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Writing for Scholars
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Writing for Scholars
A Practical Guide to Making Sense & Being Heard

Second Edition
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April 2015 | 232 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Academics are not just researchers, but writers too. Using her many years of practical experience gained as a teacher and editor, Lynn Nygaard guides you through the whole process of writing and presenting your research in order to help you make your voice heard within the academic community.  Grounded in real world advice rather than abstract best practice, Nygaard demonstrates a number of approaches to writing in order to help you identify those most suited to your own project.

This updated new edition includes:

  • Revised and expanded sections in each chapter 
  • More focus on the social sciences
  • A more international focus
  • Updated discussions on publishing practices
  • Annotated biographies for each chapter
  • New illustrations and images
  • Additional practical tips and exercises 

From defining your audience, to forming your argument and structuring your work, this book will enable you to communicate your research passionately and professionally.

This updated new edition includes:

  • Revised and expanded sections in each chapter
  • More focus on the social sciences
  • A more international focus
  • Updated discussions on publishing practices
  • Annotated bibliographies for each chapter
  • New illustrations and images
  • Additional practical tips and exercises

From defining your audience, to forming your argument and structuring your work, this book will enable you to communicate your research passionately and professionally.

 
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

Supplements

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Visit https://study.sagepub.com/nygaardwritingforscholars for a range of additional online materials supporting the book.
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“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
Centre for Peace Studies, University of Tromsø, Norway

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
Assistant Professor, West Virginia University

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.

Synøve N. Andersen
Executive Officer, Statistics Norway

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
the editor's mark, USA

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
Senior researcher, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)

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
Thomas Coram Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education

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
London Review of Education

Expertly written, well-structured, addesses areas that are of concern to non-English speaking background students. Can be used both in class and as a set of assignments.

Dr Robert Kasza
International Studies , University of Central Lancashire
May 30, 2016

This book could be appropriate for undergraduates or foundation students (pre-undergraduates). For my subject, business studies, it would be undoubtedly useful. At the moment, I am not sure if we are running a specialist writing class. If I encounter who is responsible for such a class (assuming one exists), I will mention this title because its coverage and detail are good. Students would definitely benefit from digesting and applying it. I cannot fault the content; I am just unsure whether it is a match for our modules. I ordered it assuming it was oriented toward formal academic writing, such as journal style. There is content that is relevant to academic writing at the publication level, but I think the standard it focusses on is functional, plain writing skills. If that is what your students need, this book is suitable.

Mr Kenneth Anthony Wilkinson
Dept of Marketing, Ops & Digital Busin, Manchester Metropolitan University
April 19, 2016

Many foreign students on the course who may need access to extra materials on their own

Mr Martyn Edward Jarvis
Faculty of Business and Society, Department of Law, Accounting and Finance, University of South Wales
November 19, 2015