Preparing Articles for Publication: A Guide for the Writer Who Must Meet Multiple Objectives

Abstract

An industry-generated scientific article must satisfy the requirements of several interested parties: the company researchers; their marketing, medical, and legal departments; the author(s); and the journal. The writer drafting the manuscript should start with a clear understanding of each group's expectations. Insights from the researchers help the writer sort out the most important data, and a list of key communications objectives from marketing helps focus the introduction and the discussion. At the outset, the writer should speak with the authors for their interpretation of the findings and for source references. The writer should prepare a referenced outline for approval by the researchers, the marketing department, and the authors for revision. The outline guides the writer, who may, however, change the emphasis or content as a clearer picture of the topic emerges. A first draft of the manuscript is circulated within the company and to the authors. All parties should keep in mind that the manuscript will ultimately be judged by experts in the field (peer reviewers) who will—or will not—deem it a scholarly, worthwhile, and original contribution to the medical literature.