Effective medical writing: The write way to get published.

Effective Medical Writing is a handy, easy-to-understand guide for entry-level academics and young biomedical scientists who are new to scientific writing and clueless about the whole process. It is a comprehensive tool, updated from the authors’ practical monthly series Effective Medical Writing: Pointers to Getting Your Article Published in the Singapore Medical Journal, covering the basics of manuscript preparation to the finer aspects of publication in biomedical scientific journals, using a mixed blend of unassuming text, charts and illustrations. This book begins with an exaltation on the importance of medical writing, then delves into the different types of scientific papers and the general structure and style of the original article i.e. the IMRAD system, comprising Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion. It then devotes chapters into the finer points of each of these portions of the manuscript, covering also the title and title page, abstract, keywords, statistics, the effective use of tables and figures, authorship issues, acknowledgements and referencing formats. The book then flows into a general guide on manuscript preparation for submission, provides a glimpse into how the submitted manuscript is processed and peer-reviewed by the editorial office, and advices on how to respond to the returned manuscript and proofs. Additionally, there are 9 discrete chapters with writing tips for different types of scientific papers, i.e., case report, technical note, pictorial essay, review article, systematic review, invited commentary, letter to the editor, editorial and book review. Very importantly, the authors end with no uncertain terms about adherence to publication ethics and research integrity. The most attractive features of each chapter are the boxed highlights of common errors and takehome points. Hand-drawn cartoons lend a wholesome light-heartedness to an otherwise serious book. The chapter on “Role of a Manuscript Reviewer” is unique in giving readers a perception of the common major strengths and weaknesses encountered by manuscript peer-reviewers. The account on journal bibliographic databases gives a useful broad perspective of the publication world. Although targeted primarily to aspiring young authors, hidden within the chapters are gems of information also useful to the more seasoned writer. This is clearly a labour of love by two very accomplished writers with exemplary publication, editorial and mentoring experience. Priced at a very affordable Malaysian ringgit 32 per book, this should be an essential guide in every academic department. BOOK REVIEW Malaysian J Pathol 2016; 38(3) : 333