Writing for Academic Journals (Study Skills)

Murray, Rowena

ISBN 10: 0335213928 / ISBN 13: 9780335213924

Published by Open University Press, 2004

Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL10376203

Synopsis:

• What does publishing in academic journals involve?

• What constitutes good academic writing?

• What is a productive academic writing process?

This book unpacks the process of writing academic papers. It tells readers what good papers look like and how they can be written.

Busy academics must develop productive writing practices quickly. No one has time for trial and error. To pass external tests of research output we must write to a high standard while juggling other professional tasks. This may mean changing writing behaviours.

Writing for Academic Journals draws on current research and theory to provide new knowledge on writing across the disciplines. Drawing on her extensive experience of running writing workshops and working closely with academics on developing writing, Rowena Murray offers a host of practical and tested strategies for good academic writing:

• Providing more than ‘hints and tips’, this book helps readers develop understanding of how writing happens, what good writing looks and feels like, what gets published and what does not and why
• Combines all dimensions involved in writing: rhetorical, behavioural and psycho-social
• Analyses successful published examples
• Uses boxes, checklists and bullets to vary the pace of reading and facilitate learning of key points
• Makes it clear why some practices fail and others succeed
• Helps academics and aspiring academics overcome writing barriers and blocks.

This jargon free, user-friendly book is essential for the desk of every academic, postgraduate student and researcher for whom publication is an indicator of the quality of their work and ability.

Reviews and endorsements:

This approach provides scientists with a systematic step-by-step method of producing a paper for publication. The approach streamlines the process and provides strategies for overcoming barriers. Feedback from the professions using the approach was excellent:

- "I have totally changed my approach to writing an article".

- "I feel more productive and in control of my writing."

- "The strategies of “snack” writing and writing in small sections has allowed me to progress."

Dr Mary Newton, Practice Development Facilitator, Physiotherapy Department, Greater Glasgow Primary Care NHS Trust, UK

Rowena Murray’s book is extremely useful for new lecturers. This book provides guidance, strategies and tips for all of the different writing tasks that make up the process of writing a paper. Whether writing the first draft or the final draft, this book enables and inspires academics to develop their own writing strategies and goals.

Lorna Gillies, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Leicester, UK

Our experience is that Rowena's practical approach works for busy academic staff. Not only does it enable them to increase their publication output and meet deadlines, but it boosts enthusiasm for writing and stimulates creative thinking. "Get on that course!" is what our academics say to each other about Rowena's Writing for Publication programme.

Kate Morss, Director, Centre for Academic Practice, Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh, UK

About the Author: Rowena Murray is Associate Dean (Research) at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. She carries out research on writing, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and British Academy. Her other bestselling books with Open University Press include How to Write a Thesis, How to Survive Your Viva and The Handbook of Academic Writing (written with Sarah Moore). Rowena is also Editor of the Helping Students to Learn Series and edited the first volume The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Writing for Academic Journals (Study Skills)
Publisher: Open University Press
Publication Date: 2004
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Used; Very Good