WiSER Writing Groups
Publish and Flourish
Why join a writing group?
The “publish or perish” attitude in academia can put a lot of pressure on academics to produce new material for publication at regular intervals. Joining a writing group can make the whole process easier and more enjoyable.Some of the benefits include:
- Receiving constructive feedback on your writing from interested peers
- It’s an incentive to get some writing done before the next meeting
- Talking to other academics going through the same process
- Writing can be a solitary, isolating process, but writing groups combat this
- Writing groups provide commentary, deadlines and accountability
Findings
Research shows that academics who participate in writing groups demonstrate consistently higher publication rates than those who don’t (McGrail et al, 2006). So what are you waiting for?
How do the groups work?
The WiSER writing groups consist of approximately 6 academics and researchers who meet about once a month to read and review each other’s writing. One member each month selects a piece of writing they are working on which the others in the group will read and offer suggestions and constructive feedback on.
Who can join a writing group?
WiSER writing groups are for any academic or research staff, whatever your discipline, interested in improving your academic writing output – be it writing an abstract, journal article, book, conference paper, or grant proposal, etc.
How do I join and attend the WiSER Seminar?
WiSER academic writing group seminars are held periodically. At the seminar you will learn how academic writing groups work, how to set one up and the benefits of being a member. Those who are interested will be given the opportunity to join on academic writing group on the day.
Resources for members
Click to download:
Cover sheet for draft manuscript (MS Word, 23kB)
Sample Guidelines for writing groups (MS Word, 52kB)
Academic Research: "Publish or perish: a systematic review of interventions to increase academic publication rates", McGrail, M. R. et al, 2006 (PDF, 102kB)
Further Reading on Academic Writing
The Handbook of Academic Writing: a fresh approach, Rowena Murray & Sarah Moore (Maidenhead: Open University Press, 2006)
Writing for Academic Journals, Rowena Murray (Maidenhead; New York: Open University Press, 2005)