This course is open to new and returning participants, whether you are experienced at publication or this is your first foray into the publication world. Advanced writers attending the Clinic may select from a variety of morning learning sessions or use their time writing in a retreat setting.

This course covers the publication process from start to finish. Each morning, the instructors, highly experienced authors, will offer short presentations and exercises covering the key steps of writing scientific papers for publication, including how to:

1. outline manuscripts
2. compose titles
3. summarize manuscripts for abstracts and other purposes
4. write complete and statistically sound methods
5. present clear results with tables and figures
6. write discussions and conclusions that address unanswered questions and explain the author’s work in the context of the work of others
7. respond to reviewer comments

The remainder of the class time is a writing clinic, where participants can work individually or in small groups on their manuscripts. Experts will be on hand to help you with your challenges: literature searches, scientific analyses and statistics, and grammar. Each participant can take advantage of a coach for one-on-one guidance and access to resources and to accomplish his or her publishing goals.

Using USFWS guidelines and publication system resources, the instructors and coaches will guide participants to produce scientific writing that is clear, succinct, and interesting to the reader. Participants will learn about publishing opportunities in the two USFWS journals—the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management and North American Fauna.

Requirement: Participants need to bring a draft manuscript, outline, or potentially publishable raw material.

Objectives:  Upon completion of this course/clinic, you will be able to:

• Organize, analyze, and present your data and results for a scientific journal;
• Revise your writing and respond to constructive editorial comments;
• Understand the publication process and the requirements for publishing

Target Audience: This course is intended for biologists and others who are interested in publishing scientific articles. The clinic is designed to inspire completion of writing projects.