Debug Your Writing at Writer’s Camp!

Publishing a manuscript based on work completed for an academic assignment, such as a dissertation, thesis, or capstone project, is a worthwhile undertaking that can bring professional and personal fulfillment. Graduate education is intended to seed ideas for inquiry that can be pursued across a productive career. Disseminating outcomes of research, projects, and other scholarly school-based endeavors through publication initiates dialogue with others of like interests leading to new colleagues and a career’s worth of inquiry and scholarly contributions. Because it all starts with a first publication, let’s discuss some practical points for getting that first publication over the goal line. To begin, let me introduce Writer’s Camp. Writer’s Camp is an innovative online community committed to excellence in writing, editing, and publishing with a nursing emphasis. Developed by experienced author and editor Leslie H. Nicoll, Camp Director, and supported by Senior Camp Counselors Peggy L. Chinn and Jayne Jennings Dunlap, the Camp offers articles on writing, editing, and publishing tailored for nurses. Virtual Writer’s CAMPOREES provide educational presentations conducted over Zoom. Special topics articles offer an in-depth look at important topics, and a newsletter shares announcements about upcoming events. Signing up for Writer’s Camp is free! Here’s the link. Writer’s Camp—An Online Resource for Nursologists: Excellence in Writing, Publishing, & Editing. This issue of the journal includes an article from Writer’s Camp by Camp Director Leslie Nicoll addressing publishing academic papers. Everything I can think of to share about publishing a first article based on a school paper is covered by Dr Nicoll. The journal invites recent graduates to consider Dr Nicoll’s advice and start a trajectory of scholarly writing. This journal frequently receives manuscripts about interesting and important topics that clearly started life as school papers. Reviewers and editors spend time providing valuable feedback, all free of charge. Yes, I had a mentor who reminded me that if I had to pay for expert reviews, it would cost a pretty penny. Few papers are accepted as submitted, although it does happen. More likely authors are invited to revise and resubmit the manuscript based on reviews. Authors are encouraged to accept the invitation and do the work to improve the paper, but sometimes authors get discouraged and don’t follow through. I’ve often wondered if asking for changes on an A grade school assignment is perceived by the author as denigrating the school, faculty, or the work itself rather than being viewed as an editor seeing possibilities in the manuscript. Some papers will be rejected because, although a study or project met the course learning objectives, it has flaws that cannot be overcome. That doesn’t mean the manuscript doesn’t have potential. Thoughtfully consider all feedback and find a way to see the work anew. Many years ago, the journal received a manuscript from a graduate student describing the outcomes of a pilot study involving physiological measurements. Oh, so much went wrong! However, the manuscript was revised to be a lesson underscoring the critical importance of pilot studies. Find a writing mentor and a supportive team. Writing is a skill, it takes practice. And a few words for faculty. Consider how you will respond to a student who asks for assistance with publishing. Working individually with students on a publication is quite time consuming. New graduates may be eager to start the manuscript based on a stellar capstone assignment only to lose interest after a faculty member has invested many hours. Newer faculty members may be novice authors and in need of their own writing support. What level of support is available to faculty? Does the school have a policy about faculty-student publication? Are agreements between faculty and students established to define contributions, timelines, authorship, and other details. Does the school offer writing for publication workshops? Academic nursing is continuing to champion publication of student projects. Are faculty ready? Whether a student, faculty member, novice writer, experienced editor, or a nurse with an interest in writing, editing, or publishing, sign up for Writer’s Camp!