Thread by @scientistswrite

As an academic writing coach, here are the 9 mistakes I see PhD and grad students make when writing scientific papers.

A thread. 🧵

#PhDchat #ECRchat

#1: Thinking it’s laziness when you are procrastinating on your paper

🦥 Most PhD students procrastinate writing their paper (aka have ‘blank page syndrome’) not because they are lazy but because they don’t know where to start tackling this overwhelming project.

#2: Starting to write your paper by “writing”

📋 The first step of writing a paper isn’t to type out full sentences. It’s more efficient to first develop your story and create a good outline so writing just becomes filling in the gaps.

#3: Trying to make your sentences perfect in your first draft

🤓 If you keep deleting what you have written, you won’t get a lot of text on the page. The goal isn’t to get every sentence, every word right from the beginning but to refine your paper through editing.

#4: Accepting edits from your PI without understanding them

🖍️ Critical feedback from your supervisor can feel discouraging but it really is an opportunity to learn. So, ask for the reasons of edits and rewrites so you can refine your writing skills one iterations at a time.

#5: Trying to tell a story in your paper without knowing that really means

🎬 Ever been instructed by your supervisor to “tell a story” in your paper without getting a definition on what that means? Ask them for feedback on your story board so you are on the same page!

#6: Underestimating how long writing tasks take

⏱️ As a rule of thumb, quadruple the time you think you need to get any writing-related task done. And start using a time tracker so you have data on how much time each step takes going forward.

#7: Asking for feedback too late

💬 It’s a waste of time for your supervisor to correct a fully completed draft as the first touch point. Agree on the story and outline of each section before your start writing.

#8: Thinking your supervisor has the writing process figured out

🤫 If you feel like your PI isn’t giving away their secrets, it’s likely because they just don’t know how to teach you! The truth is, few researchers rely on an efficient process to write a successful paper.

#9: Not asking for writing training

💰 If you feel under-skilled at writing, ask your PI, department or grad school for funding to take a scientific writing course. Many universities have funding available for professional development, you just have to make the ask!

TL; DR: 9 mistakes I see PhD students make when writing their scientific paper (1/3)

#1: Thinking it’s laziness when you are procrastinating
#2: Starting to write your paper by “writing”
#3: Trying to make your sentences perfect in your first draft

TL; DR: 9 mistakes I see PhD students make when writing their scientific paper (2/3)

#4: Accepting edits from your PI without understanding them
#5: Trying to tell a story in your paper without knowing that really means
#6: Underestimating how long writing tasks take

TL; DR: 9 mistakes I see PhD students make when writing their scientific paper (3/3)

#7: Asking for feedback too late
#8: Thinking your supervisor has the writing process figured out
#9: Not asking for writing training

If you found this thread helpful and would like to learn a streamlined process to write papers that get published, this free training will be ideal! 👇✨

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