Writing Science: How to Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded

by Joshua Schimel

Overview

As a scientist, you are a professional writer: your career is built on successful proposals and papers. Success isn't defined by getting papers into print, but by getting them into the reader's consciousness. Writing Science is built upon the idea that successful science writing tells a story. It uses that insight to discuss how to write more effectively. Integrating lessons from other genres of writing with those from the author's years of experience as author, reviewer, and editor, the book shows scientists and students how to present their research in a way that is clear and that will maximize reader comprehension.

The book takes an integrated approach, using the principles of story structure to discuss every aspect of successful science writing, from the overall structure of a paper or proposal to individual sections, paragraphs, sentences, and words. It begins by building core arguments, analyzing why some stories are engaging and memorable while others are quickly forgotten, and proceeds to the elements of story structure, showing how the structures scientists and researchers use in papers and proposals fit into classical models. The book targets the internal structure of a paper, explaining how to write clear and professional sections, paragraphs, and sentences in a way that is clear and compelling. The ideas within a paper should flow seamlessly, drawing readers along. The final section of the book deals with special challenges, such as how to discuss research limitations and how to write for the public.

Writing Science is a much-needed guide to succeeding in modern science. Its insights and strategies will equip science students, scientists, and professionals across a wide range of scientific and technical fields with the tools needed to communicate effectively.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199760244
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/29/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	496,845
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Joshua Schimel is Chair of the Environmental Studies Program and Professor Professor of Soil and Ecosystem Ecology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a leading environmental scientist, studying how soil processes regulate ecosystems and the earth's climate. He has authored over 100 papers and has served on panels for the National Science Foundation, NASA, and other agencies.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Writing in science
2 Science writing as story telling
3 Making a story sticky
4 Story Structure
5 The Opening
6 The Funnel: connecting O and C
7 The Challenge
8 The Action
9 The Resolution
10 Internal Structure
11 Paragraphs
12 Sentences
13 Developing flow
14 Energizing writing
15 Words
16 Condensing
17 Putting it all together: real editing
18 Dealing with limitations
19 Writing global science
20 Writing for the public
21 Resolution
App. A: My Answers to Exercises
App. B: Resources

Editorial Reviews

"The book is well produced ... [and] could form a solid basis for a scientific writing course." —Ecology

From the Publisher