Writing for Publication
From Conference Presentation to Publication
INTRODUCTION
The need for this Briefing Paper has become clear over the past two years’ experience in BEST and the topics addressed arise directly from problems faced by authors during that time. Plenty of advice exists on how to write a good paper for publication, as indicated in the resources list at the end of this sheet. However, it is not so easy to find guidance on converting a good conference presentation into a paper suitable for publication in a refereed, academic journal. Many inexperienced authors seem unaware of the differences between the two, or
- f the work involved in tailoring a conference presentation to a suitable format for
publication.
DIFFERENCES
A conference presentation is essentially brief and ephemeral, designed for oral/ aural transmission. It is constrained by the conditions under which it is delivered:
- a restricted time allowance - often as little as 20 minutes - does not allow
for the topic to be discussed in depth;
- graphics and illustrations are usually PowerPoint slides or flip charts, which
can be explained or amended in the light of audience reaction;
- it can rely heavily on delivery using nuance, gesture and emphasis, thus there
is less emphasis on accurate language usage;
- it is open to question and debate, which may mean the author having to
defend his ideas ‘on his feet’ or even acknowledging amendments and changes to pre-conceptions; the author remains in control of his work and may choose to accept or reject audience input;
- there is no need for extensive citation or reference list.
On the other hand a printed paper in a journal has none of these advantages/ disadvantages:
- the argument must hold up to detailed peer scrutiny over period of time;
- illustrations and graphics must stand on their own without explanation of
- bscurities, therefore, they must be accurate and strictly relevant to the text
they illuminate;
- collegial input comes in the form of anonymous reiewers’ notes;
- the language alone can convey emphases and
intention: it must therefore be syntactically accurate and linguistically clear;
- accurate and extensive citation and
references are required. It is extremely flattering to be asked to submit a paper read at a conference to a refereed journal but the author needs to reflect carefully on the work, time and effort involved in the conversion. The first thing to do is ask questions.
Remember: a paper read to a conference audience is a very different paper from one to be published in a refereed, academic journal, It is likely to need radical re-writing to conform to the necessary structure and formality of a published academic paper.