Author guidelines
Format
Articles should be double-spaced and
authors should include their full names,
qualifications, job titles, contact telephone
numbers, fax number, email address and
postal address. Manuscripts should be
formatted in Word or as a text file. Please
keep formatting to a minimum. For example,
do not use bold or underline; use only one
return to denote the end of a paragraph and
do not start a new page for each section.
Articles should be submitted via email to
helen.hyland@rcnpublishing.co.uk.
Writing style
Readers of Learning Disability Practice work
in all settings and are at different stages of
their career. To make your article interesting
and readable, avoid the use of jargon and
abbreviations. An abbreviation needs to be
written in full the first time it is used with
the abbreviation in brackets afterwards, for
example, Nursing and Midwifery Council
(NMC). A few obvious ones do not need
to be written in full, for example, NHS. Be
concise: it helps to get someone else to read
a draft, preferably someone who does not
work with you who can point out anything
that is not clearly expressed.
Referencing
It is important that all articles include
references where appropriate. Correct
referencing is the responsibility of the author.
We use the Harvard referencing system �
contact the editor for further information.
Diversity and preferred terms
As readers live and work across the UK (and
overseas) be explicit about whether you are
referring to, for example, policy or legislation,
in one country. Where relevant, try to cover
material from all four UK countries. The same
applies to settings: if you are writing from an
acute perspective, consider whether the topic
can be generalised to the community or if
there are differences (and vice versa).
What happens next?
Manuscripts are acknowledged on receipt.
Most are subject to review by subject
experts, and reviewer comments are usually
summarised and sent to the lead author.
Reviewers often recommend acceptance
subject to amendments that the authors
are asked to make. Authors of accepted
manuscripts are asked to complete a standard
author's form and sign a publisher's agreement
for the purposes of copyright. Articles will
not be published without a signed publisher's
agreement from each author. Rejected
manuscripts are returned. Manuscripts are
then prepared for publication, which can
involve editing and shortening them. Shortly
before publication, the lead author receives a
copy of the article as it is intended to appear
in the journal. Only minor amendments are
accepted at this stage.
Submitting your work
Material for publication should be submitted
exclusively to Learning Disability Practice,
which will hold the copyright to any articles
published. The length of articles can vary.
Opinion articles of up to 700 words are
sought; features should be between 2,000
and 3,500 words including references. For
suggested word lengths for other articles,
contact the editor. A summary or abstract
of 75-150 words should be supplied
with features and continuing professional
development articles. The summary or
abstract should briefly summarise your
article � its purpose and any conclusions
reached. Charts, diagrams, tables and
illustrations are welcome. Please ensure any
illustrative material is carefully numbered
or labelled and captioned. Photographs
will be returned to you on request; it is the
author's responsibility to obtain permission
for the use of any illustrative material or
photographs submitted.
Writing for publication is not as difficult as it may seem
as long as contributors follow some simple ground rules
Contributing to the journal
Introduction
Learning Disability Practice aims to inform and to encourage
critical reflection among nurses caring for people with learning
disabilities by publishing articles with clear implications for
practice. We welcome contributions to all sections of the journal,
including opinion, resources, features, continuing professional
development and careers. Articles should be informative, have
something new to say or offer a fresh approach to an old subject,
challenge current thought or practice or predict future trends.
One of the best ways of understanding how to write articles is to
read a selection of those already published in the journal. They
can be literature reviews, original research, descriptions of practice or case studies. We
also welcome letters to the editor. Learning Disability Practice also seeks to encourage new
authors � do not think writing for publication is too difficult or that no one will want to read
what you have to say. You may have several reasons for wanting to publish. You may want
to share knowledge and advance your field of practice, to disseminate important findings
or opinions, or even to contribute to topical policy debates. In all cases, it is advisable to
contact the editor to discuss your ideas. For more advice email the editor, Colin Parish at
colin.parish@rcnpublishing.co.uk or telephone 020 8872 3153.
40 LEARNING DISABILITY PRACTICEApril 2009 | Volume 12 | Number 3

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