Rationale and key points

Writing for publication has become an integral part of the role of the healthcare professional, including nurses. However, for novice writers there are benefits and challenges to writing for publication. When navigating the publication process there are four important stages to address – planning, writing, submitting and revising a manuscript. This article presents a step-by-step guide for healthcare professionals who are novice writers and intend to write for publication.

• When writing for publication, it is important to determine the focus of your manuscript, the journal you will be writing for, the relevant journal’s editorial guidelines and your target audience.

• A successful publication should be well thought out, planned, structured and clearly articulated.

• Writing for publication is an important way of sharing expertise and knowledge, developing networks and advancing the nursing profession.

Reflective activity

‘How to’ articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of:

• How this article might improve your practice when writing for publication.

• How you could use this information to educate students and colleagues on the appropriate techniques required for writing for publication.