Do You Want to Be Published?
Do you want to be published? Here are some sensible tips to think about.
Analyzing medical records and creating reports for attorneys involves a certain amount of creativity, but it is a different type than that required to write for publication.
The idea of writing a book seems overwhelming, yet writing a chapter is much manageable. But still – how do you go about that?
The Urge to Write for Publication
If the urge to write is your long-buried desire, it’s never too late to begin. Some people start by taking a writing course.
But is that all it takes? I know many people who picked a course that sounded right for them. They were going to sign up any day now, as soon as the tax season, as soon as they built their business . . . you get the idea.
The Barriers to Writing
It wasn’t time constraints that held them back. What stopped them was the fear of taking the risk of writing. Long ago, when they were young students, maybe they never got praised for their writing. Maybe they got back compositions with words crossed out or circled, with angry red writing in the margins.
They didn’t know that their teachers were overworked and almost literally buried in compositions to read and grade. And, they didn’t know that such teachers would only praise students whose writing was so good that it nearly made the teaching work worth the long hours and aggravation.
They only knew that their sincere efforts went unnoticed and unrewarded. Their memories of failure endured.
If any of this applies to you, take heart. It’s never too late to learn how to translate your skills writing reports for attorneys into skills writing a chapter of a book.
You’re no longer a kid in a crowded classroom. You’ve proven to yourself and your clients that you have gifts that serve them. You’ve learned a lot about legal nurse consulting and you have a lot of material to write about when you want to share.
You know that having a chapter in a book for attorneys will greatly increase your visibility. And even better that the book is very likely going to be an Amazon bestseller.
With the right course or mentor/coach, you can learn to fulfill your writing dream.
You’ve proven yourself a success in what you do. Take that feeling of success and apply it sharing what you know.
Sometimes, all you need is guidance, and to be part of a process.
I’m currently assembling a panel of LNCs to write chapters for the fourth volume of Medical Record Analysis. Here are tips for creating a chapter.
Writing and Editing Tips for Polishing Your Chapter
What makes a chapter good? It’s not the imaginative prose or complex concepts. It’s writing material that will be helpful to your audience (attorneys and other LNCs).
Readability is critical. Make what you write, whether is a report for an attorney or a chapter as easy to read as possible. Your goal is for readers to understand and absorb the information you present, so don’t make it difficult for them to do so.
Use Common Vocabulary
When you’re writing, use common and familiar vocabulary. Avoid language that’s too colloquial, idiomatic, or slangy. Be careful with industry jargon. Use jargon only if you’re sure your audience will understand it.
Avoid Redundancy
Don’t use redundant phrases like “added bonus,” “final outcome,” and “end result.” Be especially careful with adjectives. If you use two adjectives that mean the same thing, choose the better of the two and cut the other.
Aim for Precise Language
Avoid using phrases like “about,” “almost,” “kind of,” or “that kind of thing.” Say things more concretely. Instead of saying “etc.” or “and more,” give the reader more concrete examples. Precise language helps avoid misinterpretation.
Keep Sentences Short and Simple
Most sentences should have only one clause. The maximum should be two clauses. Cut down run-on sentences and try to make each sentence describe one distinct idea.
Start with the Main Idea
The first sentence of each paragraph should introduce its main idea. The other sentences should explore this idea or offer examples or explanations.
Guide the Reader
Transition words like “firstly,” “however,” and “finally” help move the reader through your text, making it smoother and easier to read.
Use Active Voice
Use active voice and avoid using the passive voice. As healthcare providers we have to unlearn passive voice. The active voice is usually more direct and easy to understand. It also makes sentences shorter and quicker to read and clearly explains who did what.
Break up Text with Headings and Subheadings
Break up your text with headings and subheadings to make it more easily skimmable. These are mini-chapters that tell the reader what topic the text is discussing.
Use Bullet Points and Lists
Bullet points and lists come in handy for picking out keywords and ideas. They help the reader organize the information you’re presenting and also provide an easy way to reference the material.
Let Each Idea Breathe
Avoid overwhelming the reader with too many ideas per page. Make sure to fully flesh out each idea and provide plenty of explanation and examples. Remember that information that’s everyday knowledge to you can be new to your reader.
Use White Space
You don’t need to stuff every page with text. From a design point of view, white space makes your pages look nice. It also helps the reader to not feel overwhelmed.
And to join our group of authors working on the fourth volume of Medical Record Analysis and gain the power of being part of a supportive community, all marketing the book, go here to sign up.
Pat Iyer is president of The Pat Iyer Group, which develops resources to assist LNCs in obtaining more clients, making more money, and achieving their business goals and dreams.
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