Choose an academically interesting topic/research question/contested concept. This should set up a balanced analytical framework. {slide 1 below}. Examples of this could be:

• comparative case study analysis (two cases with similar underlying conditions but with different outcomes); or
• two different cases with substantially similar outcomes your analysis of which will explain the variance between the observed and the expected; or
• large N quantitative analysis; or
• competing theoretical approaches applied to a single case to offer the best explanation, prediction, or prescription; or
• testing a theoretical perspective using supporting and contradicting case material.

Once the question has been analyzed, the components or issues should be organized to form a workable outline (or plan) for answering the question.

• The outline should ensure your essay eventually has a coherent, logical structure.
• It also facilitates the preparation of your essay by guiding your reading, note taking, and writing.
• Academic articles consist of a series of connected arguments through which you attempt to convey information in the most logical and convincing manner possible.
• An academic piece of any kind should contain three components: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
• Having a clear organizational pattern is important for arguments to be understood and for maintaining your own focus as you progress. [slide 2-6 then back to notes]

Structure, Structure, Structure: Communicate with your audience. Logical thought progression will lead to a coherent conclusion.

• A journal manuscript structure different to thesis writing.
• Read lots of published articles in your field to get a feel for structure.
• 2-3 paragraphs/page.

Conduct research guided by your question and structure.

• Think about targeting a journal and/or conference or two.
• Take comprehensive notes while reading, full citations at top of page, page numbers as you go, quotation marks if direct quotation.
• Primarily use sources in the language in which you want to present or publish.

Read widely.

• Academic sources (primary where possible, no textbooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias).
• Up to date references.
• Take comprehensive notes as you go (avoid plagiarism).
• It is important to read widely if you wish to submit a good paper. This means starting with the reading list for your topic and then reading beyond – i.e. related topics. (search for them and often can find on academia.edu).
• Skim read, read for word/sentence/concept recognition.
• Always be aware of your sources. Check where the writer is coming from; check institutional allegiance, political bias etc. No such thing as objective writing.
• Always start with library = books and journal articles, not the internet! Internet valuable tool but not peer reviewed – anyone can put anything up. Check institutional home page to try to uncover bias. Newspapers online – try to use conflicting ones.

Cite extensively, and accurately.
Every claim must be backed up with evidence, every piece of evidence with a full and distinct citation. Too many better than not enough.

• Avoid long quotes, generalizations, too many concurrent citations from the same source.
• Do not list everybody who has written on topic (page numbers and specific citations).
• Every citation must appear in list of references, but only works cited.

Choosing a journal.

• Check coverage/focus/methods;
• Check listing and impact factor (not too high or too low);
• Check publication schedule/dates;
• Check word/page limits.

After choosing journal, try to include some citations from it.

• Make sure you at least read a few articles from chosen journal and that you are familiar with the house style.

Adhere to house style.

• This means, in particular close adherence to citation and references formatting. Need to keep to word- and page-limits (minimums and maximums). Can be rejected out of hand for not doing this. Also break down your paper into sections with self-imposed limits. Be prepared to revise outline as you go along.

Co-authoring with colleague or one of your connections.

• make sure you have a solid idea of what you are going to do, before you even speak to a potential co-author. Make sure they are interested. Then, as lead author, it is up to you to submit extensive and multiple drafts to them for input and contributions.