how to write an email to research paper author

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How to appropriately email a researcher to ask for details about their paper?

Often when I am reading a newly published article, I will encounter some points that are difficult to understand. For example, some details of the methodology that I think the authors did not explain in enough detail.

I'm not sure how to write an appropriate email to ask for clarification, especially on how to phrase, so as to be polite. For example, should I write "Ask for details on methodology" or "Inquiry on details on methodology" or ...?

1 You can also ask if there is an appendix (published or not) containing more methodological details than appeared in the published article. – Alexis Jul 6, 2020 at 23:24
2 Does this answer your question? How should I phrase an important question that I need to ask a professor? – Anonymous Physicist Jul 6, 2020 at 23:42
3 Be warned that authors of papers can be of varying degrees of helpfulness when you ask them about details of their papers or more explicit details of their methodology/computations. – Tom Jul 7, 2020 at 0:45
2 There is a website called pubpeer, which is useful for public comments of papers, if you have a question it's possible other people may too, maybe someone has asked it before – Rainb Jul 7, 2020 at 5:10
1 By the way, it should go without saying but also make sure you have thoroughly read the paper before asking :) – a3nm Jul 7, 2020 at 8:26

9 Answers 9

Showing interest is nice, accusing people is not. So, show interest, something like "I saw your article XXX in YYY and I am working on something similar. I was wondering how exactly you dealt with ZZZ."

This probably is a bit culturally determined, but almost anything polite will do. I personally prefer your second formulation, but others might not. Don't overthink it.

But in a first mail to the author(s) I suggest asking questions that can be answered fairly simply/quickly and don't ask for too much. If it seems like it will be a lot of work to reply, then you might not get any answer. You can always follow up with additional questions if the authors seem open to communication.

In the best case it can open the possibility of future collaboration if the topic is of mutual interest.

Contacting researchers for clarification is good practice. Before you do, ask yourself why you think the authors did not provide enough details . In formulating an answer, you may find they did provide enough details. Otherwise, you'll have established a better understanding for what you need to know, and you can put that to the researchers. Always be humble in asking.

Let's get more templated . What about this?

To: %Corresponding author% Subject: %Paper title% Dear Prof. %NAME% , With a great interest I read your paper on %TOPIC% . Since I work in a similar area, I would like to %short presentation of what you want% [e.g., to compare my approach [1, 2, 3] to yours]. Do you have %your actual inquiry, detailed% ? Thank you very much in advance. [1] Paper [2] Paper [3] Paper Best regards, %Your name% -- %Your signature, including your institution, email, phone, and further ways to contact you%

If you are asking for code, try searching GitHub and further usual places first. Googling the corresponding author would also help. Take a look at their most recent papers, may be your question is already answered.

What if I'm not sure if they are a professor or not. – hotohoto Jan 31, 2023 at 6:12
1 Just google them? – Oleg Lobachev Feb 1, 2023 at 10:33

So long as what you write is not rude or arrogant, nobody will care much.

The important thing is to ask some specific questions. If you just asked me for "details of methodology" I would hit the delete button, because I'm not going to write a comprehensive reply that is probably longer than the published paper telling you every little detail about what I did - especially if the paper was published years ago and I have forgotten most of the details anyway.

That depends imho. If you write an article about Nuclear Power and completely leave out the part about uranium atoms splitting, well, do you assume your readers will know ? – clockw0rk Jul 8, 2020 at 8:09
@clockw0rk yes? For a journal article, I think you can safely assume a decent general science background, especially in the topic of the journal (e.g., fission for a Modern Physics Letters paper). – Matt Jul 9, 2020 at 0:11
@Matt u maybe right about that, but I encountered papers about advanced hacking techniques where the author completely leaves out facts about what he is refferring to when he says "... because it is simply a fact" or "...as is common knowledge". Not the topic of this question, but definately provide at least sources to your readers where they can find the basics of your research. Well, I guess it's part of the topic that these papers always come a little "mysterious" or "arcane", so to speak. – clockw0rk Jul 9, 2020 at 12:31

I was for 5 or so years a university researcher and co-wrote a few papers. I would have been thrilled if someone had written to me asking a sensible question (they never did) but horrified if they had found an error. Professors, on the other hand, can be time poor, so it will be best to write to the most junior author if this is an option. In my experience many academics build upon their previous work and answers to any questions will often be found in previous papers. To be specific I would suggest: "Do you use the [your best guess at the techniques/methodology used] system in your research?" after a preamble much as Oleg has given above.

If the paper is published it is because the editor (and presumably the referees) believe there are enough details either in the manuscript per se , in the references or that the procedure is sufficiently well-known not to waste time on it.

Thus I would encourage you to be very careful in suggesting there is not enough information: it might not be enough information for you but presumably it’s enough information for that typical reader of the journal.

You might ask for clarifications on a few specific points but do so selectively, making sure you include significant context and references so that your query is legitimate.

A while ago I also read a paper and had a question which was not answered in the paper (or maybe it was and I just wasn't capable of interpreting it).

I searched for the address of the main author and wrote a polite, kind email without much fluff (because I had often heard that scientists don't like fluff).

I also mentioned that I had asked another scientist I knew first, but that no one knew the answer (just to add some justification for why I was writing him instead of asking others or consulting books).

For me, he was something like a famous Professor and I thought he would never answer my mail. But not even a day later I received a kind and helpful answer from him.

I would also like to add here to encourage everyone to answer emails like this if possible. For him it was maybe just an email but his answer meant so very much to me, I nearly even cried because I was so happy and I felt taken seriously and acknowledged.

This is what I used to do when I was a math grad student:

Be extra polite (I would start with "Dear Prof. NNN")
Introduce yourself. Say what level you're at, what institution you're at, and who you're working with. (Briefly.) It will help them understand what level you're at and indicate a connection.
Be somewhat detailed about what you do understand. Don't just say "I didn't understand this step in the methods." Say "When you say that you did XXX, did you mean YYY, or ZZZ? Or perhaps I misunderstand completely?" Just like with Stack Exchange you want to make it clear you put some effort in, and you also want to make it clear just what needs to be explained.
Include a phone number in case they want to talk further.

I want to re-emphasize the importance of being clear about where you are uncertain. You want to make it as easy as possible for them to answer your question. And as you try to put your confusion into words, it may actually become more clear to you.

But don't be afraid to make the contact. It could even lead to a future collaboration. Connecting with other researchers is a good thing to do.

One other note: Even though I suggested "Dear Prof. NNN", that's just for the first contact. After that, look at how they talk to you. If they close with just their first name, that's generally an invitation to address them that way.

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Dan Garisto

Freelance science journalist

How to write an email to a researcher you’ve never spoken to before

Since I’ve gotten asked about careers in science writing/journalism twice in the past week, I’ve been hunting down basic resources (what is science writing, how to pitch, where a science writing career stats) from excellent sites like The Open Notebook to help get folks started. But this is a particularly basic question—so basic that people usually don’t ask it and (IMO) it doesn’t get a lot of good answers. Here’s my take.

SUBJECT LINE Media Inquiry: Interesting Research

You want to clearly label your email as a media email—ideally from a specific publication, but if you’re a freelancer and not sure where it will appear, “Media” is just fine. You also want to make the topic of the email clear. Specific keywords that are relevant to their specific research are often helpful. For example, it might be better to include “Penrose process” than just “black hole” in the subject line. A more specific topic is more relevant to them and means your email is more likely to be read.

Dear Dr. So and So ,

Titles can be tricky. On first contact, I always use Dr. (as opposed to Prof.) unless I am positive they don’t have a PhD. If there are three people or fewer, use Drs. If for some reason there are more than three you can address it to “all.” Keep in mind that you generally want to avoid sending a single email to more than 3 or so researchers—things get messy. (One or two really is best.) Make sure to double check that you have spelled their name(s) correctly before sending . INTRODUCTION

My name is Dan Garisto and I’m a freelance science journalist currently on assignment with Such and Such publication writing about [topic of interest] . You want to convey who you are and what you’re knocking on their door about, generally within a sentence or two. Often you’ll want to add a clarifying sentence about the article you’re writing.

In particular, I’m hoping to give readers a glimpse of [topic] from [relatively under-reported angle].

Sometimes, but not always, you’ll want to prove your credentials upfront with the appropriate links.

I’ve previously written about [topic] here, here, and here.

REASON FOR CONTACT

I’m reaching out because of your work on [topic of interest], especially [somewhat recent paper].

In some ways, this is the most important sentence of your entire email . It’s one thing to receive a cold email from a science writer asking to talk; it’s another if they link to a highly specific (and relevant!) paper you published 18 months ago which has 3 citations. Linking to their relevant research demonstrates that you’ve actually done your homework. It’s an investment of your time into them; it shows you have genuine interest. They are so much more likely to respond if you do this.

Another possible reason: I’m emailing because So and So said you were the expert to talk to about [topic]. Slightly less good: Your university bio said you had expertise in [topic] and [related topic].

I was hoping to speak with you about topic.

This is maybe the least important sentence of the entire email. Don’t spend too much time on it. That you want their time is implicit; how you explicitly state that you want it is somewhat less important. That said, a couple variants to keep in mind:

I was wondering if you’d be willing to look over [forthcoming paper from another researcher] and share your thoughts with me . Rather than emailing multiple people, it’s often easier to put this request in the ask. Also a good way to diversify your sources. Would you or someone in your lab/one of your coauthors have time to chat?

LOGISTICS My schedule is pretty flexible later this week and I’m available via Skype/Zoom/phone. Could you let me know if there are any times that work for you?

Be clear about your availability, but on the first email, don’t list every time that you’re available. It’s messy and presumes a bit too much. Sometimes you’re in a crunch. Be upfront about that too.

Unfortunately I’m on deadline and I really need to get a draft to my editor by tomorrow morning or she’ll have my hide. I know this is a tough ask, but would you have time later today?

There are dozens of other permutations here, but the important thing is to remember to be gracious. Nobody owes you their time.

Looking forward to hearing from you .

This one is totally up to you. “Thanks for your time” works just as well.

Best/Sincerely/Cheers/Regards/Toodlepip,

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Media Inquiry: Interesting Research Dear Dr. So and So , My name is Dan Garisto and I’m a freelance science journalist currently on assignment with Such and Such publication writing about [topic of interest] . In particular, I’m hoping to give readers a glimpse of [topic] from [relatively under-reported angle]. I’m reaching out because of your work on [topic of interest], especially [somewhat recent paper]. I was wondering if you’d be willing to look over [forthcoming paper from another researcher] and share your thoughts with me . My schedule is pretty flexible later this week and I’m available via Skype/Zoom/phone. Could you let me know if there are any times that work for you? Looking forward to hearing from you . Cheers, Dan I’ll update this later if I think of stuff. But for now, that’s it.

How to Ask a Journal Editor About Manuscript Status (Email Template Included)

The publishing process can be lengthy, and research authors are often unsure about how to ask a journal editor about the manuscript status. After spending long hours on their research, writing their manuscript, and preparing for journal submission, most authors are hoping for a quick response. While many journals have a submissions platform that displays the status of manuscripts, it is not uncommon for these to remain unchanged for an extended period of time. This makes it necessary to write to the journal editor for updates. However, most researchers, especially students and early career researchers, are unsure when follow-ups should be initiated and the best way to do so. This article aims to guide researchers by sharing writing etiquettes and best practices when writing to editors to ask about manuscript status.

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Understanding the ideal journal wait time.

Many research authors are unsure not only about how to ask journal editors about their manuscript status, but also when to reach out to the editor is equally important. Before contacting the journal editor, it is important to consider an appropriate wait time. Different journals have their own guidelines regarding submissions and turn-around times to inform authors of the manuscript status. This again depends on the topic or field related to which the manuscript has been written, so be sure to know this for your target journal. Depending on the journal’s guidelines and typical review timelines, a wait time of 8-10 weeks is often considered reasonable after which authors can inquire about the manuscript status.

Generally, once an article or manuscript submission has been made, its status can be monitored online. Authors are usually able to check the status of their submission via a journal’s “article submission” link on the journal’s website. Additionally, a sub-link to “e-mail” and correspond with the editors or designated contact persons of the journal may also be provided. However, there are occasions when the submission status remains unchanged for long periods of time. This wait for an update can be nerve wracking and the best way forward would be to write to the journal editor to ask about the manuscript status.

Key elements: Writing to editor to ask about manuscript status

When drafting an inquiry about manuscript status, make sure to include the following essential points in your email:

Introduction: Greet the journal editor and express hope that they are well.
Manuscript details: Clearly mention the manuscript title, date of submission, and, if available, the manuscript ID.
Acknowledgment: Show appreciation for the time and effort invested by the editorial team and reviewers in evaluating manuscripts.
Request a status update: Politely inquire about the current status of your manuscript and express your concern about the lack of updates.
Additional information: Offer any additional materials or information that may assist the review process, if applicable.
Closing: Thank the editor for their time and consideration, express your anticipation of their response, and provide your contact information.

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How to write an email to journal editor sample.

When writing an email to the journal editor, it is essential to be respectful, concise, and professional. Most importantly, maintain a tone of patience and politeness. Remember that your manuscript is probably one of the many others that the editor may be sifting through and evaluating. Here is a sample email template that you can use as a guide:

Subject: Inquiry About Manuscript Status – [your manuscript title] Dear [Editor’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the status of my manuscript titled “[your manuscript title],” which I submitted to [journal name] on [submission date]. I understand that the publishing process requires careful consideration and often takes time. However, the status of my manuscript has remained unchanged on the submissions platform for an extended period. I appreciate the efforts of the editorial team and reviewers in evaluating manuscripts, and I understand the workload involved in managing the publication process. I wanted to inquire if there are any updates regarding the review or decision for my manuscript. I understand that you receive numerous inquiries on manuscript status. To facilitate a prompt response, I have included the relevant details below: Manuscript Title: [Your Manuscript Title] Manuscript ID: [If available, provide the manuscript ID] Corresponding Author: [Your Name] Submission Date: [Date of submission] If possible, could you please provide an estimated timeline for the next steps or any information regarding the review process? I would be grateful for any updates that can be shared. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon. If there is any additional information or materials I can provide to assist in the review process, please do not hesitate to let me know. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Affiliation] [Your Contact Information]

Inquiring about your manuscript status is a reasonable and important step in the publishing process. If there is no reply to your inquiry (which is rare), you can send a follow-up email politely reiterating your inquiry about manuscript status. Be careful to avoid bombarding the editor with multiple emails in quick succession though.

If there is a reply indicating a longer waiting period, then you may decide to withdraw the submitted manuscript after providing a valid reason for the action. However, withdrawal of a manuscript submission is not recommended as you will have to undergo the same process once again with a different journal or publication.

Streamline Journal Communication with Paperpal

Now make writing your manuscript-related emails a breeze with Paperpal. Use Paperpal Copilot’s Email the Journal feature to generate structured emails that convey your message convincingly and effectively to journal editors.

We know that generic emails won’t make the cut, which is why Paperpal offers 5 tailored templates for different scenarios:

Cover letter for journal submission
Inquiry on manuscript status
Deadline extension for submitting revised manuscript
Submitting a revised manuscript as a new submission
Withdrawing the manuscript from a journal

how to write an email to research paper author

Generate Emails Effortlessly

Say goodbye to manual email crafting. Here’s a quick step-by-step process to generate emails efficiently with Paperpal.

Keep all the details handy: Ensure you have all the information you need to include before you start.
Generate your email: Choose your email template and fill in all the key details, such as manuscript title, editor name, journal name, and important data to include.
Double-check generated text: Once the AI generates the letter, check and refine to ensure all the relevant details are included.
Refine the language: Do a final proofreading to polish the letter, and make sure the tone is personal and professional. You can use Paperpal’s in-depth grammar checks to do this.

Let Paperpal handle the intricacies of email writing. Click here to start now!

By following the guidelines outlined above and using the provided email template, you will know how to write to journal editors for manuscript status updates. Be sure to refer to the specific journal’s guidelines and policies when inquiring about manuscript status, as they may have their own preferred mode of communication. Finally, remember you can save time and communicate effectively with journals with Paperpal, which is designed to support academics on the writing and publication journey. Sign up to Paperpal now and try this for yourself!

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How to Find the Right Academic Editor and Proofreading Partner

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Writing Tips

How to Write an Academic Email

4-minute read

21st October 2019

When you email a professor or tutor for the first time, you want to make a good impression. But how can you do this? Our top tips for writing an academic email include the following:

Consider whether you need to send an email. You may be able to find the information in your syllabus, timetable, or other course materials.
Write a clear subject line setting out what your email is about.
Let the recipient know who you are and make a specific request.
Use a clear, concise writing style and appropriate academic language.
Proofread your email carefully before hitting send.

Check out our guide below for more on how to write an academic email.

1. When to Send an Academic Email

If you say the word “inbox” to an academic, they will shudder in horror. This is because most lecturers and tutors receive dozens of emails every day. Keeping on top of this can take a lot of time and effort.

So, before writing an email, ask yourself: Do I need to send this?

Often, you can find the information you need in other places. If you want to know about a reading assignment, for example, you should check your syllabus, course documentation, or reading list.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t ask for help. Academic staff are there to assist you. But they can do this more effectively if they have time to spare, so it’s best only to email someone when you can’t find the information elsewhere.

2. Subject Line

Every academic email should have a clear subject line that sets out why you’re emailing. For example, if you need to discuss a paper you’re writing, a vague subject line like “Question” or “Urgent!” may be easy to overlook.

Instead, you could write something like:

Aristotle Paper – Tutorial Request for Wednesday

This is short and simple, but the recipient will immediately understand the topic of your email, what you need, and when you need it.

3. Be Specific About Why You’re Emailing

The text of your email should be as specific as possible. To do this:

Set out who you are and your relationship to the recipient.
Explain your situation in no more than a couple sentences. For more complex requests, you’re better off setting up a meeting in person.
Suggest how the recipient can help you address the problem.

This will ensure the recipient knows who you are and what you need from them. The simpler you make this, the easier it will be for them to respond.

4. Be Clear, Concise and Formal

As well as being specific, you need to use an appropriate writing style. This should be clear, concise, and formal . Be sure to:

Find this useful?

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Address the recipient using their proper title (e.g., Dear Prof. Smith ).
Use academic language as appropriate (avoid slang and emojis).
Be polite in your request; don’t make demands.
Thank the recipient for their time at the end of the email.

It may be the recipient is happy for you to use a less formal writing style. But it’s best to stick to formal, respectful language until you get to know them.

5. Proofread Carefully

Finally, be absolutely sure you proofread your email before sending it.

This will save you from any embarrassing typos, ensuring your email is easy for the recipient to understand.

Example Academic Email

In closing, here’s an example of an academic email:

Dear Prof. Smith,

I am a first-year student on your Ancient Greek Philosophy module, and I was hoping we could meet to discuss the upcoming Aristotle paper (due on March 3).

I am planning to write about Plato and Aristotle, and I have attended the lectures and completed the required reading, but I have questions I would like to ask before I begin writing. Will you be available to meet this Wednesday?

Early afternoon would be best for me, but I am happy to adapt my schedule if you are not available then. If we cannot meet, do you have any books or research papers about Plato and Aristotle that you can suggest?

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,

Isaac Kinsella

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Office of Undergraduate Research

Email etiquette.

Begin by stating who you are and why you are writing to them. Make a connection by mentioning shared interests and goals.

Be specific and explain your interests. What aspects of their research fascinate you? What sparked your interest in their topic or area of focus? What motivates your interest in the topic or problem that their research focuses on?

If you’ve been referred by someone, you can mention that as well. State what it is you’re seeking, such as a conversation to discuss their research on ________, or to inquire about opportunities to get involved or assist with their work on ________.

End your email with next steps, such as letting them know what days and times you are typically available and asking if they may be able to meet during those times, or asking if it would be alright if you dropped by their office hours to talk with them further. In the case of professionals outside of the University, you can ask if they would be available for a brief, 20-30 minute phone conversation to discuss their work, which is oftentimes referred to as an informational interview.

Keep it concise – Limit your email to essential information only, ideally no more than four to six sentences. Busy faculty members and professionals read emails quickly; a long, detailed email, no matter how well written, will often get ignored. Save the details for follow-up emails and/or conversations.
Make your “ask” reasonable – When reaching out to a prospective mentor you do not yet know, asking for a meeting to discuss their research is a reasonable request. Asking whether you can join his/her lab or become his/her research assistant is a big request that should wait until after you’ve had a conversation, which gives both of you the opportunity to assess whether this is a good fit.
Maintain formality – Even if you have spoken with this person before, it’s important to always maintain a formal tone and use formal language in an initial email to faculty or professionals. You never know whether your email might be shared or forwarded, so err on the side of formality.
Be sincere and genuine – False flattery will not get you far. Only reach out to faculty or other contacts that you have a genuine interest in working with, and never exaggerate or misrepresent your interests.
Begin emails with appropriate salutation – This goes back to maintaining formality. Though you may begin your everyday emails with “Hey” or “Hi,” using these informal salutations with faculty or professionals may be off-putting or prevent them from taking you seriously. Always begin with “Dear Dr. [Last Name],” “Dear Professor [Last Name],” or “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name].”
Professional contact information – At the end of an email, always provide your email address and phone number. The email address you provide should be professional ([email protected] instead of [email protected]). Your voicemail message should also be professional, clearly stating your name and asking callers to please leave a message. Avoid music playing in the background, slang, and informal language in your voicemail message, as these can ruin the professional impression you are trying to make.
Referrals – Only give the name of a referral if the person who referred you has instructed you to do so. Providing the name of a referral without their permission is frowned upon. Avoid exaggerating or overstating your connections. For example, stating in your email that “Professor Z recommended I contact you” when in reality Professor Z, in passing, recommended you reach out to faculty members in a particular department to inquire about opportunities, will not get you far in the networking process.
Be patient – Don’t expect an instant response. Not everyone maintains a constant connection to their email. If you don’t receive a response within 10 business days (weekends don’t count!) you can send a second email. For the second email, simply resend the same email content, and avoid stating that you’re emailing a second time because you did not receive a response to your first email, as some people may find this offensive. If you don’t receive a response to your second email, either stop in during the faculty member’s office hours to ask your question(s) and begin establishing a relationship, or move on.

For additional guidance from the OUR Peer Research Ambassadors , check out the following Student Research Blog posts:

It’s All About the Emails
20 Seconds of Courage
4 Ways to Get Into Undergraduate Research
Getting In Touch: Making Contact With Professors
It’s OK to be Told “No”

Email Templates

Dear Professor _____,

I am a ( class year ) majoring in ( indicate your major, and minor, if applicable ). I read your journal article on ( article topic ) and am very interested in your current research on ( research topic ). I am greatly interested in ( topic ) and was excited to learn of the connection to your work. In particular, I am drawn to ( specific aspect of research ). I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you further about your research and would welcome any advice you would have for me as an aspiring ( field/topic ) researcher.

I am available for a virtual conversation on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, any time after 1pm, though I can be flexible to accommodate your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jonathan Husky [email protected] 860-486-0000

Dear Dr. _____,

I am a ( class year ) majoring in ( major/minor ). I am writing to express interest in your research on ( research topic ). I was excited to read about your latest advance in ( topic ) in UConn Today.

As an aspiring ( career or academic goal ), I have focused my coursework on ( specific topics ). Previous research experiences in ( research background ) have given me a background in ( topic ), but I’ve continued to be drawn towards ( topic connected to their research ). In particular, I was excited by your focus on ( specific topic ).

I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you ( virtually or in person ) to learn more about your research. My schedule is flexible and I am able to meet at a time that is convenient for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sample Emails

My name is Jonathan and I am a first-year undergraduate majoring in _____ and minoring in _____. I’m very interested in your research on _____. I was first introduced to this topic in my senior year of high school when I completed a project on _____ in my _____ class. This semester I’m taking _____ with Dr. _____ and have had a chance to explore this topic from a different angle. Through my readings, I came across your study on _____ and was intrigued by the focus on _____.

I would appreciate the chance to have a conversation with you to learn more about your research on _____. Can I stop by your office hours on Thursdays or is there a better time for us to meet? I’m typically available on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons but can be flexible to fit your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jonathan Husky University of Connecticut, Class of 20XX email address he/him/his

Dear Dr. _________,

My name is ______ and I am a sophomore, XYZ major interested in your research on ____________. With the rapidly evolving _______, I am intrigued by __________ and how it can impact__________. While exploring this area further in my ABC1000 course, I came across your research on _________ and read your paper on _________, igniting my interest in learning more about ________.

I would appreciate the chance to talk with you more about your current research, your career path, and any advice you may have for me as someone who aspires to contribute to research on ________. Can I set up a time to meet with you in the coming weeks? I’m free on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, as well as Monday afternoons, though can be flexible to fit your availability.

Thank you for considering this request.

Jonathan Husky Email Address University of Connecticut, Class of 20XX

My name is ABC Student and I’m a sophomore majoring in Allied Health Sciences. I was exploring research on_________ when I came across your 20XX paper in ______ on _______. I was intrigued by the impact of _______ on ________, and the overall implications of ______.

I was first introduced to ________ in Dr. Carson’s XYZ1000 course, where we studied ______. I continued to develop my interest by taking _________ and ________, where I expanded my understanding of ____________.

Now, as I look ahead to my Honors thesis, I am exploring options to combine my interest in _______ with my academic background in __________. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you to learn more about your research and any advice you may have for me as I plan my next steps and build my knowledge on these topics. Would you be available for a meeting this week or next? I’m typically free on Mondays and Wednesdays until 11am, though can work around your schedule.

I appreciate you considering this request and look forward to hearing from you.

ABC Student email address she/her/hers

Dear Professor ____,

I am a junior majoring in ____. Last year I had the opportunity to study ____ with Professor ___ in her ____ class. I was particularly drawn to the intersection of ____ and ____, and exploring the relationships between _____ and _____. While researching these areas further, I came upon your paper on _____ and was excited to learn about your current research on ____, as this aligns with the direction I want to go with my honors thesis next year.

Would it be possible to set up a meeting to discuss your research? Below I have included my availability for the coming weeks, though I can be flexible to fit with your schedule. I appreciate your consideration. Also, look forward to taking your course next semester on _____ and gaining additional insight into ____.

Dear Professor___,

I am fascinated by the molecular biology of stem cells. Recently I read your 20XX paper on the role of microRNAs in the differentiation of muscle stem cells published in ____ journal and found your conclusions to be intriguing. In particular, I found it amazing that __________ can impact _________.

As a junior MCB major, I have developed a strong background in _____ and feel I am now ready to contribute to the field of molecular biology. I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with you more about your current research and the ways in which undergraduate students are able to assist. Would you be available for a meeting in the coming weeks? I am available on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, though can be available at other times to fit with your schedule. I look forward to talking with you soon and learning more about your research.

Jonathan Husky

Email Address, Phone Number

I would also appreciate learning more about the work that ABC Nonprofit is doing to educate the public on _____. Would you be available for a brief phone conversation next Thursday or Friday afternoon? Thank you in advance for your consideration and I hope to speak with you soon.

Sincerely, Jonathan Husky [email protected] 999-999-9999

How To Write an Email To a Journal Editor

Learn how to write a professional email to a journal editor and increase your chances of getting published. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step guidance and useful tips to craft an effective email that stands out.

How to write an email to a journal editor? We have the answer for you.

Table of Contents

What To Do Before Writing the Email

Before diving into writing the email, it’s important to take a few preparatory steps:

What to Include In the Email

When writing an email to a journal editor, include the following components:

Start with a clear and concise subject line that highlights the purpose of your email.

Introduction

Introduce yourself briefly, including your current affiliation and the title of your manuscript.

Clearly state the purpose of your email:

Manuscript Details

Provide essential information about your manuscript:

Conclude your email courteously and professionally. Thank the editor for their time and consideration.

Email Template – Emails to a Journal Editor

Template 1: submitting a manuscript.

Dear [Editor’s Last Name],

[Briefly introduce yourself, mentioning your current affiliation or research interests.]

The total word count of the manuscript is approximately [Word Count]. I would like to emphasize the unique aspects of my work, [mention unique contributions].

Template 2: General Inquiry

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inquire about [specific matter/question regarding the journal or publication].

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

Writing a professional email to a journal editor plays a crucial role in conveying your intentions effectively. By following the steps outlined in this article and using our email templates, you can improve your chances of grabbing the editor’s attention and achieving your publication goals. Remember to be concise, polite, and respectful throughout the email.

Tips for Writing an Email to Faculty about Research

For many students, the best way to get involved in research is to email faculty/principle investigators directly to ask about research opportunities. An email is an opportunity to highlight your shared interest in their research topic and to highlight attributes that will make you a good undergraduate researcher to work with. This page will help you write a concise and targeted email to maximize your chance at a reply.

The subject

Be short, but be clear what you are writing about. Something like “Undergraduate Research Opportunities in Your Lab” or “Openings for Undergraduates to do Research in [your research topic]” should work. Do not simply use “Hi” or “Research” as a subject.

The greeting

A formal greeting is always a safe bet, so always address the recipient using a proper title. When contacting faculty or postdoctoral fellows, “Dear Dr. ______,” is appropriate. If you are contacting someone without a doctorate or M.D., use “Dear Mr. ______,” or “Dear Ms.______” If you are unsure, always err on the side of using “Dr.” Never open an e-mail with “To whom it may concern” or any similarly vague phrase.

The main text

In the first line, identify yourself with your year in school and your major or anticipated major as well as your interest in research (e.g., “I’m a sophomore political science and public policy major looking to do research on voting rights in the South.” or “I’m a first year Neuroscience major and hope to get involved in Alzheimer’s research as soon as I can.”). You also want to explain why you why you are contacting this faculty in particular. It helps to mention how you know the recipient or where you got their contact information. If you took a class with them or have spoken with someone doing research with them, say so. If you are contacting them based on their profile on the department website, it is fine to say something like “When lookin for research opportunities in [subject area], I found information about your research on the department’s website.”

Next, explain your specific interest in this faculty’s research . Your goal here is to establish a shared passion for the particular area in which this faculty member conducts research — the more specific, the better. Are there aspects of their research that fascinate you? Do you want to be able to contribute to the understanding of some specific problem or issue? Is there something about your past classwork or research experience that sparked your interest? If there are broader motivations that drive you, include a sentence in your email explaining them. In addition, it can be helpful to pick a recent paper or book they’ve published and read or skim it. You don’t have to sound like an expert, but it helps to mention a recent finding that interests you and possibly ask a good question about their research (e.g., “Is the protein you study also regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner?”). Be sure to describe any relevant experience or completed courses that would make you well suited to do research with the faculty, but keep in mind your shared interest/passion may be just as important as your background.

One word of caution: you don’t want to make it seem that their lab or their research project is only a stepping stone to the next step in your career (graduate school or medical school) — this might turn off many who are devoted to research and want to recruit students with a shared passion.

Grades and your CV/resume

While grades are certainly not the only factor faculty will consider, you may wish to include your GPA if you feel that it merits mentioning. However, refrain from making it the focal point of a sentence; instead, you can bring it up in the context of wanting some experience outside of class (e.g., “I am enjoying my classes so far and doing well (my GPA is 3.7), but I feel that I will learn a lot more by exploring my interests beyond the classroom”). Similarly, if you have a CV/resume that includes relevant research experience, you may want to include it (e.g., “I’ve attached my resume in case it might be helpful for you to know a bit more about me.”). If your academic qualifications are not as great as you’d hoped (for example, your GPA is on the lower end), you can put off attaching the CV for now and just state that you would be happy to send a CV or any other material if needed.

Concluding sentences and closing

Now you are ready to wrap up with a brief concluding statement. Thank the recipient for their time and ask for an opportunity to meet with them to discuss their research projects and to how to get involved in the type of research they do. A warm but simple closing (“Sincerely,” or “Best regards,”) is fine. It may help to include your email or phone number under your name if you have invited the recipient to contact you.

General considerations and next steps

First, remember to keep the email reasonably short. Two small paragraphs should cover everything you need say. Also, remember to proofread carefully. Spelling and grammar errors will reflect negatively and your attention to detail. Don’t use slang or abbreviations common in texting. Think of the email as something you would turn in for a grade. That said, be yourself! While it is best to be formal, the email does not have to be bland; let some of your personality show through. Lastly, if you don’t receive a reply after about two weeks, it’s okay to follow up by forwarding your original email back to the recipient and politely add “Dear Dr. ______, I’m writing to follow up on my earlier email about research opportunities in [your area of research]. I remain interested in speaking with you about your research if you are able. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.” Faculty are very busy and your persistence may be appreciated, so it’s even okay to send another follow up email after another few weeks if you don’t hear back. After that, it may be time to move on to other opportunities.

Sample email

Dear Dr. ______,

I am a sophomore Computer Science major, and I am especially interested in your research on artificial intelligence.

With artificial intelligence constantly evolving, I am interested in exploring its true capabilities and how machine learning can improve language processing. While looking for research opportunities to explore my passions within artificial intelligence, I came across your Natural Language Processing Group at UNC. Connecting the capabilities of artificial intelligence and exploring its ability to communicate with human language is very captivating. I am enjoying my classes so far and doing well (My GPA is 4.0), but I am eager to supplement my classroom learning with a research opportunity. I feel that I would be able learn more about artificial intelligence by becoming a part of your research group or a similar project on campus. I’ve attached my resume in case it’s helpful for you to know a bit more about me and my research background.

I would appreciate an opportunity to briefly meet with you or someone in your research group to discuss your research and how I might be able to support your work at some point in the next three years. If you are able to meet with me, please let me know some times you are available to talk. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

[include a signature with your Name, Major, Class of 202_]

Academic Email Etiquette: Tips for Contacting Scholars in Your Field

#scribendiinc

Written by Jacques Aleksandar Cimeša

Confused about Academic Email Etiquette?

Emailing a scholar in your field can be a daunting task. Whether you're a postgraduate student looking for a supervisor for your dissertation or an industry professional looking for a collaborative work opportunity, knowing proper academic email etiquette can help you make a great first impression. In this guide, we'll provide some tips on email etiquette, planning, and getting the response you're looking for.

#1 Do Your Research

Before you begin, take the time to identify your goals and compile a list of scholars whose interests and fields of expertise match them. Be sure to review some of their past projects and publications and take notes on items that you found interesting, as these details can be used when constructing your email to showcase your commitment to your work. Lastly, determine what their present foci are. Scholars' projects are influenced by both personal and external influences. Depending on your goals, it may be necessary to confirm whether they are still working in your field of interest.

#2 Introduce Yourself (and Your Purpose)

After crafting a succinct subject line and a salutation, it's time to introduce yourself and the purpose of your email.

Proper email etiquette recommends that you provide a few lines about yourself, and the information included will depend on the purpose of your email. For simple requests, such as for a copy of a scholar's published work, it would be sufficient to include your name, profession, and affiliation, as well as the reason for your request. In some cases, it could be beneficial to compliment the recipient on their area of expertise to show them why you're interested in speaking with them as opposed to someone else. For example,

Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya and I am a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies candidate at Yale University. I am writing a dissertation on the role of dream (mis)interpretation in the Byzantium Empire, and I was wondering if you had a copy of your Harvard dissertation, The so-called Oneirocriticon of Achmet: A Byzantine book on dream interpretation and its Arabic sources .

For more complicated matters, such as applying for residency or job positions, more information is needed. The goal is to convince the scholar that you're an ideal candidate for the role. This could be done by including your past work experience, publications, and aspirations. For example,

Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya and I am a wizard of the sword. I saw that you had an opening for participants in your study about sword fighting with medieval and Renaissance blades. I would like to enroll in your study to help clarify the differences between these blades and how their craftsmanship impacted the fighting styles of those eras.

#3 Create a Closing Line

After introducing yourself and your purpose, it's time to conclude your email. This is the last item that a scholar will read, and it can motivate their decision to respond to you quickly—or at all. The last line of your email should not only express gratitude to the recipient for reading it, but also include a call to action. This communicates your expectations and helps you establish further communication.

In the context of professional email etiquette, expressing gratitude can be as simple as saying "Thank you for your time and consideration" or "I sincerely appreciate your guidance." It's an opportunity to thank the scholar for assisting you with a task or considering you for a position. A little politeness goes a long way!

Your call to action will depend on the nature of your goal. For simpler requests, establishing a rapport may not be necessary; however, it could prove useful in the future if you wish to pursue the scholar's area of interest further, or if you have a genuine interest in their work. For more complex requests, this relationship would give you the opportunity to show your dedication to the subject and your excitement toward discussing it further. In short, determine how much you want to invest in this (potential) relationship, and craft your call to action accordingly.

In line with proper email etiquette, each scenario and relationship dictates what is appropriate. Given the context of meeting someone for the first time, it would be best to invite them to email you back or to call to discuss your request further. You could also invite them to meet in a professional setting, such as a conference, if you know they'll be attending. Do not, however, invite them to your home or offer to visit them at theirs. Below are some examples of appropriate and inappropriate closing lines.

Appropriate call to action:

I would love to discuss this position more with you. Please feel free to email or call me at your earliest convenience.

Inappropriate call to action:

I would love to discuss the art of fencing with you further. In fact, I keep some very interesting sabers at my own home, which I believe you would be fascinated to see. Would you be available to meet me there at 7:00 p.m. this Friday? It's secluded and can be a bit difficult to find, so I have included some directions below.

#4 Sign off with an Academic Email Signature

After your closing line, it's time to conclude your email. Be sure to include a valediction, your full name, your current role, and your contact information.

Valedictions

There are many valedictions (or "sign offs") to choose from when composing an email, and all of them serve different functions. For example, "cordially" is perceived as more personal—you have some knowledge of the person you're writing to—while "sincerely" is viewed as a simple way to close a professional email. In this context, we're emailing an industry professional whom we do not know; therefore, it follows that we would like to use a sign off that is professional without being personal.

Examples: Sincerely, Regards, Yours sincerely, Kind regards

You'll want to avoid informal sign offs in business and professional settings, such as "Cheers," "Take care," and "Love." In general, if it's something you'd use in a note to a close friend, it's not appropriate for a professional academic email.

Your Name and Professional Title

When signing off, use your full name, especially if you have a common name like "Sarah" or "Dave." This will prevent confusion and help them remember you. Including your full name in your email signature can also increase your chances of receiving a response and decrease your chances of having your email lost in a spam filter.

While it's not always necessary, we recommend adding your professional title or current role to your email signature; it helps illustrate what you do. If a scholar can see that you're affiliated with a reputable workplace or educational institution, they may be more inclined to take you seriously and/or honor your request.

Provide Additional Contact Information

Lastly, ensure that you add your contact information. While the scholar will be receiving your email address via the email, it's helpful to add other methods of communication, such as a direct telephone number. It's also nice to give the recipient options for communication, as some individuals have preferences.

Kind regards, Inigo Montoya

Ph.D. candidate Department of Medieval Studies Yale University

Email: [email protected] Phone: (123) 555-1234

While emailing a scholar can be stressful, it doesn't have to be. With a little research and planning, you can craft a perfect professional message for your intended audience and achieve your goals. Proper academic email etiquette plays a large role in professional correspondence; so, if you're ever unsure of whether your phrasing is suitable, feel free to request a Personal Edit from one of our professional editors.

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Make a Good First Impression with Professional Editing

Hire an expert academic editor , or get a free sample, about the author.

Jacques Aleksandar is an in-house editor at Scribendi’s Chatham office. A mechanical engineer turned editor and translator, he has mastered the art of taking things apart—by force, if necessary—and duct-taping them back together again. His work can be found in newspapers across Canada, international education systems, and major bookstores, as well as on corporate blogs and both governmental and non-governmental websites. These days he’s focusing on writing poetry in French, mastering his ninth language, and editing technical papers for high-impact journals while taking freelance projects on the side.

Have You Read?

"The Complete Beginner's Guide to Academic Writing"

How to Write a Proposal for a Research Paper

Speedy Citations: 6 Reference Management Software Solutions for Your Research

When to Spell Out Numbers in Writing: Guide and Examples

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Research Tips and Infromation

Email Template for Requesting the Authors for a Copy of the Research Paper

This template you can use as a basis for making a request to authors for a research paper

Subject: Request for Research Paper – [Paper Title] Dear [Author’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Position/Role] at [Your Institution/Company]. I recently came across your research paper titled [Paper Title] published in [Journal/Conference/Workshop] and I am very interested in reading your work. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with a copy of the paper or any supplementary materials associated with it. The research you have conducted aligns closely with my current studies/research interests in [mention the specific relevance or connection]. Access to your paper would greatly contribute to my understanding of the field and assist me in my own research endeavours. I understand that you may have constraints or limitations regarding the sharing of the paper, and I assure you that I will strictly adhere to any copyright or licensing restrictions associated with it. I will utilize the paper solely for personal use and educational purposes. If it is possible to provide me with the paper, I would be grateful for the opportunity to read and study it. If there are any associated costs or fees for accessing the paper, please let me know, and I will be happy to discuss the necessary arrangements. Thank you for considering my request. Your work has made a significant impact on the field, and I greatly admire your contributions. I look forward to your response. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Position/Role] [Your Institution/Company] [Your Email Address] [Your Contact Number] Download the Template for Requesting the Authors for a Copy of the Research Paper Here You can download the template here by entering your details here.

Physical Sciences Student Affairs Office

Search form, sample email for inquiring about research.

Dear Professor X :

My name is Peter Anteater , and I am very interested in becoming involved in research in Subject Area . I am a X year student with a GPA of X . I have taken Courses and Additional Experiences . My goal is to Goal .

I have reviewed your faculty profile and am interested in the work that you have done. I was intrigued by your journal article, "Article Title." It Additional Information about Topic . I would like to get involved in research in this area because it will help me to better prepare for Goals .

Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss Topic and my possible involvement in research? I am available Days and Times . I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Peter Anteater Student ID Address Phone E-mail

( back to the Research page )

University Home

Search form

Undergraduate research opportunities.

Research Ethics
Preparing for Undergraduate Research
UCSC Divisions
UCSC Academic Options
The Independent Project Option
Join a Lab or Research Group
Examples of Emails to Professors
Other Research Opportunities
STEM Summer Research
UCSC Undergraduate Research Awards
Application Tips & Deadlines
What's Next?
For Students

How to Email a Professor Regarding Research

Your email should:.

have an informative subject line
be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name
not use Mrs. or Ms.
NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons
address any qualifications the professor is looking for
demonstrate your experience
state specifically your interest in that research group (you need to read the professor's website)
explain why research is important for your goals
ask to schedule a meeting or say that you will be coming to office hours

DO NOT SEND THIS EMAIL

Generalized from an email to a UCSC Professor

Hi Joe,

My name is Name and I am a major in Major . Is there space in your lab for an undergraduate? If so, what is the pay rate?

Thanks, Name

DO SEND AN EMAIL LIKE THESE

General email to a stem professor.

Subject: Meeting to discuss undergraduate research opportunities in topic

Dear Professor X ,

I am a year student at university majoring in major . How you found out about the professor's research . Expression of interest in specific paper or topic. I would appreciate the chance to talk with you about your research in topic of interest and about possible undergraduate opportunities in your lab.

My experience in research experience or class, confirmed my intention to develop my research skills and goal. I know you are very busy. We could schedule an appointment or I can drop by your office hours on day and time .

I have attached my resume and unofficial transcript. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to talking to you soon.

________________________________

Generalized from an email to a UCSC professor

Subject: Possible undergraduate research opportunities

I am a (year, major) at (university) and I am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning (time period) . I have conducted undergraduate research on (topic) with (names) in (program or class) . (Expression of interest in the topic) . I would like to continue a path of research on (topic) and would ultimately allow me to (career goal) . I am especially interested in your previous work on (describe a paper or talk) .

I have attached my CV and unofficial transcript to this e-mail, but if there is additional information that I have not included that you would like, I would be happy to provide it to you. Thank you for your consideration.

Your Name Email address

________________________

From University of Virginia, How to Sucessfully E-mail Professors

Dear Dr. Smith, My name is X and I'm a second year biology major at UVa. In my introductory and upper-level coursework, I've developed a passion for science and am extremely interested in pursuing independent research as an undergraduate. An extensive research experience will greatly help me consolidate my future career choice. I am personally greatly interested in the molecular biology of stem cells. Recently I read your 2011 paper on the role of microRNAs in the differentiation of muscle stem cells and became fascinated by your work. In particular, I found it amazing that microRNAs can alter the fate of a cell in such a profound way. If possible, I would love to start working on a long-term project in your lab beginning this summer. Would you be available to meet sometime this week to discuss your research? I would also be happy to volunteer in your lab for a few weeks before we commit to anything to see if this is a good match. My transcript and resume are attached in case you are interested. I look forward to hearing from you! Thank you, X

_________________________

Template from UC Irvine

Dear Professor X :

Would it be possible to meet with you to further discuss Topic and my possible involvement in research? I am available Days and Times . I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Peter Anteater Student ID Address Phone Email

University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064

How to Write a Professional Email: How to email a research professor

How to write a email letter of recommendation
How to email a research professor
"I missed class" example
"Help on lecture information" example

Waht it should contain

Your email should:

Have an informative subject line
Be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name
not use Mrs. or Ms.
NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons
If applying for an opening:
Address any qualifications the professor is looking for
Demonstrate your experience

When asking for a research opportunity: state specifically your interest in that research group (you need to read the professor's website) explain why research is important for your goals ask to schedule a meeting or say that you will be coming to office hours

DO NOT SEND THIS EMAIL

Subject: Research Job Op

Hi Joe,

My name is Name and I am a major in Major. Is there space in your lab for an undergraduate? If so, what is the pay rate and the hours?

Thanks, Name

DO SEND THIS EMAIL

Subject: Possible undergraduate research opportunities

Dear Dr. Professor,I am a (year, major) at (university) and I am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning (time period). I have conducted undergraduate research on (topic) with (names) in (program or class). (Expression of interest in the topic). I would like to continue a path of research on (topic) and would ultimately allow me to (career goal). I am especially interested in your previous work on (describe a paper or talk).

Ambitous Student Email address

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Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

Author Affiliations in Research Papers: Answering Your Top 3 Queries

Author affiliation in research papers is an important element because it offers readers useful information about where the research was conducted. However, the time from research to manuscript creation and then publication is so long that by the time the research paper is published authors may have moved to a different institution or location.

In such cases, researchers may have questions about how these affiliation changes could be handled because it’s important for readers to know both old and new author affiliations in research papers. This article aims to answer a few common questions researchers may have regarding this process.

Table of Contents

1. Do I need an affiliation for journal publication ? Can I list multiple author affiliations in research papers ? 1

In academic publishing, an affiliation is the university or institution to which an author belongs or where authors have conducted a major part of the research that is discussed in their paper. Author affiliation in research papers is usually listed after the author names and provide credibility to the research and give readers confidence that the research is backed by an institution or university. The name of the institution clarifies who oversees the research integrity because these institutes usually have review boards that approve the research conducted at their institute. Because of the increase in the number of international collaborations among authors, an individual author may have multiple affiliations, all of which must be listed in the paper to ensure transparency. However, while some manuals or journal style guides may restrict the number of affiliations per author (e.g., APA manual, 7 th ed, no more than 2 affiliations per author; AMA style manual, no more than 1 or 2 affiliations per author in some types of manuscripts like viewpoints or research letters), other journals may have no such restrictions. 2

2. What should my author affiliation in research papers be if my workplace changes after manuscript submission? Can/should I mention both old and new author affiliations in research papers ? 3

Usually, it is acceptable to mention both current and previous author affiliations in research papers. In general, if your research was primarily conducted at your previous institution using its resources, then this institute should definitely be included in the author affiliations. This same institution should also be mentioned in the Materials and Methods section of your paper and as the sponsor of your work. However, the name of your current institute should also be mentioned so that readers could contact you if required. Different journals or publishers may have different rules for listing old and new author affiliations in research papers, so it is always advisable to consult the specific journal’s instructions for authors.

Here are a few examples of how different publishers or journals address pre- and post-submission changes in author affiliations in research papers :

The American Medical Association’s style manual (11 th edition): As per the American Medical Association’s style manual’s rules for author affiliation in research papers, if the author has moved after submitting a manuscript, the current affiliation should still be provided to the journal so that it could be added to the list of affiliations.
Cambridge University Press : As per the Cambridge University Press’s rules for author affiliation in research papers, if an author has moved before manuscript submission, the current affiliation could be included under Acknowledgments.
Sage journals : As per Sage journals ’ rules for author affiliation in research papers, an author must include new affiliations after submission as a note at the end of the manuscript.
American Chemical Society Publications, Wiley : As per American Chemical Society Publication’s rules for author affiliation in research papers, if the current address of the author is different from the one where the research was conducted, then this current address should be included in a footnote on the title page.

3. Is it possible to change author affiliation in research papers after the manuscript is accepted/has already been published?

Most journals accept requests for changes in author affiliation in research papers after acceptance , although there are a few exceptions. However, once an article has been published, changes may not necessarily be accepted or may require special permission and approval from the journal editor.

Listed below are a few examples of how different publishers address post-acceptance or post-publication requests for changes in author affiliation in research papers :

Cambridge University Press : 4 May accept an affiliation change request after submission in the event of a genuine reason. If the article has been published, a change in author affiliation in research papers would require the publishing of a linked correction notice.
Taylor and Francis : 5 If the authors have changed affiliations since completing their research, then the new affiliation can be acknowledged in a note; however, they don’t usually make changes to affiliations after accepting a manuscript for publication.
Springer : 6 Do not update or change affiliations once an article has been published.

Author affiliations in research papers constitute an important part of the author information and should be mentioned accurately and clearly for all authors. Always refer to the journal or publisher’s instructions for authors for up-to-date information on the format for writing author affiliations in research papers . We hope this article has elaborated the importance of affiliations for journal publication and helped clarify any questions about handling changes in them.

Tips on Writing the Acknowledgments Section

What is Confidence Interval and How to Calculate it (with Examples)

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Methodology

How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates

How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates

Published on January 2, 2023 by Shona McCombes . Revised on September 11, 2023.

What is a literature review? A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, thesis, or dissertation topic .

There are five key steps to writing a literature review:

Search for relevant literature
Evaluate sources
Identify themes, debates, and gaps
Outline the structure
Write your literature review

A good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources—it analyzes, synthesizes , and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.

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What is the purpose of a literature review, examples of literature reviews, step 1 – search for relevant literature, step 2 – evaluate and select sources, step 3 – identify themes, debates, and gaps, step 4 – outline your literature review’s structure, step 5 – write your literature review, free lecture slides, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions, introduction.

Quick Run-through
Step 1 & 2

When you write a thesis , dissertation , or research paper , you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:

Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and its scholarly context
Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research
Position your work in relation to other researchers and theorists
Show how your research addresses a gap or contributes to a debate
Evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate your knowledge of the scholarly debates around your topic.

Writing literature reviews is a particularly important skill if you want to apply for graduate school or pursue a career in research. We’ve written a step-by-step guide that you can follow below.

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Writing literature reviews can be quite challenging! A good starting point could be to look at some examples, depending on what kind of literature review you’d like to write.

Example literature review #1: “Why Do People Migrate? A Review of the Theoretical Literature” ( Theoretical literature review about the development of economic migration theory from the 1950s to today.)
Example literature review #2: “Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines” ( Methodological literature review about interdisciplinary knowledge acquisition and production.)
Example literature review #3: “The Use of Technology in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Thematic literature review about the effects of technology on language acquisition.)
Example literature review #4: “Learners’ Listening Comprehension Difficulties in English Language Learning: A Literature Review” ( Chronological literature review about how the concept of listening skills has changed over time.)

You can also check out our templates with literature review examples and sample outlines at the links below.

Download Word doc Download Google doc

Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic .

If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or research paper, you will search for literature related to your research problem and questions .

Make a list of keywords

Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list as you discover new keywords in the process of your literature search.

Social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok
Body image, self-perception, self-esteem, mental health
Generation Z, teenagers, adolescents, youth

Search for relevant sources

Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. Some useful databases to search for journals and articles include:

Your university’s library catalogue
Google Scholar
Project Muse (humanities and social sciences)
Medline (life sciences and biomedicine)
EconLit (economics)
Inspec (physics, engineering and computer science)

You can also use boolean operators to help narrow down your search.

Make sure to read the abstract to find out whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.

You likely won’t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written on your topic, so it will be necessary to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your research question.

For each publication, ask yourself:

What question or problem is the author addressing?
What are the key concepts and how are they defined?
What are the key theories, models, and methods?
Does the research use established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
What are the results and conclusions of the study?
How does the publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it confirm, add to, or challenge established knowledge?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research?

Make sure the sources you use are credible , and make sure you read any landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.

You can use our template to summarize and evaluate sources you’re thinking about using. Click on either button below to download.

Take notes and cite your sources

As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.

It is important to keep track of your sources with citations to avoid plagiarism . It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography , where you compile full citation information and write a paragraph of summary and analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves time later in the process.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

To begin organizing your literature review’s argument and structure, be sure you understand the connections and relationships between the sources you’ve read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:

Trends and patterns (in theory, method or results): do certain approaches become more or less popular over time?
Themes: what questions or concepts recur across the literature?
Debates, conflicts and contradictions: where do sources disagree?
Pivotal publications: are there any influential theories or studies that changed the direction of the field?
Gaps: what is missing from the literature? Are there weaknesses that need to be addressed?

This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.

Most research has focused on young women.
There is an increasing interest in the visual aspects of social media.
But there is still a lack of robust research on highly visual platforms like Instagram and Snapchat—this is a gap that you could address in your own research.

There are various approaches to organizing the body of a literature review. Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but each theme is discussed chronologically).

Chronological

The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time. However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and summarizing sources in order.

Try to analyze patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain developments occurred.

If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.

For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers, cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.

Methodological

If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety of research methods , you might want to compare the results and conclusions that emerge from different approaches. For example:

Look at what results have emerged in qualitative versus quantitative research
Discuss how the topic has been approached by empirical versus theoretical scholarship
Divide the literature into sociological, historical, and cultural sources

Theoretical

A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework . You can use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.

You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.

Like any other academic text , your literature review should have an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion . What you include in each depends on the objective of your literature review.

The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the literature review.

Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period, or methodological approach.

As you write, you can follow these tips:

Summarize and synthesize: give an overview of the main points of each source and combine them into a coherent whole
Analyze and interpret: don’t just paraphrase other researchers — add your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of findings in relation to the literature as a whole
Critically evaluate: mention the strengths and weaknesses of your sources
Write in well-structured paragraphs: use transition words and topic sentences to draw connections, comparisons and contrasts

In the conclusion, you should summarize the key findings you have taken from the literature and emphasize their significance.

When you’ve finished writing and revising your literature review, don’t forget to proofread thoroughly before submitting. Not a language expert? Check out Scribbr’s professional proofreading services !

This article has been adapted into lecture slides that you can use to teach your students about writing a literature review.

Scribbr slides are free to use, customize, and distribute for educational purposes.

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If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Sampling methods
Simple random sampling
Stratified sampling
Cluster sampling
Likert scales
Reproducibility

Statistics

Null hypothesis
Statistical power
Probability distribution
Effect size
Poisson distribution

Research bias

Optimism bias
Cognitive bias
Implicit bias
Hawthorne effect
Anchoring bias
Explicit bias

A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources (such as books, journal articles, and theses) related to a specific topic or research question .

It is often written as part of a thesis, dissertation , or research paper , in order to situate your work in relation to existing knowledge.

There are several reasons to conduct a literature review at the beginning of a research project:

To familiarize yourself with the current state of knowledge on your topic
To ensure that you’re not just repeating what others have already done
To identify gaps in knowledge and unresolved problems that your research can address
To develop your theoretical framework and methodology
To provide an overview of the key findings and debates on the topic

Writing the literature review shows your reader how your work relates to existing research and what new insights it will contribute.

The literature review usually comes near the beginning of your thesis or dissertation . After the introduction , it grounds your research in a scholarly field and leads directly to your theoretical framework or methodology .

A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .

An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a paper .

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Advice and guidance on preparing and writing an effective research paper.

Publishing the results of your research is a critical part of your academic career. By following the advice and guidance here, you’ll be able to produce a paper that’s a great fit for your chosen journal.

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Know who you’re writing for

Before you start writing up your research, it’s important to have a good idea of which journal you want your paper to be published in.

When writing your paper you should keep the journal you are targeting in mind, to make sure the style, structure and audience are all a good fit.

This helps the editor to see how your work matches with the aims and scope of the journal , and make it more likely to be accepted for publication. Make sure you’ve read the aims and scope for your target journal before you start writing, it will tell you what types of article are accepted.

You’ll find lots more advice on finding the right journal for your research in our section on choosing a journal .

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Read the guidelines

You need to understand what the editor of your target journal will be looking for. By understanding the expectations of both the journal and the publisher, you can write your paper to meet those standards from the start.

Familiarizing yourself with your chosen journal’s instructions for authors (IFAs) is a key part of writing your paper and preparing to submit.

The IFAs tell you exactly what the journal’s editorial board expects to see, including details of specific processes to follow to make sure there are no problems should your article be accepted

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the journal’s own policies, but in addition, you should also review the Taylor & Francis Editorial Policies that apply across our whole portfolio of journals.

Editorial Policies clearly lay out the standards of reporting expected by the journal/publisher, as well as covering everything from ethics standards to use of third-party material.

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Structuring your article

The best way to determine how to structure your article is to study your target journal. The right manuscript structure can boost your chances of publishing success.

To save time and for peace of mind, you may want to consider using manuscript formatting experts while you focus on your research.

Look through the journal’s instructions for authors, but also take the time to read a selection of articles already published there to see how they are structured. This will help you to understand what the editor may be looking for.

You could also make use of an article template. Check the instructions for authors for your chosen journal to see if they accept templated articles, then download the article template and instructions .

Sometimes there are specific templates available to use, for example the Article Template and Software Tool Article Template for LaTeX users submitting to F1000Research via Overleaf.

Writing your manuscript

Every article is unique, and the structure and the sections you need to include depends on the type of article you’re writing and the subject of study.

Here’s a helpful step by step guide to take you through the standard sections that many researchers need to include when writing a manuscript, in the order in which you would normally write them.

Prepare tables and figures (if required) When creating tables and figures for your article, check the journal’s instructions for authors, which may specify artwork formatting guidelines such as layouts and use of color.

Write up the literature review (if required) Literature reviews aren’t always needed, but often form an important part of Humanities and Social Sciences manuscripts. Typically, a literature review should discuss what’s already known about the topic of the article, identify gaps in current knowledge and present your approach to addressing those gaps.

Write the method The method section gives the reader all the details of how you conducted your research. Check the instructions for authors for your target journal to see whether there are any specific requirements on how it should be presented. It’s also a good idea to review previously published papers in the journal or sample reports on the journal website.

Write up your results In the results section, you’re answering the question ‘what have you found?’. You should state your findings, but don’t interpret the results or discuss their implications in this section.

Write the discussion and conclusions Your discussion and conclusion are where you interpret your results. Discuss your conclusions in order of most to least important, and end by stating your main conclusions again.

Write the introduction Your introduction should provide the background information needed to understand your study, and the reasons why you conducted your experiments. At the end of your introduction you should include a clear statement of your aims and a brief sentence or two on how you conducted your study. Although your introduction comes first in your article, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to write it once you’ve written the rest of your paper.

Write the abstract and create a compelling title Your abstract is the shop window of your article – this is where customers (researchers) can sample your wares and decide whether to read and cite your content or look elsewhere. Follow our advice on writing the title and abstract for your article using keywords to set up your work to be easily discovered online.

Don’t worry if you’re not a native English speaker. Here’s how to break language barriers and publish in international journals .

What else should I include when writing my paper?

If you are using third-party material in your article, It is important to make sure that you are clear on the guidance you need to follow, as most journals need you to have written permission.

If you need to refer to a data set in your article, you’ll need to make sure that you cite the data appropriately. Read more in our how-to guide on citing data .

There are also specific guidelines to follow when including mathematical scripts and special characters .

Please make sure you read through the Taylor & Francis Editorial Policies which include important information about why and how you should cite sources in your article. These requirements apply to all journals published by Taylor & Francis Group.

Have you considered writing a Plain Language Summary ? They can greatly help to communicate the significance of scientific research evidence to a broad audience.

Do you want your scientific paper to be shared with a non-scientific audience, such as policy makers? If so, the recently launched Key Policy Highlights scheme can support you with this.

For more tips and useful advice, we’ve put together a handy guide and video on what to consider when writing your journal article . You can also check out our guide to know what makes a good research paper .

Writing a review article?

A review article, also called a literature review, should give an overview of current thinking on the theme rather than presenting new results. Read our specific advice on writing a review article for more guidance.

Writing a manuscript in a more unusual format?

There may be specific resources available to help you structure and write the article – for example, F1000Research offer detailed instructions for authors for some of their article types, like Data Notes and Registered Report Stage 1 Study Protocols . It’s always worth exploring the journal or platform homepage to see if there are dedicated guides and resources to help you prepare your manuscript.

Formatting your paper

Everything in one guide.

Our manuscript layout guide will help you to format your manuscript to get it ready to submit to a Taylor & Francis journal.

Many journals also allow the use of templates to help you format your article. You can find out if this applies to your chosen journal by checking the instructions for authors.

Then you should visit our formatting and templates page to find the downloadable template files and their instructions .

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Before you submit

Once you have the first complete draft of your paper, make sure it is in the best possible shape before submitting, by editing your manuscript properly. You need to know how to improve your research paper by taking a critical look at your manuscript.

This guide to preparing your article for submission will also show you how to write and refine your paper in confidence. When you’re confident in the final draft of your manuscript, it’s important to check it back against the Taylor & Francis Editorial Policies, and the individual processes and policies of your target journal found in the IFAs.

Guidance may vary by journal, so we’ve listed below a few key areas that you need to pay attention to:

Defining authorship : co-authors, corresponding authors, and affiliations.

The ethical issues you should be aware of as an author.

Declaring competing interests . Also known as a ‘conflict of interest’, full disclosure of any competing interests is required when you submit your paper to a journal.

If your research includes a medical/clinical study you will need written patient consent from your participants. All authors are required to follow the ICMJE requirements on privacy and informed consent from patients and study participants.

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If you need more help to get your paper ready to submit, find out how Taylor & Francis Editing Services can help you improve your manuscript . These tailored services make the process of preparing and submitting a manuscript even easier to offer you a smooth journey to publication.

Once you have written your paper and are ready to submit, read our guidance on making your submission to help you through the process.

Enhance your paper

Have you considered any optional enhancements for your paper?

Plain Language Summaries communicate the significance of scientific research evidence to a broad audience in jargon-free and clear language. Improve public engagement with a Plain Language Summary.

A graphical abstract is a useful tool that provides a concise, visual summary of the main conclusions of your article. It can be a great additional way to communicate your findings.

A video abstract lets you introduce readers to your article in your own words, telling others why they should read your research. They are an increasingly popular way of getting others to engage with published research.

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CRediT author statement

CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) was introduced with the intention of recognizing individual author contributions, reducing authorship disputes and facilitating collaboration. The idea came about following a 2012 collaborative workshop led by Harvard University and the Wellcome Trust, with input from researchers, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and publishers, including Elsevier, represented by Cell Press.

CRediT offers authors the opportunity to share an accurate and detailed description of their diverse contributions to the published work.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that the descriptions are accurate and agreed by all authors

The role(s) of all authors should be listed, using the relevant above categories

Authors may have contributed in multiple roles

CRediT in no way changes the journal’s criteria to qualify for authorship

CRediT statements should be provided during the submission process and will appear above the acknowledgment section of the published paper as shown further below.

Term	Definition
Conceptualization	Ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims
Methodology	Development or design of methodology; creation of models
Software	Programming, software development; designing computer programs; implementation of the computer code and supporting algorithms; testing of existing code components
Validation	Verification, whether as a part of the activity or separate, of the overall replication/ reproducibility of results/experiments and other research outputs
Formal analysis	Application of statistical, mathematical, computational, or other formal techniques to analyze or synthesize study data
Investigation	Conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the experiments, or data/evidence collection
Resources	Provision of study materials, reagents, materials, patients, laboratory samples, animals, instrumentation, computing resources, or other analysis tools
Data Curation	Management activities to annotate (produce metadata), scrub data and maintain research data (including software code, where it is necessary for interpreting the data itself) for initial use and later reuse
Writing - Original Draft	Preparation, creation and/or presentation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation)
Writing - Review & Editing	Preparation, creation and/or presentation of the published work by those from the original research group, specifically critical review, commentary or revision – including pre-or postpublication stages
Visualization	Preparation, creation and/or presentation of the published work, specifically visualization/ data presentation
Supervision	Oversight and leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team
Project administration	Management and coordination responsibility for the research activity planning and execution
Funding acquisition	Acquisition of the financial support for the project leading to this publication

*Reproduced from Brand et al. (2015), Learned Publishing 28(2), with permission of the authors.

Sample CRediT author statement

Zhang San: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software Priya Singh. : Data curation, Writing- Original draft preparation. Wang Wu : Visualization, Investigation. Jan Jansen : Supervision. : Ajay Kumar : Software, Validation.: Sun Qi: Writing- Reviewing and Editing,

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Reference Examples

More than 100 reference examples and their corresponding in-text citations are presented in the seventh edition Publication Manual . Examples of the most common works that writers cite are provided on this page; additional examples are available in the Publication Manual .

To find the reference example you need, first select a category (e.g., periodicals) and then choose the appropriate type of work (e.g., journal article ) and follow the relevant example.

When selecting a category, use the webpages and websites category only when a work does not fit better within another category. For example, a report from a government website would use the reports category, whereas a page on a government website that is not a report or other work would use the webpages and websites category.

Also note that print and electronic references are largely the same. For example, to cite both print books and ebooks, use the books and reference works category and then choose the appropriate type of work (i.e., book ) and follow the relevant example (e.g., whole authored book ).

Examples on these pages illustrate the details of reference formats. We make every attempt to show examples that are in keeping with APA Style’s guiding principles of inclusivity and bias-free language. These examples are presented out of context only to demonstrate formatting issues (e.g., which elements to italicize, where punctuation is needed, placement of parentheses). References, including these examples, are not inherently endorsements for the ideas or content of the works themselves. An author may cite a work to support a statement or an idea, to critique that work, or for many other reasons. For more examples, see our sample papers .

Reference examples are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Chapter 10 and the Concise Guide Chapter 10

Related handouts

Common Reference Examples Guide (PDF, 147KB)
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Textual Works

Textual works are covered in Sections 10.1–10.8 of the Publication Manual . The most common categories and examples are presented here. For the reviews of other works category, see Section 10.7.

Journal Article References
Magazine Article References
Newspaper Article References
Blog Post and Blog Comment References
UpToDate Article References
Book/Ebook References
Diagnostic Manual References
Children’s Book or Other Illustrated Book References
Classroom Course Pack Material References
Religious Work References
Chapter in an Edited Book/Ebook References
Dictionary Entry References
Wikipedia Entry References
Report by a Government Agency References
Report with Individual Authors References
Brochure References
Ethics Code References
Fact Sheet References
ISO Standard References
Press Release References
White Paper References
Conference Presentation References
Conference Proceeding References
Published Dissertation or Thesis References
Unpublished Dissertation or Thesis References
ERIC Database References
Preprint Article References

Data and Assessments

Data sets are covered in Section 10.9 of the Publication Manual . For the software and tests categories, see Sections 10.10 and 10.11.

Data Set References
Toolbox References

Audiovisual Media

Audiovisual media are covered in Sections 10.12–10.14 of the Publication Manual . The most common examples are presented together here. In the manual, these examples and more are separated into categories for audiovisual, audio, and visual media.

Artwork References
Clip Art or Stock Image References
Film and Television References
Musical Score References
Online Course or MOOC References
Podcast References
PowerPoint Slide or Lecture Note References
Radio Broadcast References
TED Talk References
Transcript of an Audiovisual Work References
YouTube Video References

Online Media

Online media are covered in Sections 10.15 and 10.16 of the Publication Manual . Please note that blog posts are part of the periodicals category.

Facebook References
Instagram References
LinkedIn References
Online Forum (e.g., Reddit) References
TikTok References
X References
Webpage on a Website References
Clinical Practice References
Open Educational Resource References
Whole Website References

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COMMENTS

etiquette
If you just asked me for "details of methodology" I would hit the delete button, because I'm not going to write a comprehensive reply that is probably longer than the published paper telling you every little detail about what I did - especially if the paper was published years ago and I have forgotten most of the details anyway.
How to write an email to a researcher you've never spoken to before
If for some reason there are more than three you can address it to "all.". Keep in mind that you generally want to avoid sending a single email to more than 3 or so researchers—things get messy. (One or two really is best.) Make sure to double check that you have spelled their name (s) correctly before sending. INTRODUCTION.
How to Ask a Journal Editor About Manuscript Status (Email Template
Remember that your manuscript is probably one of the many others that the editor may be sifting through and evaluating. Here is a sample email template that you can use as a guide: Subject: Inquiry About Manuscript Status - [your manuscript title] Dear [Editor's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the ...
How To Write an Email To An Author
When composing an email to an author, make sure to include the following components: 1. Subject Line. Make your subject line clear and concise. Use keywords that grab the author's attention and indicate the purpose of your email. For example, "Inquiry about Interview Opportunity" or "Appreciation for Your Latest Book.". 2.
A scientist's guide to email etiquette
A scientist's guide to email etiquette. Love it or hate it, email is an inevitable part of being a scientist. It can be an efficient and flexible form of communication, allowing you to send a quick note to a colleague to confirm an appointment or send revisions to a manuscript. Email can also initiate and sustain collaborations between ...
10 Tips: How to Write an Email to Research Paper Author
Here are some tips for writing an effective email to a research paper author: 1. Be concise: Keep your email brief and to the point. Authors receive numerous emails, so it is important to respect their time. 2. Introduce yourself: Clearly state who you are and your affiliation or interest in the author's work. 3.
How To Write A Research Collaboration Email
Here's an email template you can use as a starting point for your research inquiry: Subject: Request for Research Assistance. Dear [Recipient's Name], I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently conducting research on [Your Research Topic]. I came across your work on [Specific Source] and was impressed by ...
How to Write an Academic Email
Address the recipient using their proper title (e.g., Dear Prof. Smith ). Use academic language as appropriate (avoid slang and emojis). Be polite in your request; don't make demands. Thank the recipient for their time at the end of the email. It may be the recipient is happy for you to use a less formal writing style.
Email Etiquette
Email Etiquette. There are four components to a professional email: introduction, connection, explanation of what you're seeking, and next steps. Begin by stating who you are and why you are writing to them. Make a connection by mentioning shared interests and goals. Be specific and explain your interests.
How To Write an Email To a Journal Editor
Template 1: Submitting a Manuscript. Dear [Editor's Last Name], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to submit my manuscript, titled " [Title]," for consideration in [Journal Name]. [Briefly introduce yourself, mentioning your current affiliation or research interests.] I believe that my research aligns with the scope and ...
Tips for Writing an Email to Faculty about Research
General considerations and next steps. First, remember to keep the email reasonably short. Two small paragraphs should cover everything you need say. Also, remember to proofread carefully. Spelling and grammar errors will reflect negatively and your attention to detail. Don't use slang or abbreviations common in texting.
Academic Email Etiquette: Tips for Contacting Scholars in Your Field
In the context of professional email etiquette, expressing gratitude can be as simple as saying "Thank you for your time and consideration" or "I sincerely appreciate your guidance." It's an opportunity to thank the scholar for assisting you with a task or considering you for a position. A little politeness goes a long way!
6 Pre-submission tips for corresponding authors
The contributions expected from all authors of the paper should be clarified and agreed upon at the outset. Prepare a submission-ready manuscript: Ensure that the manuscript that is being submitted to the journal is well-written and well-presented. This includes all the IMRAD sections (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and Conclusion ...
Mastering the Pre-Submission Process: A Guide for Corresponding Authors
Plan and manage the research project: To avoid any delays and to ensure the manuscript writing and submission process is on track, corresponding authors in research papers are advised to first create a master list of to-do items, with subtasks, people responsible, and timelines, and get it agreed upon by everyone involved in the research project.
Template Requesting Authors for Copy of the Research Paper
Email Template for Requesting the Authors for a Copy of the Research Paper. This template you can use as a basis for making a request to authors for a research paper. Subject: Request for Research Paper - [Paper Title] I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Position/Role] at [Your Institution/Company].
How to write an email to a journal editor: Sending a new version of
Thus, resubmitting an updated version of your already accepted research paper should only be considered if the revisions will make a substantial difference in the understanding of the study. In such cases, you will know how to write an email to a journal editor by covering the aspects mentioned above. References. D'Amore DM.
Sample email for inquiring about research
Dear Professor X: My name is Peter Anteater, and I am very interested in becoming involved in research in Subject Area. I am a X year student with a GPA of X. I have taken Courses and Additional Experiences. My goal is to Goal. I have reviewed your faculty profile and am interested in the work that you have done.
How to Email a Professor Regarding Research
Your email should: have an informative subject line. be concise. be formal: Dear Dr. Smith; Sincerely, Your Name. not use Mrs. or Ms. NOT have slang, abbreviations, or emoticons. if applying for an opening: address any qualifications the professor is looking for. demonstrate your experience.
How to email a research professor
DO SEND THIS EMAIL. Subject: Possible undergraduate research opportunities. Dear Dr. Professor,I am a (year, major) at (university) and I am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning (time period). I have conducted undergraduate research on (topic) with (names) in (program or class).
What should I write in the email when submitting a manuscript to a
1 Answer to this question. Answer: Firstly, congrats on completing your manuscript and making it ready for submission to a journal! Now, what you are referring to is known as a cover letter. A cover letter should introduce your research to the journal editor, covering or providing salient points. Additionally, it should state why you are ...
Author Affiliations in Research Papers: Answering Your Top 3 Queries
Author affiliation in research papers tells readers where the research was conducted. However, many authors move to a different institution or location after submission and are unsure how to mention changed affiliations for journal publication. This article answers top researcher questions on how to handle author affiliations in research papers.
How to Write a Literature Review
Examples of literature reviews. Step 1 - Search for relevant literature. Step 2 - Evaluate and select sources. Step 3 - Identify themes, debates, and gaps. Step 4 - Outline your literature review's structure. Step 5 - Write your literature review.
APA Style (7th Edition)
Style Guide Overview MLA Guide APA Guide Chicago Guide OWL Exercises. Purdue OWL. Research and Citation. APA Style (7th Edition) APA Style (7th Edition)
Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab
Mission. The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives.
Writing your paper
When writing your paper you should keep the journal you are targeting in mind, to make sure the style, structure and audience are all a good fit. This helps the editor to see how your work matches with the aims and scope of the journal, and make it more likely to be accepted for publication. Make sure you've read the aims and scope for your ...
The Writing Center
An abstract is a 150- to 250-word paragraph that provides readers with a quick overview of your essay or report and its organization. It should express your thesis (or central idea) and your key points; it should also suggest any implications or applications of the research you discuss in the paper. According to Carole Slade, an abstract is ...
CRediT author statement
CRediT author statement. CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) was introduced with the intention of recognizing individual author contributions, reducing authorship disputes and facilitating collaboration. The idea came about following a 2012 collaborative workshop led by Harvard University and the Wellcome Trust, with input from researchers, the ...
Reference examples
Also note that print and electronic references are largely the same. For example, to cite both print books and ebooks, use the books and reference works category and then choose the appropriate type of work (i.e., book) and follow the relevant example (e.g., whole authored book). Examples on these pages illustrate the details of reference formats.

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Email Templates

Sample Emails

How To Write an Email To a Journal Editor

What To Do Before Writing the Email

What to Include In the Email

Introduction

Manuscript Details

Email Template – Emails to a Journal Editor

Template 2: General Inquiry

Tips for Writing an Email to Faculty about Research

The subject

The greeting

The main text

Grades and your CV/resume

Concluding sentences and closing

General considerations and next steps

Sample email

Academic Email Etiquette: Tips for Contacting Scholars in Your Field

Confused about Academic Email Etiquette?

#1 Do Your Research

#2 Introduce Yourself (and Your Purpose)

#3 Create a Closing Line

#4 Sign off with an Academic Email Signature

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Author Affiliations in Research Papers: Answering Your Top 3 Queries

1. Do I need an affiliation for journal publication ? Can I list multiple author affiliations in research papers ? 1

2. What should my author affiliation in research papers be if my workplace changes after manuscript submission? Can/should I mention both old and new author affiliations in research papers ? 3

3. Is it possible to change author affiliation in research papers after the manuscript is accepted/has already been published?

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