Format for spacing, tables, figures, legends, and style of references.
• Submission process: the number of copies to be submitted and options for electronic submissions.
• Process for editing and review of the manuscript.

Preparation

Before preparing and submitting a manuscript to a professional journal, it is helpful to consider the following questions regarding your topic and manuscript:

• Does the manuscript topic match the stated goals of this publication?
• Does the writing style of the manuscript match articles published in recent issues of the journal? (Many journals, including the JWOCN, have special features that offer an alternative format for novice authors or for persons seeking unique formats to share information and knowledge.)
• Has the journal recently published a similar manuscript related to the topic?
• Is this a professional journal or magazine?
• Will the manuscript be reviewed by experts in the field? (All professional journals should be peer reviewed.)
• Does the publication intersperse advertisements throughout the content pages? (A professional journal does not allow placement of advertisements within its content pages.)

Query letter

A query letter can be sent to a journal's editor if the author is unsure of the appropriateness of a manuscript for that journal or if the journal has recently published a manuscript with a similar topic. A query letter should contain an abstract, summary, or outline of the proposed (or completed) manuscript. The grammar, style, and appearance of the query letter are important because they are the editor's first impression of the author.

Types of Articles

There are many different types of articles, and journals vary in what they accept. WOC nurses should consider developing the type of article that best meets their interests and abilities.

Some nurses are able to successfully convert an academic paper to an article. This could be from a paper that was developed for an advanced degree, thesis, or dissertation. The paper could be a review article or a research report. It is not always easy to turn a student paper into a journal article. A journal article is often different from a student paper in terms of length and detail, depth of methodological discussion, language and style, interest value of the topic, and the target audience (Webb, 2009). Therefore, as previously mentioned, it is important to review the publisher's guidelines in advance and query the journal's editor if there are questions about the suitability of the planned manuscript for publication. The following discussion provides an overview of common types of articles (Gray, 2010; JWOCN, 2012).

Clinical challenge articles/case studies

Ideas can come from posters presented at conferences, discussion on a forum, or day-to-day practice; it does not need to be research based. You can base your article on your own clinical experiences and everyday observations. Write it up as a single case study or series of cases. Readers like to hear about everyday clinical issues. The content outline for this type of feature includes the following elements:

• Structured abstract. Introduce the problem in 3 to 6 sentences, telling the reader why this is a problem and why this is clinically relevant; give the background (1–2 sentences), describing the clinical issue or technique; describe the case (2–4 sentences); and provide a conclusion (1–2 sentences), describing the main points.
• Introduction. Include the problem or need with the approach or technique that was used to solve the problem or meet the need. Tell the readers why you found the approach or technique useful and include a reference if needed.
• Case. Describe 1 or more cases that illustrate the point of your article. This can be 3 to 5 paragraphs or 5 pages or more. Be sure to describe the WOC nursing interventions in detail, list products, and tell readers how each case contributed to your point. This does not need to include an extensive, comprehensive literature review.
• Discussion. Begin with a brief discussion of the underlying problem and then explain how your innovation or approach compares to “traditional” or “typical” care. Include other published examples (if available) of the approach that you used. Figures are highly encouraged. If including images, use the highest-resolution possible and save the images as tiff files, not jpegs. The length should be about 1 to 3 pages.
• Conclusion. In a single paragraph (2–3 sentences), state the most important points readers should remember.
• References. Use the reference citation style specified for the journal.

Review articles

Literature review articles are useful resources for readers because they summarize existing knowledge and research about a topic and help identify knowledge gaps to stimulate future research (Webb, 2009). A review article can be an integrative review or a systematic review.

Integrative review

A narrative or integrative review is less systematic and inclusive and might include qualitative as well as quantitative studies. A traditional review paper includes an unstructured abstract, 2 to 3 sentences introducing the topic, 1 to 2 sentences providing a rationale/why the topic is important, and concludes with a final sentence beginning with “This article will review….” The remainder of the article is structured as Introduction, subheads, and Conclusion. The inclusion of tables, figures, and boxes is encouraged to enhance the text.

Systematic review

A systematic review uses a highly structured format and process. It is a type of research project and most often focuses on quantitative studies (Webb, 2009). It is important to put the words “systematic review” in your title. The format for a systematic review includes the following content:

• Unstructured abstract. Three to 6 sentences that state the question and tell the readers why you are doing the review. Describe your methods of review in 1 to 2 sentences and state the major findings in 1 to 2 sentences.
• Introduction. About 3 paragraphs describing the underlying condition/disorder. End this section with a statement about why this review is needed. Include a review of literature, which includes recent articles and latest editions of core textbooks.
• Methods. This is a critical element. List the specific databases that were searched and the methods (ie, search terms) used, the years searched, and the inclusion and exclusion criteria for selecting studies for the review. Describe the review process and how the evidence was ranked. There are several systems used to grade the strength of scientific evidence. In a project by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 26 systems were identified and described for rating the strength of scientific evidence (West et al., 2002).
• Study narrative. Consider using the Evidence Based Report Cards published in JWOCN as a template for this portion of the manuscript. Include a table summarizing the studies that were included.
• Evidence ranking. The evidence rankings can be bulleted or placed in a box.
• Clinical implications. A statement recommending how practice should be maintained or changed based on this evidence.
• Conclusion. A single paragraph, 2 to 3 sentences, restating the most important points readers should remember.
• References. Follow the style for reference citations as specified by the journal.

Research reports

Articles reporting data from original research studies receive the highest priority for publication. IMRAD is a standard format for presenting research reports: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (American Psychological Association [APA], 2010). The article also includes an abstract, a conclusion, references, tables, and appendices, as needed. Follow the IMRAD formula and write in the following order:

• Introduction. Three to 5 paragraphs addressing the underlying problem. The last paragraph should state the research aims you addressed: It should persuade readers to read the article.
• Materials and methods. What you did, describe how subjects were chosen, how you collected data, and any instruments used. The study must have been through an institutional review board review.
• Results. What happened? What are the findings and results? Briefly present the data analysis (eg, 1 paragraph); seek assistance from your statistician as needed to write this section.
• Discussion. What did it mean? Summarize findings in a single paragraph. Compare your findings to that of others. References to other published literature are essential. Include 1 to 2 paragraphs describing the clinical implications. Insert a single paragraph addressing the study's limitations.
• Conclusion. A single paragraph, 2 to 3 sentences, restating the most important points readers should remember.
• References. Follow the style for reference citations as specified by the journal.

Structured abstract

Check the word-limit requirements for abstracts of the journal to which you are submitting the article. While the abstract will be placed at the beginning of the manuscript, it is often written last to ensure consistency with the final content. The basic components of the abstract for a research report include the following content:

• Purpose: One to 2 sentences why you conducted the study.
• Subjects and setting: Two to 3 sentences describing the research participants and the setting.
• Methods: One sentence summarizing the design; 3 to 5 sentences describing what you did.
• Results: Three to 5 sentences describing the most important findings.
• Conclusions: One to 2 sentences telling readers the take-home message of your study.

Some journals, including the JWOCN, specify that reports of research trials follow the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement, which is used worldwide to improve the reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs; Schulz, Altman, & Moher, 2010). The CONSORT Statement is an evidence-based set of recommendations for reporting RCTs. It provides a standard way for authors to prepare reports of RCT results to facilitate complete and transparent reporting. It also aids in critical appraisal and interpretation of results. Additional information about the CONSORT Statement can be accessed at the Website: http://www.consort-statement.org.

Submitting a Manuscript

Authors should format and organize the manuscript to enhance clarity and readability, peer review, editing, and final printing (APA, 2010). Most journals have specific criteria for the preferred structure or format including typeface and font size, spacing, margins, placement of tables or figures, etc. It is the responsibility of the author(s) to adhere to ethical and legal standards for scholarly publications and to comply with policies established by the publisher. These standards include ethical conduct of research, avoiding conflict of interest and bias in publication, properly citing references, and obtaining permission for using materials from other sources to avoid plagiarism or copyright violations (APA, 2010).

A title page is generally required to accompany the manuscript. The title page commonly includes the complete title of the manuscript, author(s) names, credentials, and affiliations, name and address for the key contact for correspondence, address for reprints, and acknowledgement of all sources of funding or support that require disclosure. Some thought and attention should be given when choosing the final title of the manuscript. The title should be clear, descriptive, and informative. The title should also contain the essential key words that readers might use as search terms when looking for information about a specific topic (Webb, 2009).

Some journals also request that the authors develop a separate list of 3 to 5 key learning points that readers should derive from the article. The list of the key points is generally placed before the reference list in the manuscript (JWOCN, 2012).

Final touches

Before final submission of the manuscript, check the accuracy of spelling, page numbers and running heads, and references. The references in the final reference list should be the same as those cited in the article, and, conversely, you should not have citations in the body of the article that are not in the final reference list (Webb, 2009).

Check the publisher's preferred method for submission of the manuscript (eg, print copy by regular mail, e-mail, or online submission to a Web site). In the final submission, include a cover letter to the publisher to provide the following information:

• A list of authors and credentials.
• Contact information for future correspondence.
• A brief overview of the manuscript.
• A statement that the manuscript is original, has not been previously published, and is not under current consideration by another journal.
• Inform the editor of any similar publications by the author(s).
• Copies of permissions if reprinting or adapting the work of others.

General Publishing Tips

Publication is important for WOC nurses to share knowledge and build the evidence that can benefit others and improve practice. Following is a list of general tips for preparing and writing for publication (Brink & Wood, 2001; Webb, 2009; WOCN Society, 2005):

• Start your publishing career with a report of a single case study or case series for a “challenges in practice” article. These manuscript styles are often less demanding than that for an original research report or a literature review and help the novice author gain experience and confidence.
• Decide on the manuscript style and outline your work before beginning the manuscript. Follow a conventional format for the article as recommended in author guidelines for the journal.
• Use language that is easily understood; write with the active voice unless reviewing the previous work completed by others.
• Ask a colleague to review the manuscript (eg, looking for style, grammar).
• If writing for the first time, contact the editorial office of the journal where you plan to submit your manuscript for questions about development of the manuscript. As previously mentioned, most journals provide author guidelines. For example, JWOCN (2012) provides extensive information (eg, instructions for authors, author tutorial, revision guidelines) on its Web site to assist authors in preparing and submitting manuscripts.
• Obtain any needed permissions to reprint reproduce tables, figures, photos, protocols, or large amounts of information from other sources.
• Submit your article to only one journal at a time. If that journal refuses, you may then submit to another.
• Be prepared to revise your manuscript. Most journals request revision for more than 90% of the papers submitted for publication. Revision is a normal part of the publication process.
• Do not interpret critique of your manuscript as a personal attack. Journals vary widely in their approach to manuscript revision, and some critiques can appear harsh. JWOCN and other peer-reviewed journals provide authors with a summary of comments from the reviewers and work with authors to develop manuscripts that positively reflect authors' knowledge and expertise in the published word.
• Respond promptly to page proofs from the editorial office of the journal and read the page proofs very carefully for content and accuracy. All revisions must be completed prior to the final review and preparation of the galley proof, immediately prior to publication.

Conclusion

It is important that WOC nurses share their knowledge and expertise with other WOC nurses and other health care providers to advance the science and art of practice. There are multiple opportunities for WOC nurses to publish and present about their practice or research. For experienced as well as novice authors, the key to success in publishing is planning and preparation, which includes careful attention to the author guidelines from the journal or publisher where they plan to submit the manuscript.

References

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Brink, P., & Wood, P. (2001). Basic steps in planning nursing research: From question to proposal (5th ed). Boston, MA: Jones & Bartlett.

Gray, M. (2010, June 14). Turn your idea into a successful article: How to get published. The WOCN/WCET Joint Conference, Phoenix, AZ.

Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing. (2012). JWOCN online submission and review system. Retrieved November 2012 from http://www.editorialmanager.com/jwocn

Moos, D. D. (2011). Novice authors … What you need to know to make writing for publication smooth. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 26(5), 352–356. doi:10.1016/j.jopan.2011.05.007

Redmond, M. C. (2002). Simplifying the writing process for the novice writer. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 17(5), 310–317. doi:10.1053/jpan.2002.35368

Schulz, K. F., Altman, D. G., & Moher, D. (2010). CONSORT 2010 statement: Updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomized trials. Annals of Internal Medicine, 152(11), 726–732.

Webb, C. (2009). Writing for publication. Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved November 2012 from http://www.nurseauthoreditor.com/WritingforPublication2009.pdf

West, S., King, V., Carey, T. S., Lohr, K. N., McKoy, N., Sutton, S. F., & Lux, L. (2002). Systems to rate the strength of scientific evidence (Evidence Report Technology Assessment No. 47, AHRQ Publication No. 02-E016). Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (Prepared by the Research Triangle Institute-University of North Carolina Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 290-97-0011.) Retrieved November 2012 from http://www.thecre.com/pdf/ahrq-system-strength.pdf

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (2005). Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society professional practice manual. Mt. Laurel, NJ: Author.