Manuscript preparation and publication for would-be writers: An aid to disseminating osteopathic research

Disseminating research findings among the osteopathic profession is essential for growing the evidence base, and yet few osteopaths have experience of writing for publication. This article describes how to craft a paper by looking at four components of manuscript preparation: the process of writing; content and structure of a paper; style and grammar; and publication procedures. It provides practical advice on how and where to get started, what must be included or left out, and how to present data. It aims to encourage researchers to identify a clear message from their findings and then to embark on the challenging and yet rewarding path to becoming a published author. Good writing and manuscript preparation is important in advancing the profession's need for a body of evidence that will inform practice and, in the longer term, contribute to improved patient care.