This workshop will help you become more familiar and confident with research articles from two perspectives, i.e. the publication process (how to navigate its steps) and the text (how to write a high-quality paper). On the one hand, it gives insight into the steps and potential missteps during the process of publishing from the point of view of authors, publishers and reviewers, including guidelines as well as Dos and Don’ts. This includes finding and choosing the right journal; the importance and limitations of rankings, impact factor and prestige; first contact, manuscript preparation and submission; dealing with reviews and how to revise a manuscript. On the other hand, the workshop takes an analytical look at the genre ‘research article’ (or ‘research paper’) and its defining characteristics and quality criteria. This includes structure, style and register, visual information design, abstract, proposal, positioning in the field and confidently presenting one’s own contribution.

The first day of the workshop will focus on input and interdisciplinary exchange within the group. The second day will give every participant a timeslot for one-on-one coaching and feedback for an ongoing writing project. (Optional: small groups are possible for the second day, should participants wish to form small groups of no more than 4.)

Contents:

• The publication process: efficient steps to publication, choice of journal, steps and missteps in the review process
• Multilingual science: the workshop focuses on English as language of publication but also addresses differences to German (clear and succinct style, role of the writer, writing reader-friendly texts, language resources for writing)
• Structure: Tips and techniques in planning and structuring the paper, focusing on specific sections, signposting, and the “red thread”
• Perspective: Language resources for establishing one’s own voice, establishing one’s relation to the field (critique and contribution)
• Argumentation: Structure of argumentation, effective rhetorics, avoiding fallacies

Aims:

• Becoming familiar with the steps of the publication process, gaining confidence; planning of future publications (time plan) and avoiding common mistakes in dealing with publishers, editors and reviewers.
• Reflecting previous writing experience and practice; professionalization of writing competences for scientific publication, focusing on practical application, text analyses, drafting and revision strategies. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sketches, drafts and manuscripts for ongoing writing or publication projects to the course for discussion and feedback.