Before you start writing, create a clear overview of your research. When your methods, data, and literature are organised, you can work with confidence – no need to spend hours hunting down missing notes. A good overview makes the whole writing process smoother, easier, and more efficient.
Efficient writing starts with organising
Without an overview, writing can quickly start feeling like a puzzle. You’re constantly searching through files, checking your notes, and re-reading literature. This slows you down, and can make you feel more lost than you need to be. You might second-guess yourself, because you’re not sure the data is entirely correct or you overlooked something important.
This messy process can even erode your confidence in your work, yet confidence is key to writing a strong paper. If you’re constantly wondering if your data are valid, how can you convince someone else that they are? That’s stressful for sure!
By creating a solid database of everything you’ve done so far – which is a lot – before you start writing, the process becomes smoother. You can easily find what you’re looking for, know what information you do – and don’t – have, and there is no need to spend hours tracking down scribbled notes at the bottom of your drawer (I speak from experience😅).
Three essentials for your research overview
So what should be in your overview before you start writing? Here are three key elements to consider:
- Methods🧪
- Data 📈
- Literature 📖
Recording these elements will set you up for a smooth writing process. Let’s break down what to include for each element:
1. Methods
Record all the methods you have used to collect your data. This includes the experimental design, methods for data collection, and all the data analyses you’ve carried out. Don’t leave out any details – you might need them later, as you work towards your finished draft.
Pro tip: keep a lab notebook (even if you don’t work in a lab)
Recording the methods before you start writing is a good start. What’s even better, is recording your methods as you go. Write them down while you’re collecting the data, and make note of why you used this particular method, set-up, or material.
2. Data
Gather all the data you’re planning to include in your paper. Figures, tables, images – everything. Place it all in a single document, so you have an immediate overview of all your data (tip: print everything out and hang it on the wall – even more overview!).
When gathering your data, make sure it’s described clearly and accurately. Don’t simply drop your figures straight from the software, but take a little time to add clear axis titles, include legends, and write a descriptive figure caption. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but adding this context will make things easier when you’re no longer deep in data analysis and don’t remember what “XLR09” or “south site” means.
3. Literature
You’ve probably read quite a bit of literature along the way. To prepare your research, to decide on certain methods, to understand how others have approached similar questions, and perhaps you’ve even carried out a full-blown literature review.
Organise that literature. Place it into a document or table, and note why it was useful, or why you think it might be useful later. Sure, you will read more literature as you further develop ideas about your research, but having an organized record from the start makes it easier to see patterns. It helps you to quickly find the sources you need and turns scattered notes into a resource you can actually use.
Pro-tip: practice note-taking
Practice note-taking while you’re preparing for and carrying out your research. Summarise key points, methods, and findings in your own words, and jot down any questions or ideas that come to mind. These notes become a personal reference library, making it easier to organise literature later, spot patterns, and connect insights across papers. Practising note-taking early saves time and mental energy when it’s time to start writing.
Spot connections and write smoothly
Creating an overview isn’t just about staying organised—it’s about giving yourself clarity and focus. When your methods, data, and literature are laid out and annotated, it’s easier to spot connections, identify and build stronger arguments. Spending a little time upfront saves frustration, turning scattered notes into a resource that guides your writing.