12 Weeks to Publication

12 Weeks to Publication supports early-career researchers (ECRs) and other researchers needing or wanting to improve their journal writing skills to prepare a manuscript for submission to a Q1 or Q2 peer-reviewed journal.

Applications for 2024 are closed.

Program overview

Participants will be supported to develop their writing skills, participate in group activities and prepare a manuscript for submission to a Q1 or Q2 peer-reviewed journal.

The program is based on the highly successful workbook by Wendy Belcher: Writing Your Journal Article In 12 Weeks.

Program schedule

12 Weeks to Publication offers 30 places for participants to attend 14 online workshops held on Fridays 13:00-15:00 (AEST) from 15 March- 12 July.

The schedule allows for 1-week Easter, 1-week ANZAC Day and 2-week mid-course breaks. Participants need to allow time each week for an hour of reading and preparation, two hours of group work on Zoom and an hour or two of manuscript writing.

Week

Date

Topic

Overview

0 Mar 15 Welcome
Program benefits and expectations, set-up for success, writing as a social function.
1 Mar 22 Planning Benefits of planning and scheduling, complete your 14-week writing PLAN, develop your schedule of writing time and establish your manuscript topic.
BREAKMarch 29Good FridayNo workshop
2 April 5 Argument Importance of argument and how to ensure your argument is strong.
3 April 12 Abstract Abstract as a tool for success and elements of a winning abstract.
4 April 19 Journal Importance of journal selection, use of a model article and contacting the journal editor.
BREAKApril 26Session Break - ANZAC DAYNo workshop

5

May 03

Literature

Strategies to master reading, outline the context of your argument through synthesis of the relevant literature and how to avoid improper borrowing.

6

May 10

Introduction

Summarise the significance of your argument and make your claim for significance to provide the reader with the backgrounding for your argument.

7May 17Method & ResultsDescribe the research method, determine the strongest evidence and understand the most effective way to present the evidence to support your argument (findings / results).
8May 24DiscussionDiscuss the results in light of the literature.
BREAK31 May - 13 JuneSession BreakNo Workshop
9June 14Structure of ManuscriptDevelop skills in macro editing to improve manuscript structure and increase reader comprehension.Learn how to provide and to receive peer-review.
10June 21Title, Introduction & ConclusionEffective opening and closing for your argument and draw conclusions based on your results and existing evidence.
11June 28Structure (Sentences)Improve microstructure of sentences to increase reader comprehension, using the Belcher Diagnostic Test.
12July 05FinishingImportance of finishing, review your abstract, finalise the manuscript and determine your submission process
13July 12SubmissionDe-brief, celebration, what’s next?

About your Host

Deborah Sims, RN, RM, Ma (Mid), Ph.D. (Nursing)

Deborah has clinical experience and research expertise in early parenting support, perinatal mental health and women’s health. Deborah is a nurse, midwife, childbirth educator, and child and family health nurse at Sydney Adventist Hospital and Women’s Health Road Clinic.

She is the CEO of Raven Institute of Research, specializing in healthcare research for women in disadvantaged populations.

Deborah, an Honorary Clinical Fellow at UTS, teaches masters of health subjects; Specialty Clinical Practice and Evidence Informing Practice as well as facilitating ’12 Weeks to Publication’ and ‘Shut up and Write’ for academic writers.

She has published five peer-reviewed journal articles and is currently undertaking a Master’s Degree in Public Health.  Deborah is the past President of the Australasian Marce Society and the Secretary of the International Marce Society.

About your Co-hosts

These staff will join the program and support you to write your journal article. They will also be supporting Deb as she plans to hand over the program in 2025.