Publishing is about more than just strong research, it’s how that research is presented, communicated, and contextualised. Good writing and a clear strategy can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ve gathered a series of guides to help authors at every stage of the process. Whether you’re drafting a compelling cover letter, responding effectively to reviewers, considering an appeal, or planning a Review article, you’ll find practical advice on what works and what to avoid.
These resources hope to help researchers communicate their science more effectively, increase visibility, and build connections within the academic community.
How to write an abstract
An abstract is more than just a summary, it’s the hook that convinces readers to dive into your paper and, ultimately, cite it.
This blog lays out a clear five-step structure for writing an abstract that tells a compelling story alongside practical advice on style, pitfalls to avoid, and journal-specific requirements. The post reminds us to always keep the true audience in mind: fellow scientists.
This is helpful for anyone who wants their abstract to stand out and get their work noticed. Read the five steps to writing a great abstract.
Tips for writing a dazzling Data Availability Statement
The Data Availability Statement might not be the flashiest section of a manuscript, but it’s one of the most vital. Done well, it builds trust, makes research easier to verify, and helps others build on the work. Done badly, it can leave readers feeling frustrated and sceptical.
This blog takes you through six straightforward tips to get the Data Availability Statement right. This includes linking datasets directly to figures and methods, choosing the right repository, being explicit about every dataset you’ve generated, and explaining clearly if data can’t be shared.
Read more to learn how to make your Data Availability Statements useful and trustworthy.
How to write a cover letter
This blog post looks at one of the most overlooked, yet important, parts of manuscript submission: the cover letter.
A good cover letter can provide crucial context, highlight the novelty of your work, and even tip the balance on whether a paper is sent out for peer review. This blog shares practical dos and don’ts for making your cover letter effective: including writing a clear, non-technical summary and suggesting referees, and avoiding jargon, hype, or overly long recaps of your results.
Read more to learn insider tips straight from the Nature Methods editors and make your submission stand out.
How to write an appeal letter
Rejection stings, but in rare cases, a well-crafted appeal letter can turn things around.
This blog explains when and how to appeal a rejection at Nature Methods (but the tips are applicable to everyone!). It stresses that appeals can succeed if authors present new data, highlight clear errors, or provide evidence of reviewer bias.
With practical dos (cool off before writing, explain how you’ll address shortcomings, include supporting data) and don’ts (avoid hype, personal attacks, or relying on reputation), the post offers clear guidance on what makes an appeal letter constructive rather than counterproductive.
Read more if you’re facing rejection and wondering whether to push back.
An editor’s perspective on how to write a primer
Launching a new journal is no small feat, especially one built on a brand-new article format. This blog takes us behind the scenes at Nature Reviews Methods Primers, where a Primer is designed as an accessible yet authoritative introduction to a topic: a structured article by a global team of experts that explains the fundamentals and guides readers to further resources.
With fixed section headings and a diverse author panel, writing a Primer may seem daunting, but clear outlines and close collaboration with editors make the process much more manageable. Editors even liken Primers to Lego - building blocks that come together to form a complete, reliable resource.
For researchers considering publishing a Primer, this is a practical and reassuring guide to turning what feels like a mountain into a series of small, achievable steps.
How to write the perfect pitch – a tutorial
A synopsis is your pitch: it shows why your Review should be written, why now, and why it will matter to a broad, interdisciplinary audience.
This post teaches what it means to prepare a strong Review - a well-prepared synopsis, a concise two-page outline that sets the scope, structure, and rationale of the article.
Editors look for clear structure, accessible writing, and thoughtful use of display elements, including figures to explain complex ideas, tables to compare methods, and boxes to give non-experts essential background.
Read more to learn more on how to pitch your ideas to a Review team.
How to write an engaging 'Behind the Paper' post
Have you recently published your research and now getting ready to write a Behind the Paper blog on the Research Communities? These posts give you a chance to share the untold stories behind their published work, from unexpected hurdles to collaboration highlights and the real-world impact of their findings.
This guide from the team explains how to craft an engaging post that will be most beneficial to your readers. With advice on structure, tone, and visibility (from titles and author credits to journal badges and figures), it’s a great for anyone preparing their first Behind the Paper post.
Read more to learn how to write a thought provoking and engaging Behind the Paper post.
For more support during publishing, read this blog summarising all the ‘Researcher Riddles’ from Springer Nature Research Integrity Group, who have developed practical, accessible resources to support researchers at every stage of their career, including courses on identifying paper mills, image manipulation, and more.
Navigating the publishing process can feel challenging, but understanding what editors look for and how to communicate effectively can make all the difference.