Writing is hard. Writing concisely is especially hard yet it’s a crucial skill for scientists to develop.
This past winter, I wrote a paper to help: “Simple rules for concise scientific writing”
It’s now out and #OpenAccess: aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.10…
A thread... 1/18
This past winter, I wrote a paper to help: “Simple rules for concise scientific writing”
It’s now out and #OpenAccess: aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.10…
A thread... 1/18
“I am writing a longer letter than usual because there is not enough time to write a short one.”
--Blaise Pascal (ca. 1657)
This quote sums it up! Concise writing takes time. You have to *work* at it.
2/18
--Blaise Pascal (ca. 1657)
This quote sums it up! Concise writing takes time. You have to *work* at it.
2/18
So, what does it mean to write concisely?
It means you are clearly giving the reader all of the information they need in as few words as possible. You're being brief but comprehensive. Not trivial, huh?
But, we can make it easier. Let's go through some "rules."
3/18
It means you are clearly giving the reader all of the information they need in as few words as possible. You're being brief but comprehensive. Not trivial, huh?
But, we can make it easier. Let's go through some "rules."
3/18
So, Rule #1: Take writing seriously.
Spend time on it, read good writers (including non-science!), learn, listen, practice. Rinse and repeat. Like anything, writing is a trainable skill. It just takes putting in the work, being humble, and listening to those around you.
4/18
Spend time on it, read good writers (including non-science!), learn, listen, practice. Rinse and repeat. Like anything, writing is a trainable skill. It just takes putting in the work, being humble, and listening to those around you.
4/18
#2 – Identify and stick to your message.
Early in the process, ask yourself: what is the goal of this paper (or email, grant, etc.)? Try to summarize it in a few sentences. Once set, every paragraph, sentence, etc. should flow from that overarching goal.
5/18
Early in the process, ask yourself: what is the goal of this paper (or email, grant, etc.)? Try to summarize it in a few sentences. Once set, every paragraph, sentence, etc. should flow from that overarching goal.
5/18
#3 – Get to the point.
That’s all. Just get on with it. Everyone will be happier if you do.
6/18
That’s all. Just get on with it. Everyone will be happier if you do.
6/18
#4 – Keep your Methods and Results contained.
This goes for other sections too, but it’s especially common to see authors re-hashing their results in the Discussion or re-describing why/how they used a method outside of the appropriate section. Don’t do that.
7/18
This goes for other sections too, but it’s especially common to see authors re-hashing their results in the Discussion or re-describing why/how they used a method outside of the appropriate section. Don’t do that.
7/18
#5 – Don't repeat yourself.
Building on #4, a redundant paper will annoy your reader and make your work seem lazy. Read (and re-read!) your writing with a specific eye towards cutting repetitive text or ideas. If you think you're being redundant, you probably are.
8/18
Building on #4, a redundant paper will annoy your reader and make your work seem lazy. Read (and re-read!) your writing with a specific eye towards cutting repetitive text or ideas. If you think you're being redundant, you probably are.
8/18
#6 – Avoid unnecessary or inefficient “lead-ins.”
e.g., Wilson et al. (1996) recently showed that...
Those 7 words just delay your message. Ditch the setup and put (Wilson et al. 1996) at the end. You’ve cut 3 words! Other examples below:
9/18
e.g., Wilson et al. (1996) recently showed that...
Those 7 words just delay your message. Ditch the setup and put (Wilson et al. 1996) at the end. You’ve cut 3 words! Other examples below:
9/18
#7 – Use first-person, active voice.
We analyzed the data. We wrote the paper. Our results show...
It’s more direct, generally tighter, and almost always more interesting/easier to follow.
10/18
We analyzed the data. We wrote the paper. Our results show...
It’s more direct, generally tighter, and almost always more interesting/easier to follow.
10/18
#8 – Remove unnecessary words.
This is a big one. Once you start looking, you’ll see extra words *everywhere*. Qualifiers (very, sort of, etc.), multi-word phrases that can be condensed (e.g., "as well as" = "and"), and transitions (moreover, thus). CUT THEM! It's fun.
11/18
This is a big one. Once you start looking, you’ll see extra words *everywhere*. Qualifiers (very, sort of, etc.), multi-word phrases that can be condensed (e.g., "as well as" = "and"), and transitions (moreover, thus). CUT THEM! It's fun.
11/18
#9 – Simplify your language.
Once you’ve cut the extra words, move on to cutting extra syllables. Why *utilize* something when you can *use* it? It doesn’t hurt that shorter words are usually easier to understand too.
12/18
Once you’ve cut the extra words, move on to cutting extra syllables. Why *utilize* something when you can *use* it? It doesn’t hurt that shorter words are usually easier to understand too.
12/18
#10 – Seek and embrace feedback.
This is probably the most important rule in this thread. We are typically blind to issues in our own writing until someone points them out. These people are heroes. I mean, it hurts in the short-term (that’s okay!)...
13/18
This is probably the most important rule in this thread. We are typically blind to issues in our own writing until someone points them out. These people are heroes. I mean, it hurts in the short-term (that’s okay!)...
13/18
...but a colleague once told me their motto: “friends don’t let friends publish shit.” Honest, constructive feedback is absolute gold. When it's offered to you, you must take it seriously and *actually* make changes.
14/18
14/18
With that said, you aren’t going to magically receive great feedback. The process starts with you and how you approach it. When you ask people for help, you need to meet them halfway. Be kind. Listen. Acknowledge their efforts.
15/18
15/18
But also don't take it too hard or personally. If someone spent a ton of time on your paper, it's highly unlikely that they did so just to be a jerk. They *want* you to succeed. Embrace that. Know that everyone needs an editor. You aren't alone.
16/18
16/18
So, that’s it! Simple rules for making your writing more concise. I hope they help!
I’ll put the full list again below.
PDF 🔗: aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.10…
17/18
I’ll put the full list again below.
PDF 🔗: aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.10…
17/18
And last but not least, a shoutout to mentors who have made my writing better along the way: @weisrock, @streambug, @joannalkelley, Art Woods – and those that gave crucial feedback on this piece: @PlanktonChem, @CrowderLabWSU, @DrCloern, @PASmsu2. You all are the best. 🍻
