Before you start writing a paper

Recently, a reader asked me what are the crucial steps before you start writing a paper.

I think there are three main categories here: 1) gather your information, 2) develop an outline, and 3) make a plan.

In terms of gathering all information, you should think of the following:

• Motivation: Can you describe in a few sentences what your research is about and why it matters?
• Literature: Do you have all your references near, and in a reference management software?
• Data: Do you have all your data, cleaned and processed, together?
• Calculations: Do you have the final versions of all your calculations?
• Figures and tables: Do you have clear figures and tables that you can use for scaffolding your writing?

In terms of developing an outline, you should consider:

• Target journal and audience: Who are you writing for, and what are the journal requirements?
• Intended length: In line with the previous aspect: how short or long can the article be?
• Required sections: Does the journal follow a set layout, are there required sections, or are you free to outline as you see fit?
• Overall structure: How do you want to organize your material, considering the journal and required sections?
• Length of sections: Once you have the overall structures and subsections, how long do you intend these to be?

Finally, when you make a plan for your writing, consider the following:

• Writing time: Plan the time it takes to actually write the paper, and reserve time on your calendar to do so.
• Time for improving figures and tables: Even when you have your clear figures and tables, you will need some time to edit so that these follow the journal requirements in terms of font type and size.
• Layout: In the end, you will want to spend some time making sure the layout is in line with journal requirements, and to do some manual edits to your references as generated using a reference management software.
• Proofreading time: Time to read a (printed?) copy of your work and check if your argument and writing are clear.
• Time for coauthors to comment: You will need to give your coauthors time to read and comment, and then foresee time to implement their observations.
• Time to prepare submission materials: In the end, you will need to develop your submission materials. These materials can include a cover letter, an anonymized version of your article, a set of highlights, or any other submission materials as requested by the journal.

What do you think is essential to prepare before starting the actual writing of a journal paper?