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Planning/writing your paper
Abstract (in HR, extended abstract)
• Apart from title, it will be the most widely read part when published, so deserves special attention and care
• Also this is the first bit the reviewer will read so is likely to determine his/her mindset (ie. your chance to get them on your side!)
• Must reflect the whole paper, but disproportionately the results (the data not the interpretation)
• Start long and then progressively cut down
• Stick to the storyline. Emphasize novelty
• Scene-setting intro, methods (how) and main results (those that determine the conclusions), what it all means
Manuscript refinement
• Get a number of colleagues to read and comment on your paper - they don’t need to be experts
• They will spot weaknesses, gaps, poor/over-complex writing. Their input is invaluable and indispensible!
• Take all of their comments on board - treat them like a reviewer
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PRECONGRESS COURSE 13 I BARCELONA, SPAIN – 1 JULY 2018 79