Preparing Manuscripts for Submission to Medical Journals: The Paper Trail

This list of apps was curated by CHDS to provide a sampling of writing analysis tools. There are many apps available to analyze your writing, some of which are free to use or operate as a “freemium”- a free basic version with paid add-ons. We have included three apps below along with a Microsoft Word feature. Resources include: Hemingway ($20) Analyzes writing segments to identify complex sentences, long words, adverbs, passive voice, grade…

This article, published in Ideas in Ecology and Evolution, argues that we should incorporate touches of humor and beauty into academic writing, and suggests how to do so. While scientists are often exhorted to write better, it is not entirely obvious what “better” means. Largely undiscussed is the question of whether our goal of clarity in academic writing precludes us from making our writing enjoyable – by incorporating touches of whimsy, humanity, humor, and beauty.…

This article, published in The Atlantic, describes the unnecessary complexity of much academic writing. The author explores why this is a problem, why it happens, and what might be done to improve the readability of academic work. She focuses on a small number of readability “champions” who have spearheaded the effort to improve academic writing. The article paints a vision of a future with a clearer academic writing style, allowing academics to better understand each…