Steps to Writing a Journal Article

Writing a Journal Article

CRIME AND JUSTICE

First Step : What to Think About.

1. What are the rules you should be following when writing a journal article? Read some of the best advice given by 'Crime and Justice' journal editors – follow it and you can’t go far wrong.

Second Step : Read the Journal You’re Intending to Submit To.

2. Before you start writing, take the time to read at least some of the articles (particularly those that are relevant to your own research). Look through the issues and try to understand the types of articles that are being published. Scan the contents lists, sign up for Table of Contents alerts, and look for other papers that have been written in the field that you’re writing in, so you can draw on those.

Third Step : Stick to the Point.

3. The strongest papers usually have one point to make. They make that point powerfully, back it up with evidence, and locate it within the field.

Fourth Step : Don’t be Afraid to Explain.

4. Make sure that you’ve described your methodology and approach; whilst it may seem obvious to you, it may not to your reader. And don’t forget to explain acronyms.

Fifth Step : Clarity is Key.

5. Make your writing accessible by using clear language.

6. Be aware of the other literature in your field (and reference it)

7. You can’t review the whole of the relevant literature. However, you do need to tell the reader how what you’re doing relates to key work that’s gone before. And, if possible, show how you are building on previous work.

Sixth Step : Make Your References Current And Relevant.

8. Your literature review should take into consideration the current state of the literature. So, don’t talk about “recent research” if you’re giving citations from the 1990s. And when you reference something, ensure you fully understand its relevance to your research, so you can make it clear for your reader.

Seventh Step : Be Original.

9. You may be building on a concept already in existence but you still need to have something new to say. Make sure you say it convincingly, and fully understand and reference what has gone before.