How to write and publish a scientific paper - Barbara Gastel, Robert A. Day 2022

Writing informed opinion
How to write opinion (Letters to the editor, editorials, book reviews, and essays)
Doing other writing for publication

It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!

—Friedrich Nietzsche

Writing informed opinion

As you become known in your field, editors of journals and other publications may invite you to write pieces expressing your professional judgment. In particular, you may be asked to write editorials and book reviews. Chances to write the latter also may arise earlier in your career. And whatever your seniority (or lack thereof), you may submit letters to the editor for potential publication or posting. Some journals also publish personal essays.

All these pieces express opinion. But not just any opinion: your scientifically informed opinion. Although sometimes allowing more creativity in writing style, they should display the same rigor as a scientific paper. Evidence should support the views expressed, and logic should be tight. In short, scientific opinion pieces should clearly evidence the mind of a researcher.