8 Simple Tips for Getting Started with Academic and Professional Writing
One of my ‘professional hats’ is as a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association (JANZSSA). I took on this role a year or so ago, not only to increase my own professional development, but to demystify what many consider to be the daunting process of writing for a journal, and to encourage more professional staff in particular to explore the opportunity.
JANZSSA now offers quite a range of professional development resources for authors (articles, webinars and the like) but I also like to remind those I speak with, that writing often starts with small, practical steps – many of which professional staff are already doing as part of standard reporting and evaluation tasks.
Here are some additional ways to make the process more intentional, collaborative and connected to the work you’re already doing.
Re-purpose rather than reinvent:
Chances are, you’ve already done more writing than you realise. A presentation, internal report, conference abstract, or even detailed meeting notes might hold the seeds of a publishable piece. Look at what you’ve already created and ask:
Could this be adapted for a wider audience? Thoughtful re-purposing is not cutting corners; it’s making the most of your effort and insight.
Read the journal or platform you’re writing for:
Every journal has its own tone, scope, and preferred style. Reading a few recent articles helps you understand how authors position their arguments, structure their paper, reference theory, and speak to their argument.
Start before you feel ready:
Waiting for the perfect idea, concept, structure, or opening line often leads to inertia. Start messy. Write down scraps of thought, bullet points, questions - anything to begin shaping your narrative. Clarity comes through the doing, not before it.
Map your structure early on:
Think of structure as scaffolding - it helps hold the piece while you build. A rough outline (even just headings and dot points) can give shape to your thinking and make a big task feel more doable. Be open to rearranging things later, but don’t underestimate the power of a clear starting framework. (Handy hit: JANZSSA provides templates for both professional and academic papers to help you on your way).
Find your central argument and ensure accessibility:
What are you really saying? What do you want your reader to walk away with? Anchor your writing in one or two key ideas, and let those guide how you select your evidence, frame your paragraphs, and craft your conclusion. Importantly, aim for clarity, not complexity.
Could someone outside your field follow your argument? Are you defining key terms? Have you cut jargon where it’s not needed?
Get comfortable with cutting:
Writing benefits from clarity and economy. It’s okay to write long to start, but editing is an essential skill. Be brave enough to delete the paragraph you love if it’s not serving the paper. Keep a ‘scraps’ document so that you can return to those ideas later if need (and keep to the word limit if there is one!).
Make time for rest and distance:
After you’ve written a draft, let it sit. A few days (or longer) away from your work can give you fresh eyes and sharper instincts for what’s working and what’s not. This might also be a good time to share with a trusted colleague or connection who can review and provide constructive feedback with fresh perspective.
Finally, know when to let it go:
Perfectionism can trap good writing in an endless loop of edits. There comes a point when your paper is ready to send. It won’t ever feel 'done,' but 'done enough' is a milestone worth celebrating. Remember, submission is not the end; it’s part of the process.
Friendly reminder – submission for JANZSSA’s special issue on Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Tertiary Institutions close Sunday 29 June, 2025. Reach out if you’d like to discuss your idea further!