Writing with Precision, Clarity, and Economy

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Richard N. Mack

Source:

Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America, Ecological Society of America, Volume 67, p.31-35 (1986)

Call Number:

A86MAC01IDUS

Abstract:

Dick Mack shares his observations and recipe for clear and concise writing, based on three years of editorial experience for [Ecology or Ecological Monographs] journals. The Instructions to Authors for Ecology and Ecological Monographs include the statement: "Write with precision, clarity, and economy." This self-illustrative sentence contains some of the most important instructions given to prospective authors, yet it is probably the most overlooked. Based on [Dick's] experience as a subject editor for the past three years, [he] contends that verbiage, obscurity, and imprecision in manuscripts slow the editorial process and ultimately hamper communication.