Customer Reviews

How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (The Professional writing series)

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I read the 4th edition, but I assume this 5th edition is even better, if that were possible! My copy sits among the dictionary, the thesaurus, and the scientific style guide. Written with humor, this amazing how-to book breaks down all of the components of writing any scientific product, be it thesis or manuscript, and gives practical instructions on what to include and what to avoid. I especially enjoyed the grammar sections, with its real-world examples, such as "lying on top of the intestines, you will perhaps make out a small transparent thread," which is a somewhat gooey spot for observation... I refer to this book every time I write, and find new advice to keep me on track--and published!

I was acquainted with Robert Day's How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper during my post graduate years. Only the fourth edition was available then. I have since continually recommended it to all people in my scientific circles. Now that I am involved in helping budding scientists take their first steps in research, I use Day's book as my bible. Most of the undergraduate students that have come by me have been exposed to this handy reference, and I believe that through Day's book third world science can actually level up to our first world counterparts.

as i am preparing for Ph.D. research in law, i thought i bought this book by mistake, for the title contained the word "Scientific"! it turned out to be one of the best readings i did on academic research (and believe me; i did many). a very good book with a direct approach towards the 'techniques' of writing for publication. although it is addressing scientists, most of the tips are suitable for researchers in other disciplines, even humanities. the writer succeeded in the difficult formula: original ideas + sense of humor ! i recommend it strongly.

I was first introduced to this book while in college and continue to draw from it as a resource. I encourage my students to purchase it for themselves and I give examples from the book when lecturing on "good" writing techniques. This book is good for all levels from the freshman science student to the accomplished research scientist. Day's use of textual humor and Peanuts cartoons is a welcome break from the typical boring style of "how to write" books. I would recommend this book for anyone involved in scientific writing no matter what their background OR what field they are writing for.

It's good to know how an editor think about the scientific writing, but practically the book is not helpful if you want to learn writing rather than editing. The author has never written scientific papers by himself. He has no idea how to orgnize the data and make a convincing story.

I have read many beautiful scientific papers in prestigeous journals. How come those authors have not written a book??

Also Day's book is too old. Now day nobody would like to draw graphs if there is software available.

Dr. Day was editting scientific manuscripts for longer than twenty years. His text is eminently readable, even enjoyable, and, yes, he does have some anachronisms - like the suggestion to submit a typed manuscript. But it's been through five editions, spanning major changes in publishing.
The text describes how to organize an original scientific publication, as well as posters, reviews, theses, and some other forms of scientific communication. It even presents information about the editorial and review processes. Not how to do the research, but rather what belongs in the introduction, how to organize the experimental, etc. The price of the book is worth it just for his insights on how to organize tables effectively, and he does similar treatment for figures.
I've written some twenty papers using Day's text, and I recommend it everyone who is involved with research publications. The style of writing is light and humorous, which contributes to the effectiveness - it's enjoyable to read.
I don't understand Dr. Moore's so apparent dissatisfaction with Day's text. True, it does not attempt to present a recipe to slavishly follow; Day assumes he's writing for a scientist who understands the area in which he's working and recognizes that there will be differences for each publication. It does, however, do as promised, assuming you think about what you read: Dr. Day's text teaches you how to write and publish a scientific paper.

This book is a treasure for all scientists, particularly graduate students. The author covers each detail of writing a paper in its own chapter in a consise, clear and sometimes funny way. I recommend this book as a basic reference, if you need more help in one area, then consult other books.

This book is a prime example of the old adage: "Those who can't do, teach." The author of this book has never been the primary author of a major scientific paper (he is a professor of English), but he tries to give advice on how to write an effective scientific article. Because he has little to say on the subject, much of the text is made up of amusing anecdotes and quips rather than substantive guidelines. An example of the unhelpful advice he doles out is on page ninety-two, where he advises the reader to submit a typed, rather than handwritten, manuscript to the publisher. He litters his chapters with cute Peanuts cartoons depicting Snoopy getting rejection letters from publishers: a great way to take up space, but not useful to someone seeking practical advice on how to prepare a scientific article. He also gives advice on good grammar, which is more within his area of expertise. But there are better books on the subject of good writing, the classic example of which is Strunk and White's Elements of Style. I would advise the fledgling scientific writer to read many scientific articles in order to learn how to construct them effectively. On the other hand, if you want to learn how to write a whole book about something of which you know almost nothing, Dr. Day's "How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper" would be a great place to start.

I read this book in one morning, and I instantly felt less apprehensive about writing my manuscript. Day writes in a reassuring, humorous tone, and the information is concise and easily applied. This book will help anyone write a manuscript, develop a poster, compose a literature review, and be an effective communicator. The appendices are a brilliant resource on abbreviations, common errors, and other useful information.
And to the individual who stated that those with a background in English shouldn't advise for science: I have a B.A. in English literature, and am currently doing graduate work in the field of science. Hate to break it to you, buddy, but there isn't a formidable barrier between the two schools of science and arts. This pompous, condescending attitude will prove to be a disadvantage for you.
My B.A. has been an invaluable resource for writing in the scientific field. I agree with Day's perspective on communication skills being the downfall of many scientists. Many of my science professors desperately need an editor for the pitiful examples they force us to try learning from. All too often I've encountered my peers in scientific fields turning their noses up at those with an arts background. It is a beautiful example of poetic justice when I read their writing.

This book is the bible of scientific publishing. It describes in great detail every aspect of producing a good manuscript from the structure of the paper to the publishing itself. I used it and "The Craft of Research" by Booth et al to create a lecture on scientific writing for Chinese materials science students. I would recommend that any researcher in science read this book.