You have to write a lot as an academic, but this doesn’t automatically make you a good writer, unfortunately. This isn’t all too surprising as writing is a profession in and of itself. Moreover, as an academic, you often write in a language that may be your professional language but not your mother tongue. As such, it is not too surprising that texts are not always accepted immediately. They then come back with ‘minor revisions’, ‘major revisions’ or they can even be rejected. Let’s start by looking at common problems.
1. Unclear language use
Woolly language or arguments riddled with jargon or flecked with abbreviations are reasons for articles to be rejected.
2. Poor Dutch or English
If a writer does not have an adequate command of the language that they write in, their article will be conclusively rejected. This often involves odd word choices, misused expressions and illogical word order.
3. The ‘instructions for authors’ are not followed
Every academic journal has its own rules that writers have to stick to. If you go over the maximum word count, your reference list is incomplete or your tables are not properly formatted, the article will definitely be returned.
4. The text contains inconsistencies
Incorrect abbreviations, British English and American English being used interchangeably, inconsistent numbering; these are all reasons why your article will not be accepted or your grant application will not be honoured.
Tips to improve your writing style
- Make a checklist of journal guidelines or grant application requirements and when you proofread your text and check that your text meets all the requirements. Going through previous articles from your intended journal so you have examples of ‘how to do it’ also helps.
- Make sure the argument is clear and well structured. The classic format of Introduction, Research, Results, Discussion and Conclusion is a good starting point. You can then further structure your argument with clear headings and subheadings. It is best to always read the first sentence of a new paragraph and check whether the argument is follows logically.
- Avoid long sentences: the average sentence should have 15 to 20 words.
- Run a spell check.
- Read the article or application to a colleague (peer) and a friend (layperson) and ask their advice.
Need more help?
If a text does not meet the set requirements yet, it is good to be able to rely on the expertise an academic editor. They can adapt the text in its mother tongue at the word, sentence and text levels, and consider the specific guidelines. They can do a final round of corrections - the metaphorical dotting of the ‘i’s - to thorough text editing, just what is needed. The end result will be a text that can be submitted as is.
The editors at In’to Languages will be happy to help you with your article or grant application! You can also contact us for writing courses for academics.
