Write Paper

Output: A working bibliography and a one-paragraph positioning statement (what's known, what's missing, what this paper adds).

Phase 2: Structure & Outline

Goal: Choose a structure and map your argument before writing prose.

1. Select the paper type and structure. For detailed section guidance, see structure.md.
   • Empirical/experimental: IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion)
   • Review/survey: Thematic sections
   • Case study/report: CARE-compliant narrative
   • Position/commentary: Argument-driven
2. Create a section-by-section outline. For each section, note the key points, evidence, and sources.
3. Plan tables and figures before prose. Each must earn its place — no decorative visuals.
4. Present the outline for review before drafting.

Output: Annotated outline with section skeleton, planned figures/tables, and evidence mapping.

Phase 3: Drafting

Goal: Write the paper, section by section, in an order that builds momentum.

Recommended writing order (not mandatory — adapt to your situation):

1. Methods — Write what you did. Concrete, reproducible, past tense.
2. Results — Write what you found. Let the data speak; save interpretation for Discussion.
3. Introduction — Now that you know what you found, frame the problem and state the contribution.
4. Discussion — Interpret results, compare with prior work, acknowledge limitations, state implications.
5. Conclusion — Concise synthesis. What should the reader remember?
6. Abstract — Write last. 150-300 words, self-contained, no citations. Must cover: background, purpose, methods, key findings, conclusion.
7. Title — Specific, informative, concise. Avoid clever-but-vague titles.

While drafting:

• Cite sources inline as you write. Don't leave citation placeholders for later.
• Maintain a consistent voice and register throughout.
• Every paragraph should advance the argument. If it doesn't, cut it or move it.
• Avoid hedging without reason and asserting without evidence.

Phase 4: Quality & Submission

Goal: Ensure the paper meets publication standards and prepare submission artifacts.

Three revision passes

1. Structure & argument: Does the paper tell one coherent story? Does each section do its job? Are there logical gaps or redundancies?
2. Clarity & style: Is each sentence clear? Cut jargon, passive voice, and unnecessary words. Read aloud if uncertain.
3. Grammar & polish: Spelling, punctuation, reference formatting, figure/table numbering.

Pre-submission checklist

See checklist.md for the full checklist. Key items:

• Every claim is backed by evidence or citation
• No orphan references (cited but not in bibliography, or vice versa)
• Figures and tables are referenced in text and have self-explanatory captions
• Appropriate reporting guidelines followed (CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA, CARE)
• Ethics declarations, conflicts of interest, data availability statements
• Author contributions statement

Submission artifacts

• Cover letter: Why this journal, what the paper contributes, why it matters to this readership.
• Keywords: 3-6, specific enough to aid discovery.
• Highlights/key points: If the journal requires them, 3-5 bullet points.

Responding to peer review

When revision requests arrive:

1. Read all reviews before responding to any.
2. Create a point-by-point response document. For each comment: quote the reviewer, state what you changed (or why you didn't), reference the specific manuscript location.
3. Be respectful and substantive. Disagree with evidence, not defensiveness.
4. Track changes in the manuscript so reviewers can see what moved.

Principles

• The paper's job is to advance knowledge, not to be long. Every sentence earns its place.
• Write for your reviewers. They are experts who are busy. Make their job easy.
• Honest limitations strengthen a paper. Acknowledge what you didn't or couldn't do.
• Structure is a gift to the reader. Follow conventions unless you have a good reason not to.