A writer dies and gets to choose between heaven and hell'

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• A writer dies and gets to choose between heaven
  and hell.
• He decides to check both out.
• Hell is filled with rows of writers chained to
  their desks, scribbling away feverishly.
• Heaven is filled with rows of writers chained to
  their desks, scribbling away feverishly.
• Wait a minute, the writer says. Theyre
  exactly the same.
• Not at all, someone explains . . .

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• In heaven you get published.

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Research and the Publication Process

• Laura Aaron, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(M)(QM),
• Radiologic Technology Editorial Review Board
  chairman, and Katie Faguy, ELS, Radiologic
  Technology editor

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Why Write for Publication?

• To add to the body of scientific knowledge.
• To improve clinical practice and patient care.
• To enhance the professions status.
• For personal satisfaction and recognition.

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ASRTs Journals

• Radiologic Technology
• Published 6 times per year since 1929 covers
  all diagnostic imaging disciplines and
  specialties.
• Radiation Therapist
• Published twice a year now in its 16th year
  of publication. Focuses on radiation therapy and
  medical dosimetry.

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Overview of Journal Content

• Peer-reviewed Articles
• Original research and technical articles written
  by members of the profession. Reviewed and
  accepted by the Editorial Review Board.
• Directed Reading Articles
• General overview articles for CE credit. Usually
  written for the ASRT by members and professional
  medical writers.
• Columns and Departments
• My Perspective, Open Forum, On the Job,
  Research Technology, Technical Query,
  Patient Page, etc.

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New Targeted Versions

• Every issue of Radiologic Technology now has 2
  versions. Most of the content is the same, but
• One version has a special DR targeted for a
  particular specialty area.
• The main version has DRs of general interest.

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• For example
• May/June issue has a special targeted version for
  mammographers.
• July/August issue will have a targeted version
  for MR technologists.
• Which version you receive depends on the Area of
  Interest you choose when you join or renew your
  membership.

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ASRT Scanner

• ASRTs official member newsmagazine.
• Published monthly.
• News about the profession, the Society and
  noteworthy R.T.s.
• Welcomes articles by R.T. writers. Got an idea?
  Contact Scanner Editor DD Wolohan
  (dwolohan_at_asrt.org).

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Brand New Writer?Some Suggestions for Beginners

• Start small, go big
• Write a letter to the editor, either for Scanner
  or one of ASRTs journals. Comment on a recent
  article, offer praise or criticism, take a stand
  on a professional issue.
• Volunteer to be a book reviewer. Theyre short
  and you get to keep the book! (Contact Jason
  Montaño, publishing specialist, at
  jmontano_at_asrt.org to sign up.)

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• Write a Your Turn column for Scanner. Share
  personal experiences related to your professional
  life.
• Write an opinion column about something new,
  interesting or controversial in your workplace or
  the profession.
• Write a case study about an unusual condition,
  patient or imaging situation. (Include images!)
• Write an On the Job column. Share practical
  tips and techniques with other R.T.s

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Ready To Write An Article for Peer-review?Every
thing You Wanted to Know,But Were Afraid to Ask
. . .
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Who Is the Editorial Review Board?

• Currently 11 members, listed on journals staff
  page.
• Most are educators in the radiologic sciences
  all hold graduate degrees.
• Appointed by ERB chairman to serve a 3-year
  volunteer term.
• Research and writing experience are considered
  for appointment.

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Peer Review

• Assessment of an authors work.
• History of peer review.
• Purposes.

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Double Blind Process

• Reference to author is removed.
• Reviewers are anonymous.

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Criticisms of Peer Review

• Slow process.
• Bias.
• Flawed research not always detected.
• Does not guarantee the validity of the work.

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Research Characteristics

• Logical.
• Understandable.
• Confirmable.
• Useful.

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How Does Peer Review Work?

• Author uploads manuscript to the ASRT Web site
  www.asrt.org gt Publications gt Guide for Authors.
• ASRT staff checks manuscript for completeness,
  blinds it and assigns an identifying number.
• The review board chairman is notified that a new
  manuscript is ready for review.
• The chairman selects two reviewers to evaluate
  the manuscript.

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What Happens Next?

• Reviewers evaluate the manuscript using a
  checklist and send comments and recommendations
  to the chairman.
• Based on reviewers comments, the chairman
  decides to accept, reject or request revisions.
  The chairman notifies the author of the decision.

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Possible Outcomes

• AcceptanceDoes not usually occur on first try.
• RevisionHappens most often.Author has 3 months
  to revise.Revised manuscript goes back to
  original reviewers.Reviewers recommend further
  revision or acceptance.

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Possible Outcomes

• Rejection
• Does not happen often.
• Possible Reasons
• Not appropriate for journal.
• Idea not original.
• Information of limited value.
• Invalid survey results.

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What Happens After My Manuscript Has Been
Accepted?

• Normally published within 6 to 12 months,
  depending on backlog.
• At least 2 editors will work on the manuscript.
• An editor will send you a proof of the article
  for approval before publication.

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• After publication, the author receives
  complimentary copies of the article and the
  issue.
• Authors can apply to receive 10 CE credits for
  publishing a peer-reviewed article (prorated for
  multiple authors).

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The Writing Process An Overview

• Preparing
• Writing
• Revising

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Before You Write

• Take the So What? test.What is the value of
  your information?
• Take the Who Cares? test.Who will want to read
  your message?
• Think about the results.If positive, get
  started!If negative, go back and rethink your
  plan.

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Using Your Support Group

• Share your idea with members of your target
  audience (other R.T.s).
• Share your idea with other researchers and
  writers.

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Most people have the desire to write, but few
have the desire to prepare to write.
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Preparing to Write

• Conduct a preliminary literature search.
• Familiarize yourself with the writing style.
• Determine authorship.
• Choose the framework.

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Preliminary Literature Search

• Purposes
• Master the subject matter.
• Explore the literature on the subject.
• Identify sources of supporting data.
• Enhance manuscripts credibility with references
  and support.

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Writing Style

• Scientific or technical writing style
• AMA Manual of Style.
• Just the Facts.
• Avoid unsubstantiated opinion.
• Author guidelines
• Available on the ASRT Web site
• www.asrt.org gt Publications gt Information for
  Authors.

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Authorship

• Order of authorship usually based on amount of
  contribution to the manuscript.
• Dont wait to decide order of authorship!
• Authorship vs. acknowledgment.

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Plagiarism

• Intentional vs. Unintentional
• Types of Plagiarism
• Direct.
• Mosaic.
• Paraphrase.
• Insufficient acknowledgement.
• Autoplagiarism.

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Keys for Avoiding Plagiarism

• As you write, carefully consider the original
  source of every fact, statistic, theory and piece
  of information you include in your manuscript.
• It its not your own previously unpublished idea
  or common knowledge, cite your source
  appropriately.

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Determine Manuscript Type

• Technical article
• New procedure, treatment, equipment.
• Research monograph
• Report of study or survey.
• Literature review article
• Compilation, analysis, position paper.

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Determine the Framework

• What sections will the manuscript contain?
• How will these sections be organized?
• A well-organized collection of related ideas or
  concepts is your manuscript.

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Manuscript Sections

• Abstract.
• Introduction.
• Literature review.
• Methods and materials.
• Discussion (results or findings).
• Conclusion or summary.
• Others such as case studies, history or
  development.

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Overall Questions

• Whats the point?
• What is the general research question?
• Who are your subjects?
• Have you given enough information so someone
  could replicate your study?
• Is the manuscript covering too many topics?
• Are you biased?
• Is your manuscript organized?

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Preparation will help you achieve success in your
writing!
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Revising/Editing Your Writing

• RevisingClarifies manuscript.
• Editing or proofreadingCorrects grammar,
  spelling, punctuation, capitalization,
  etc.Dont edit from the computer screen --
  print it!

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Questions to Consider

• Is each point supported by evidence, fact or
  example? If not, which spots need work?
• Does the paper avoid clichés and stereotypes? If
  not, where should changes be made?

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Questions to Consider

• Are any words, phrases or sentences awkward,
  vague or unclear? If so, how can they be fixed?
• Are any words repetitious or unnecessary? If so,
  which ones?

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Read the Paper Out Loud

• This slows your eyes down and forces you to
  notice clumsy constructions and other weaknesses
  you might overlook in silent reading.

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Revising Based on Reviewer Recommendations

• Follow recommendations.
• Ask for clarification.
• Provide an explanation of revisions.
• Provide a rationale for not changing.
• New manuscript may be substantially different.

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The Perfect Author

• Writes about what he or she knows.
• Considers the reader.
• Does not worry about being a genius on the first
  attempt.
• Rewrites the horrible first draft.
• Is direct and avoids jargon.
• Reads the copy out loud at the final draft stage.
• Is not afraid to ask for help.

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5 Roadblocks to Writing(And How to Overcome Them)

• 1. I dont know what to write about.
• Start with what interests you most Whats your
  passion? What fascinates you?
• Ask questions What problems, issues and
  opportunities do you see?
• Find out what other R.T.s are researching and
  writing about Can you approach the same subjects
  in a new way?

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• 2. I dont have time to write.
• Carve out blocks of time and dedicate them to
  research and writing. Figure out what works for
  you
• Early mornings?
• Lunch hours?
• Weekends?
• Late nights?

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• 3. Im not a very good writer.
• Team up with someone who has more experience.
• Use online writing resources or your college or
  university writing center.
• Let ASRTs editors help. (Thats why were here!)
• Remember the ERB is looking primarily for
  informational value and technical accuracy. They
  arent focused on writing problems.

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• 4. I dont know how to conduct a survey.
• Get help before you plunge in!
• Team up with someone who has experience with
  survey research.
• Some ERB members are experts in this area. They
  can guide you.

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• 5. I dont know American Medical Association
  editorial style (only APA or another style).
• The main difference is in citing references. Its
  not hard once youve looked at a few examples.
• Journal article
• Nightingale J, Hogg P. The role of the GI
  radiographer a United Kingdom perspective.
  Radiol Technol. 200778(4)284-290.

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• Book
• Frank ED, Long BW, Smith BJ. Merrills Atlas of
  Radiographic Positioning and Procedures. 11th ed.
  St. Louis, MO Mosby 2007489.
• Web site
• Radiological Soceity of North America Inc.
  RadiologyInfo. CT colonography (virtual
  colonoscopy). www.radiologyinfo.org/en
  /info.cfm?pgct_colo. Accessed May 31, 2007.

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Questions?

• Call any of the ASRT Editorial Review Board
  members to discuss your ideas.
• Call the ASRT editors at 800-444-2778 for
  assistance.

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Thanks for Attending!

• Were here to help
• We want you to be successful!

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References

• http//owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar
• /index.html - Purdue University Online Writing
  Lab
• Understanding Research Methods, 2nd ed., An
  Overview of the Essentials, Mildred L. Patten,
  2000. (ISBN 1-884585-22-1)

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References

• Writing Empirical Research Reports A Basic Guide
  for Students of the Social and Behavioral
  Sciences, Fred Pyrczak and Randall R. Bruce,
  1992. (ISBN 0-9623744-3-1)
• Introduction to Research Understanding and
  Applying Multiple Strategies, Elizabeth DePoy and
  Laura N. Gitlin, 1998. (ISBN 0-8151-0979-2)