How to Write a Scientific Paper

Begin with a new idea or new take on an old one. Writing a scientific paper is much like inventing something. It needs to be new or a new use for something old. If you write about something that's been done before, it will not be published.

Check your facts. In fact, double and triple check your facts. Nothing will kill a scientific paper faster than factual errors.

Collaborate with others. Scientific papers are often extremely detailed and extremely complex and this is why you often see several names listed on a scientific paper. Science really is a team effort.

Do some peer editing after your first draft is complete. Several fresh pairs of eyes will help catch mistakes you might have made or point out where your scientific paper is weak and where it is strong.

Listen to feedback and incorporate it into your revisions.

Don't be afraid to let your voice come through. The best scientific papers have personality. Here's a great tip: read your paper out loud. If it sounds like you're reading a list of ingredients in a robotic monotone, think how boring it will be for those who read it. Infuse it with your own personality.

Submit your scientific paper for publishing. It can be submitted for online publishing or in a scholarly journal. If you get accepted for publication in a journal like Nature, you know you've hit it big time in the scientific community (see Resources below).

Follow proper stylistic guidelines. There are several styles, such as MLA, AP style and others, and each is typically used within a certain academic community. Find out which is appropriate for your work and use it.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor. Having your work published is a major accomplishment and you should be proud.