Respect your readers: Whether article, brief, commentary or letter—make your subject clear and relevant to a wide audience.
Respect the word limits: Research articles should not exceed 2,500 words and research briefs 250. Commentaries should be kept to 1,000 words and letters to 350. Rewriting often cuts down on words, but don’t count on it.
All submissions should be double-spaced and the pages numbered.
Research articles and briefs should follow this format:
- Title – useful and interesting
- Name(s) of author(s)
- Text – with subject headings of main sections
- Acknowledgement – of all help or support, including financial, you received in doing and writing up your project, especially from your mentor(s).
- References – to major sources cited in your text.
Read the WRITING GUIDELINES: These are very helpful, especially if you are just beginning to draft your article. If you have a piece already written, e.g., a thesis, term paper or project report, the following tips will be helpful in preparing it for Inquiry’s audience. Staff editors will help you imagine and speak to that audience, but you can begin the process yourself.
Recasting your information and explanation: What are your readers likely to know already about your subject? What is your goal: what do you want them to learn from your article? What information needs to be added, what details could be deleted, what needs more or less explanation to accomplish this goal?
Tell your readers right away exactly what your subject or question is, why it’s important, and why they should be interested in it.
Revising what you have written and rewritten: When you (and your editor) are reasonably happy with your text, then think about the effectiveness of your communication. Use the active voice—even say “I”—to let your interest and enthusiasm be heard. Use technical terms sparingly, and always define them. Clarify difficult concepts with examples and analogies, or with (numbered) pictures, charts and graphs. However, remember that these only illustrate a point which has already been made. Clearly caption and explain any charts, graphs or similar illustrations you use. Minimize the number of acronyms whose meanings readers must remember. Be sure all pronouns have antecedents—and this includes such words as “this” and “that.” In short: be kind to your readers.
Editing comes last: At some point you and your editor say “It’s not perfect but it’s good enough (and we have run out of time).” An editor from Editorial and Creative Services will go over your text for grammar and punctuation correctness and to format it for the web site. You will get a look at it on the test site before it goes out for all to read. If, that is, you (and your mentor) have signed and submitted the PUBLICATION AGREEMENT (pdf download).
Preparing an article for Inquiry is a collaboration between author and editor. It can be a long process, but you will probably be pleased with yourself and with the results.
