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

Visual varieties
How to prepare the abstract
Preparing the text

Traditionally, abstracts of journal articles have consisted only of text. Increasingly, though, journals have been letting authors include a graphic in or with an abstract or have been publishing or posting visual versions of abstracts. For example, American Chemical Society journals require those publishing each paper to submit a graphic that will appear in the abstract and table of contents (ACS Publications 2020). Some other journals in various fields now include visual summaries, commonly called visual abstracts or graphical abstracts, for at least some articles. Sometimes the journal prepares this visual summary; commonly, the authors provide it. Visual abstracts often have a one-panel format (see, for example, www.cell.com/pb/assets/raw/shared/figureguidelines/GA_guide.pdf) or a three-panel format (see, for example, www.cdc.gov/pcd/for_authors/visual_abstracts.htm).

Various resources (such as Aoki n.d.; Elsevier 2021; Ibrahim 2018) offer guidance on preparing visual abstracts. Points to remember include the following:

· Obtain (and follow) any instructions from the specific journal regarding items such as dimensions, typeface, image resolution, and file type. Also, look at examples in the journal. See whether the journal has a template to use for visual abstracts.

·  Consider enlisting assistance from a scientific illustrator or other visual-communication expert. Many universities and research institutions have such individuals available.

·  Think about your audience. Define, and focus on, your main message to that audience.

·  Plan before you draft. Try to tell a story. Structure the visual abstract in an easy-to-follow way—for example, to be read from left to right or from top to bottom. Maybe break the visual abstract into sections or use arrows to guide readers.

·  Be concise, with uncluttered images and minimal words (far fewer than in a regular abstract). Perhaps use icons or the like. Incorporate enough white space.

·  Use color effectively. For example, show related items in the same color or use color to draw attention to key items.

· Revise, revise, revise. Get feedback, and revise some more.

In short, whether you are preparing a textual abstract or a visual one, be focused, well organized, clear, and concise. You will then represent your work effectively and serve readers well.