One tip I would suggest is to consider trying to find template(s) to follow for any new research project. That is, try to find one or more papers which address the same topic and/​or use the same method as your paper, before you start on the paper. The best case is if the templates are published in the journal/​outlet you are targeting.
When you have templates, use them to guide and simplify the production of your paper. For instance, this might be by closely following the method, structure, style of diagrams, sections or paragraphs etc in the template. Or by rewriting an existing but similar section (e.g., the abstract or conclusion) rather than starting one from scratch.
Often you can basically reuse arguments and references. For instance, if you are trying to claim that Animal welfare is important in context x, and a published paper has a paragraph arguing for that, then you can often just rework that paragraph and cite the same references rather than spend time trying to find your own references and construct new arguments etc.
You also reduce a lot of risk by building on something that was accepted after a lot of revision and work, rather than trying to implement your naïve best attempt at what would be acceptable etc.
Thank you for this, Ren! I really appreciate it.
One tip I would suggest is to consider trying to find template(s) to follow for any new research project. That is, try to find one or more papers which address the same topic and/​or use the same method as your paper, before you start on the paper. The best case is if the templates are published in the journal/​outlet you are targeting.
When you have templates, use them to guide and simplify the production of your paper. For instance, this might be by closely following the method, structure, style of diagrams, sections or paragraphs etc in the template. Or by rewriting an existing but similar section (e.g., the abstract or conclusion) rather than starting one from scratch.
Often you can basically reuse arguments and references. For instance, if you are trying to claim that Animal welfare is important in context x, and a published paper has a paragraph arguing for that, then you can often just rework that paragraph and cite the same references rather than spend time trying to find your own references and construct new arguments etc.
You also reduce a lot of risk by building on something that was accepted after a lot of revision and work, rather than trying to implement your naïve best attempt at what would be acceptable etc.