Step-by-step guide on writing research papers 

Writing, editing, and publishing a research paper that meets academic standards can be one of the most challenging journeys you will ever take as a student or researcher. It is not just about putting words on a page; it is about transforming raw ideas, observations, and data into a coherent story that communicates truth and value to the world. This often comes with frustration, blank pages that stare back, a jumble of notes that refuse to line up, and the quiet fear of not sounding “academic enough.” But here is the truth: with the right tools, structures, and guidance, the writing process not only works out, it becomes a transformative act of intellectual clarity.

Let us walk through how to write research in a way that feels practical, structured, and less overwhelming.

Start with a Research Question

Every strong paper begins with a question worth answering. Think of this as the gravitational pull around which your entire project orbits. The research question should be specific enough to focus your work, but broad enough to invite exploration.

• Weak question: Does climate change affect agriculture?

• Stronger question: How does prolonged drought linked to climate change influence maize yields among smallholder farmers in Asia?

See the difference? The second question gives you a clear direction and shows the reader immediately what problem you are engaging with.

Review the Literature

The literature review is not just a boring parade of names and dates. Done well, it is a map that shows where knowledge already exists and where the gaps are. You are positioning yourself in a larger conversation, saying, “Here is what we know, here is what we do not, and here is how my work adds to the dialogue.”

Practical approach:

1. Collect at least 15–20 relevant academic sources (journals, books, reports).

2. Group them by themes, not just chronology. For example: policies, methods, outcomes, gaps.

3. Identify contradictions or unanswered questions, these are your entry points.

This section should not overwhelm you. Think of it as a storytelling device: “Researchers before me have walked this path. Here is where they stopped. I am picking it up from here.”

Outline the Structure

The classic IMRAD format, Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion, is the skeleton most journals expect. But do not be afraid to adapt it to your project. An outline is not a prison; it is a guidepost.

• Introduction: Present your research problem, significance, and objectives.

• Methods: Describe what you did, how, and why. Think transparency, so others can replicate.

• Results: Present findings clearly, often with tables or figures. No interpretation here, just the facts.

• Discussion: Interpret what the results mean, compare with existing research, and highlight implications.

• Conclusion: Summarize the main insights and hint at next steps for research or practice.

Creating this framework before you write prevents you from drowning in your own ideas.

Write in Stages, Not All at Once

Many students imagine writing happens in one intense burst of genius. In reality, it is incremental, piece by piece. A useful approach is to draft the methods and results first (because they are more straightforward), then circle back to the introduction and discussion, which require more interpretation.

Think of writing as building a house: you lay the foundation (methods), put up the walls (results), and only later paint and decorate (introduction and discussion).

Make it Reader-Friendly

Remember, you are writing for humans, not machines. Academic tone matters, yes, but clarity matters more. Use signposting phrases like “this study aims to,” “the findings suggest that,” or “in comparison with previous research.” Avoid jargon where simple words work just as well.

And do not be afraid to let your passion for the topic show. A reader will sense when you care about your work, and that energy makes your writing more persuasive.

Know When to Seek Guidance

Here is something few professors tell you: research is not a solo sport. Behind every polished paper you read are advisors, peers, mentors, and often professional editors who helped shape it. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of commitment to quality.

If you find yourself stuck, overwhelmed, or simply unsure whether your draft communicates clearly, this is exactly where guidance comes in. Services offered by SERN exist for this reason, which is to walk with you through writing challenges, refine your drafts, and make sure your work aligns with academic standards. A little support at the right time can save you weeks of frustration.

Prepare for the Next Stage: Editing

Once your draft is written, the real work begins, editing. Writing is for the writer, but editing is for the reader. It is the difference between rough stone and polished diamond. In our next article, we will break down the editing process step by step, so your paper is not only sound in ideas but also sharp in presentation.

Final Thought

Writing research is not just about producing a paper to tick off a requirement. It is about entering the intellectual arena, contributing your voice to the global conversation, and sharpening your ability to think, argue, and create knowledge. It will be hard at times, yes. But it will also be deeply rewarding. And if you need a hand, do not hesitate to ask. Guidance exists for a reason.

References

Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research. University of Chicago Press. 

Day, R. A., & Gastel, B. (2012). How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper. Cambridge University Press. 

Hart, C. (2018). Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination. SAGE.

Guide to editing research papers so they meet journal standards

You have done the hard part: you wrote your research paper. Maybe it took weeks, maybe months, maybe years. And now you are looking at those pages, hoping they are ready to face the world. But here is the truth: writing a research paper is only half the battle. The other half of the battle that separates a draft from a publishable manuscript is editing.

Editing is not about rearranging commas. It is about clarity, coherence, and credibility. It is about turning your paper from something that you understand into something that others can understand, critique, and build upon. And that is where many students and researchers hit a wall because self-editing is hard. You are too close to your own work to see its blind spots.

The good news? Editing is a skill you can learn. And when you pair that skill with guidance where needed, your paper not only survives review but thrives in it.

Step Away Before You Edit

The first secret of editing is distance. Never edit immediately after writing. Your brain will still be attached to the version it just produced, making it nearly impossible to see mistakes. Step away for at least 24 hours, or even better, a few days.

Start with Structure, Not Sentences

Many researchers waste energy fixing small grammatical details while the larger structure is still shaky. Always start with the big picture:

• Does my introduction clearly define the research problem and objectives?

• Do my methods answer the research question transparently?

• Are the results presented logically, without drifting into interpretation?

• Does my discussion interpret the results in relation to the literature and highlight contributions?

Check Flow and Coherence

Your paper is not just a container of information, it is a narrative. Each section should lead naturally into the next, like stepping stones across a river. Ask yourself:

• Are there smooth transitions between sections?

• Do paragraphs have clear topic sentences?

• Does each idea connect to the central question?

A reader should never feel lost or wonder, “Why is this here?” Editing for flow is what makes your work readable, not just technically correct.

Refine Language and Tone

Once the structure and flow are in place, zoom in on the sentences. Academic writing should be precise but not impenetrable. Replace vague words with concrete ones, cut unnecessary repetition, and simplify where possible.

Example:

• Weak: “There are many researchers who have attempted to study climate change and agriculture, and in their studies, they came up with different findings.”

• Stronger: “Research on climate change and agriculture reveals varied findings.”

Editing is like sculpting as you chip away at what is unnecessary until only the essential form remains.

Check Consistency and Formatting

Different journals have different style requirements, and reviewers notice inconsistency faster than brilliance. Ensure:

• References follow one style (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, etc.).

• Tables and figures are labeled consistently.

• Tenses are logical (methods usually in past tense, conclusions in present tense).

• Terminology is consistent (if you call it “participants” in one section, do not call them “subjects” in another).

Read Aloud (Yes, Really)

One of the most underrated editing tools is your own voice. When you read your paper aloud, awkward phrasing and confusing sentences reveal themselves immediately. If you stumble over a sentence, so will your reader.

Know When You Need Fresh Eyes

No matter how skilled you are, editing your own work has limits. The brain autocorrects mistakes when it knows what “should” be there. This is why even the best researchers rely on colleagues, mentors, or professional editors to review their work.

If you want to ensure that your paper communicates clearly, meets academic standards, and is publication-ready, seeking outside support is not just acceptable, it is strategic. Services exist precisely to give you those fresh eyes, refine your arguments, and elevate your manuscript so it stands strong in peer review. Think of it as sharpening your sword before stepping into battle.

Prepare for Submission

After editing, your paper should be coherent, polished, and consistent. But editing is not the end of the journey. The final stage is submission, which involves choosing the right journal, formatting according to its guidelines, and preparing for the peer-review process. That is what we will cover in the third part of this series: how to submit research to meet journal standards.

References

Silvia, P. J. (2007). How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing. American Psychological Association. 

Sword, H. (2012). Stylish Academic Writing. Harvard University Press. 

Belcher, W. L. (2019). Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success. University of Chicago Press. 

Practical steps for submitting a research paper to academic journals

After months of writing, revising, and editing, your research is finally polished. You are proud and you should be. But the journey does not end here. The final step is often the most intimidating: submitting your manuscript to a journal.

This is where many students and researchers freeze, not because their work is unworthy, but because the submission process feels like an elaborate maze. Each journal has its own rules, formatting quirks, and hidden expectations. Missing a guideline, even a minor one, can mean automatic rejection before your work is even read.

The good news is this: once you understand the submission process and prepare properly, it becomes less a maze and more a doorway into the scholarly conversation you worked so hard to join.

Choose the Right Journal

Not every journal is the right home for your work. Some aim at broad audiences, others at highly specialized ones. Some focus on theory, others on applied research. Sending your manuscript to the wrong journal is like knocking at the wrong door it will not open, no matter how good your work is.

How to decide:

• Look at where the articles you cited are published.

• Check the journal’s Aims and Scope. Does your paper fit?

• Consider audience, who needs to read your findings?

• Balance ambition with realism. Aim high, but also choose a journal where your paper has a fair chance.

Follow Author Guidelines Exactly

This is where details matter. Every journal provides author instructions on word limits, reference style, figure formats, even how to name your file. Do not skim these. Editors see hundreds of submissions; a paper that ignores guidelines signals carelessness.

Think of guidelines as dress codes. If you show up at a black-tie event in beachwear, no one will let you in, no matter how brilliant your conversation is.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter

A cover letter is not a formality, it is your first chance to speak directly to the editor. Keep it professional, concise, and focused on why your work matters.

Include:

• Title of your manuscript.

• Why it fits the journal’s scope.

• What contribution it makes to the field.

• A statement confirming originality and that it is not under review elsewhere.

Submit Through the Journal’s System

Most journals use online submission platforms. You will create an account, upload your manuscript, figures, and supplementary materials, and often enter metadata like author affiliations and keywords. This is usually straightforward, but double-check every detail before pressing “Submit.”

Prepare for Peer Review

Submission is not the end, it is the beginning of review. Peer reviewers will evaluate your paper for originality, rigor, clarity, and significance. Expect feedback, sometimes harsh. Do not take it personally. Even Nobel Prize winners get rejections.

Approach reviewer comments with humility and strategy. Some suggestions will be invaluable; others may feel nitpicky. Respond to each point respectfully, and explain changes you made, or why you did not make them. This process often strengthens your paper far beyond what you imagined.

Expect Revisions, Sometimes Rejection

Revisions are normal. Minor revisions mean you are close. Major revisions mean more work but also another chance. Even outright rejection is not failure, it is redirection. Many groundbreaking papers were rejected multiple times before finding their home.

Seek Support When Needed

Here is the part few admit: the submission stage can feel lonely and discouraging. You have carried your research like a child, and now strangers are judging it. It is natural to feel anxious. But you do not have to walk alone.

This is where guidance, whether from a mentor, peers, or professional services like SERN makes a difference. From selecting journals to formatting, from cover letters to responding to reviewers, expert help can save you time and increase your chances of acceptance. Remember, submission is not just about sending a paper; it is about presenting it in its strongest form.

Conclusion

Submitting research is more than a bureaucratic step, it is an act of courage. You are stepping into the arena of knowledge, offering your voice to the global conversation. Yes, the process is demanding. Yes, rejection happens. But every submission, successful or not, builds your resilience and your reputation as a researcher.

The world needs your insights. Do not let formatting rules, guidelines, or fear stop you from sharing them. And if you ever need a hand to make the path clearer, know that help exists, waiting at the right time to walk with you.

References

Day, R. A., & Gastel, B. (2012). How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper. Cambridge University Press. 

Belcher, W. L. (2019). Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success. University of Chicago Press. 

Elsevier. (2023). Guide for Authors. Retrieved from Elsevier.com

1. Manuscript Formatting

• File Format: Submit in Microsoft Word (DOCX) or LaTeX (PDF).

• Language: All submissions must be in English and use clear, professional writing.

• Font: Use Times New Roman, 11pt for the main body text.

• Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides.

• Spacing: Single-spaced with an additional 6pt space between paragraphs.

• Columns: Two-column layout with justified text.

2. Title and Authorship Information

• Title: Should be concise yet descriptive (max 20 words) and formatted as 16pt, Bold, Centered, Black.

• Authors' Names: Listed below the title, 14pt bold, with affiliations in italics.

• Corresponding Author: Include email for contact.

3. Abstract and Keywords

• The abstract should not exceed 250 words and should be italicized.

• Include 5–7 keywords below the abstract, separated by commas.

4. Headings and Sections

Use a clear, structured format:

• H1 - Main Section Titles: Bold, 12pt, Black.

• H2 - Subsections: Bold, 11pt

• H3 - Sub-subsections: Italics, 10pt

5. Figures and Tables

• Figures: Numbered (e.g., Figure 1) with a caption below in 10pt Italic.

• Tables: Numbered (e.g., Table 1) with a title above in 10pt Bold.

• All figures must be high-resolution (300 dpi).

6. References

• Use standard APA 7th Edition consistently throughout the paper.

• Use the author-date citation style (e.g., Smith, 2023).

• Include a reference list at the end, following APA format.

7. Ethical Considerations

• Plagiarism is strictly prohibited (max similarity allowed: 15%).

8. Submission Process

1. Prepare your manuscript using this template.

2. Log in to your SERN Submission Portal and submit your document.

3. Await email confirmation that your paper has been received.

• Track your submission status via your SERN dashboard by logging into your portal.Any research involving human participants must include an ethics statement.

9. ORCID

Whenever your research is published, an ORCID iD will ensure your research is attributed to you and can be tracked consistently. 

All submitting authors should register for an ORCID iD: a persistent digital identifier that ensures proper attribution of research contributions across publications. ORCID iDs help build a transparent and verifiable research profile.

To register for an ORCID iD:

1. Visit ORCID Registration at their website.

2. Fill out the required details and create an account.

3. Upon completion, you will receive a unique ORCID iD (e.g., 0000-0002-1825-0097).

4. Include your ORCID iD in the submission form when submitting your manuscript to SERN.

10. Contribution

Every author must include a brief but clear statement on how their research contributes to sustainability, emerging challenges, and/or future solutions based on the topic of investigation; ensuring real-world impact.

Note

📌 Need Help? Contact our editorial team at [editor@sern.online].
📌 Review Time: Expect feedback within a reasonable time. For specifics, chat with the editorial team inside the portal.