Who are these guys?

We're both full-time scientists working at the University of Amsterdam. Here's some more info on us.

Is Write it Right just for the exact sciences?

No. The workshop develops skills that are necessary to successfully publish research in any field.

Is Write it Right a good workshop?

According to the people who attend, yes. The average feedback score from over 2000 participants is >8,5.

What does Write it Right cover?

Writing good technical English, structuring your paper, and making an impact. For more information on the content see the Course Description.

What is the format of Write it Right workshops?

Generally Write it Right workshops take place over two full consecutive days. The format mixes lectures and exercises. Shorter bespoke formats are possible in discussion with organizers. For formats of one full day or longer, participants must submit prior to the workshop a two-page draft paper on their research. We give personal feedback on each draft. For more details of the workshop format see the Course Description.

What should my manuscript look like?

Simply a two-page pdf file describing a piece of your research and using either the word template or latex macros provided.

Is it possible to write about by research in two page?

Yes. We have reviewed plenty of two-page papers on many subjects that clearly describe the authors aim, results, and conclusions. So give it a try.

What does two pages mean?

It means, unsurprisingly, two pages. That is two pages total, not two pages with the graphics added as a third.

Can I participate without submitting a manuscript?

Writing the manuscript is an important part of the workshop. It is an exercise in itself and the manuscript is used as the basis for several exercises during the workshop. Without it you will not get the full benefit from the workshop or participate in several of the exercises. Most organizers therefore insist on submission of the manuscript as a condition of participation and will inform you of this when you register.

What should my manuscript contain?

The draft should explain your research as clearly as possible in two pages. We suggest that you include an introduction paragraph, some results, a graphic, a discussion, and a short conclusions paragraph. The draft must not be a complete paper or a stripped down version of an existing paper.

My manuscript  is longer than two pages, what should I do?

Shorten it until it is not longer than two pages.

Why do I have to submit my manuscript in PDF format?

The pdf format is the most portable file format and the most likely to print correctly. You can save files in the pdf format from Microsoft Word. You can convert the LaTex dvi file to pdf using the dvi2pdf utility.

Why must I use the Word template or LaTex style files?

There are several reasons. Firstly, it standardises the format between different participants. Secondly, we need a format that allows us to anotate our comments on the manuscript. Thirdly, journals require you to submit articles in a set format so our requirement allows you to practice this. 

My manscuript isn't ready yet. Can I submit it later?

We review submissions before the workshop begins. The deadline gives us only a few days for reviewing all the drafts. Most organizers therefore insist on submission of the manuscript by the deadline as a condition of participation and will inform you of this when you register.

Are my details and manuscript secure?

Completely. We do not give any information to anyone external at all. Your manuscript is read by us and the hard copies returned to you personally. Even other participants do not see your manuscript. 

How do I register?

1. Go to www.write-it-right.org
2. Either scroll to the bottom of the page, or click on "skip direct to upcoming courses"
3. You will see your course, click on the course
4. On your first visit, click on "create new account" (on the right hand side of the page)
5. Fill in the details (you can choose you user name and password yourself)

you will now receive a confirmation e-mail (check it doesn't arrive as "spam").

6. click on the link supplied in the e-mail
7. enter the course enrolement key and click on "enrol me on this course"

You are now registered for the course. On subsequent visits to the site you can log in to the course using your user name and password. On the course page you will find instructions for preparing your draft manuscript and the "submit manuscript" option that you use to upload your manuscript before the course begins.

If there are any problems with the procedure, or other further questions,
please contact enquiries@write-it-right.org

How do I give feedback on the workshop?

Please do, it is much appreciated. You will receive a feedback form at the workshop which you can return anonymously to us. If you wish to do it at a later date just e-mail feedback@write-it-right.org or fill in this form and e-mail it to feedback@write-it-right.org.

Do I get a certificate for completing the workshop?

Some organizers request certificates for participants, in which case you will receive one automatically. Where this is not the case you can contact us and we will provide you with one. In all cases, certificates can only be provided if the participant's manuscript was submitted on time and conforming to the format we require. This is part of the requirement for "successful completion of the course". Based on the quality and workload of the course, several Institutions have awarded two European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points for successful completion of the course. You can see an example of the certificate here.

What do I do if I have a complaint about the course?

If you have a complaint about the course you can raise it with us during the workshop and we will endeavour to address it on the spot. If you do not feel able to do this, if you feel your complaint was not addressed adequately, or if you wish to register a complaint after the workshop we have a formal complaints procedure. You will find details of this procedure in the General Terms and Conditions. 

Where do the "Writing tips" come from?

A portion of the content displayed in the "Writing Tips" sidebox was adapted from the Writing tips page of the Policy Library at the University of Minnesota in the US, as well as other online sources.