Writing for publication: the basics.
OBJECTIVE
Most midwives and nurses do not write for publication. Previous authors on this topic have focussed on the processes of writing and getting published. Although definitive English usage style guides exist, they are infrequently consulted by new midwifery authors.


OBJECTIVE
To enable new writers to confidently apply the basic skills of scientific writing when preparing a paper for publication.


BACKGROUND
The basic skills needed for scientific writing are the focus of this paper. The importance of careful word choices is discussed first. Next, the skills of writing sentences are presented. Finally, the skills of writing paragraphs are discussed. Examples of poor and better writing are given in relation to each of these basic elements.
Fahy
Kathleen
K
The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. Kathleen.fahy@newcastle.edu.au
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035081:Editorial Policies; D006801:Humans; D008037:Linguistics; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011361:Professional Competence; D011643:Publishing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014956:Writing / Q000592:standards