Begin with the End

Over at her blog, Isis the Scientist reflects on the "best paper-writing advice" she has ever received: When composing a manuscript, it's best not to think in terms of the paper's linear format. "Instead, create the tables and figures first and organize them until you can use them to verbally tell the story. Then outline the key points of the story and organize the critical citations that support the story," she says. When it’s time to begin writing, Isis suggests starting with the results and discussion, then approaching the methods section. "Write the introduction and abstract last," she says, so as not to "lock yourself into a narrative that may not be the best fit for your data."