May 20, 2014, by Graham Kendall

A (possible) easy way to write for TheConversation

In previous posts we have mentioned articles that UNMC academics have written for TheConversation.

One of our latest articles is an Explainer article. These are short articles that explain some topic for the interested reader.

We were thinking some of our “What is …” articles might be suitable for TheConversation. That is not to say that TheConverstion will accept any of them, but it might be worth a try.

If you do fancy having a go, the following might be useful:

• To write a TheConverstion article, you have to register on the web site (this is easy to do)
• You then pitch (100 words) an idea. There is no guarantee that they will respond (but, in our experience, they always have done)
• One your idea is agreed, an editor will work with you. That is, you write the piece, the editor will edit and there is an iterative process until everybody is happy
• The edits, in my experience, are quite severe. This is either a function of the way all academics write or maybe it is just the way I write! But you do end up with an article that can be read by anybody, not just academics
• Once your piece appears, it will then attract readers and, as a registered author, you can see how many people read your article. This will almost definitely be hundreds and is often thousands (compare this to how many people read your academic articles!)
• As a registered author, you are also able to see how you compare with all the other authors at the University of Nottingham
• In our experience, it helps to promote your article through social media. TheConversation will tweet it, we will feature it on this blog, but there is nothing quite like you telling interested parties

So, if you have an idea, please consider writing a TheConversation article. It really is a great way to disseminate your research.

From their own web pages, this is what the TheConversation is about:

“The Conversation is an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public. Our team of professional editors work with university and research institute experts to unlock their knowledge for use by the wider public. Access to independent, high quality, authenticated, explanatory journalism underpins a functioning democracy. Our aim is to allow for better understanding of current affairs and complex issues. And hopefully allow for a better quality of public discourse and conversations.”

 

 

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