Preparing the Outline and Choosing the Manuscript Format

Objectives

In this module learners will

select the format for the manuscript,
determine what content will be covered in tables and/or figures; and
create an outline for the manuscript.

Lectures

Module 6 Slides

Preparing an Outline, Tables & Figures (2:37 min)

Format (0:48 min)

Activities

Activity Log Workbook

Outline, Tables/Figures: (Page 7)
- Write an outline of the manuscript.
- Review at least three articles on a topic similar to yours and examine what content was placed in tables and/or figures.
- Determine what content will be placed in tables in your manuscript.
- Decide what figures will be used.
- Select the format for your manuscript.
Outline and Table/Figure Feedback - Author: (Page 7)
- Give your outline and table/figure list to an experienced author and ask for feedback. Provide the information for your records.
Outline and Table/Figure Feedback - Target Audience: (Page 7)
- Give your outline and table/figure list to a person who represents the targeted audience and ask for feedback. Provide the information for your records.

Readings and Resources

Becker, P. T. (2008). Publishing pilot intervention studies. Research in Nursing & Health, 31, 1-3.

Becker, P. T. (2010). Thoughts on the end of the article: The implications for nursing practice. Research in Nursing & Health, 33, 241-242.

Carroll, P. (2002). Writing for the web: Different style considerations. Nurse Author and Editor, 12(1), 4, 7-8.

Conn, V., Cooper, P., Ruppar, T., & Russell, C. (2008). Searching for the intervention in intervention research reports. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 40, 52-59.

Fawcett, J. (1998). Reporting research results: Let’s not forget clinical significance. Nurse Author and Editor, 8(4), 1-4.

Fowler, J. (2011). Writing for professional publication. part 9: Using client case studies. British Journal of Nursing (BJN), 20(5), 330.

Fowler, J. (2011). Writing for professional publication. part 10: Publishing a project report. British Journal of Nursing (BJN), 20(6), 371.

Fowler, J. (2011). Writing for professional publication. Part 11: Writing conference abstracts. British Journal of Nursing (BJN), 20(7), 451.

Froman, R. D. (2011). Format, style, and precision. Research in Nursing & Health, 34, 1-3.

Heinrich, K. (2001). Mind-mapping: A successful technique for organizing a literature review. Nurse Author and Editor, 11(2), 4, 7-8.

Johnson, S. (2000). Refining outlining skills: Part II: The computer method. Nurse Author and Editor, 10(3), 1-3.

Oermann, M. (2000). Refining outlining skills: Part I: The topic or sentence method. Nurse Author and Editor, 10(2), 4-8.

Oermann, M.H. (2009). SQUIRE guidelines for reporting improvement studies in healthcare: Implications for nursing publications. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 24, 91-95.

Tulman, L. (2001). Text vs tables: Summarizing research results. Nurse Author and Editor, 11(4), 1-3.