Writing for Scholars 2/e

Since moving to Norway from the US in the late 1980s, Lynn P. Nygaard has provided editorial support, writing instruction, and coaching for researchers in a wide variety of disciplines. A native English speaker, Nygaard started as a freelance copyeditor and translator for Norwegian academics aiming to publish their work in international journals. In 2000, she became the editorial advisor at the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research - Oslo (CICERO). This position allowed her to view researchers and the writing process from close quarters, and she discovered that language was seldom the main explanation for what was going wrong. After several years of leading workshops on academic writing that focused on developing an awareness of audience, formulating the core argument, and structuring the story, she published Writing for Scholars: A Practical Guide to Making Sense and Being Heard (originally published by Universitetsforlaget in 2008, and published in a second edition by Sage and Universitetsforlaget in 2015). In 2008, she became a special advisor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), and continues to develop her expertise in how to support scholars through the writing process. With an undergraduate degree in women's studies from the University of California at Berkeley and a graduate degree in political science at the University of Oslo, she is currently pursuing a doctorate in education from the Institute of Education, University College London, focusing on research productivity, academic writing, and gender gaps in academia.

Chapter 1. Introduction: Entering the conversation Chapter 2. Getting started: Developing good writing habits Chapter 3. The "i" in (social) science: Objectivity, transparency, and argument Chapter 4. Who are you talking to? Defining your audience Chapter 5. What do you want to say? Forming your core argument Chapter 6. How are you going to say it? Developing your structure Chapter 7. Breaking up the grey mass: Headings, figures, and tables Chapter 8. Holding up the mirror: Giving and receiving feedback Chapter 9. Saying it out loud: Presenting your paper Chapter 10. Delivering the goods: Following author guidelines and submitting your manuscript

"A stupendous and scintillating work which is extremely helpful for academics and research scholars in the social sciences. The book guides you through the process of making academic writing coherent and lucid." -- Rahul Mukand Nygaard gets at the heart of the challenge of academic writing, providing solutions for scholars of all levels working to hone their craft and effectively and efficiently communicate their research. She accomplishes all this while being a competent and oftentimes humorous chaperone on the endeavor. -- Cyanne E. Loyle This book has taken my papers from rejected to accepted, by providing hands-on and to the point advice on how to structure and sharpen both my thoughts and arguments. It is packed with valuable insights that take you through every stage of the writing process, making it an exceptional tool for everyone engaged in academic scholarship. -- Synove N. Andersen Lynn Nygaard provides valuable, often amusing advice for scholarly writers. Although many scholars dread having to publish, this comprehensive and well-organized book will help them to overcome their hesitation. Written in engaging reader-friendly language the book will be indispensable to both first-time writers and those who are already published in academia -- Jill R. Hughes This book is entertaining, inspiring and peppered with illustrating examples which trigger multiple epiphanies about your own writing and scholarly work. A stimulating pep-talk from an editor, a personal coach, and a peer - all in one book. Essential reading for Ph.D. students as well as for established scholars. -- Marte Nilsen This is a highly accessible book, full of useful advice. I have always recommended it to doctoral students, and the new edition is even better. -- Charlie Owen This is, by far, one of the most valuable books scholars can put in their libraries... the book itself takes the highly complex process of academic writing and manages to explain it in a succinct and remarkably engaging manner. Whether one is an emerging or seasoned scholar, this book has much to offer and can be referenced frequently across disciplines. Consequently, its usefulness as a resource makes it a book that is unlikely to collect dust on a bookshelf. This is essential reading for any academic writing course at the postgraduate/ doctoral level. It is also indispensable reading for any researcher who is serious about improving the quality and impact of his/her writing craft -- Maria Savva, UCL Institute of Education, University College London