Writing for publication: The basics

Problem: Writing for publication can be a challenging experience. Whilst midwives develop writing skills through their university education, writing a journal article can be quite different. Purpose: To explain some basic skills of scientific writing when preparing a paper for publication to support midwives in engaging in scientific writing. Overview: Four basic elements of scientific writing will be presented: the importance of careful word choices, the use of active and passive voice, sentence and paragraph structures, and review and editing. Examples of poor and better writing are given to illustrate these basic elements of good academic writing. We hope potential midwifery authors will read and refer to this article when writing. As editors, the elements addressed here are common problems found when reviewing submitted manuscripts that, with guidance, can be easily overcome.