Becoming an Academic Writer
In the world of academia, the ability to communicate ideas effectively through writing is crucial. For business professors, whose work often bridges the gap between theory and practice, becoming a skilled academic writer is a necessity. Yet, many business scholars struggle with the notion of seeing themselves as writers. They may excel in research, teaching, and mentoring, but when it comes to writing, they often feel out of their depth.
In a previous blog, I discussed some of the consequences of not seeing yourself as a writer. In this one, I explore the journey of becoming an academic writer, emphasizing the importance of changing one’s self-perception and the role of courses in faculty writing development for scholars.
The Identity Shift: Seeing Yourself as a Writer
The first step toward becoming an academic writer is a shift in identity. Many business professors view themselves primarily as researchers, educators, or consultants, relegating writing to a secondary role. However, to excel in academia, it’s essential to see yourself as a writer. Writing is not just a task to be completed; it’s a craft that requires dedication, practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The first and most important step in seeing yourself as a writer is to adopt the attitudes, practices, and demeanor of writers. Below are some ideas for how to make this identity transition:
Slow down and enjoy reading. We learn to write through absorption. Writers observe before they write. They take notes about what they admire, appreciate, or want to imitate in the writing of others. They slow down and analyze the writing style and structure of the texts they read. Business professors should do the same when reading anything, not just academic articles in their field. Think about what makes a text enjoyable, the literary devices the writer uses, the style, and the rhythm of sentences that just seem to work. Analyze, imitate, appropriate.
Develop empathy for your readers. Writers are readers first—they are keenly aware of how their words affect the reader. Writing is a way of creating a world for the reader to enter and enjoy. Focusing on the reader’s needs and delight will automatically shift the focus away from using writing merely as a means to record or report findings. Immediately, the approach to writing becomes less about self-expression and more about using it as a vehicle to reach the reader.
Start seeing the world in words. The single most important trait that distinguishes a writer from a non-writer is their lens of words. A writer sees the world in words, processes their feelings in words, uses words to soothe, comfort, and build up others. They are also able to wield the power of words to wound and puncture others or to render a situation tense and unbearable. Business professors will advance their writing by recognizing that words and language are what create and carry their ideas.
Cultivate a playful attitude toward writing. Writing is a creative, and therefore, messy process. In creating anything, all ideas have to be explored and considered. Words and sentences have to be juggled and rearranged. Sometimes we might hold onto the ideas and throw away the words, and at other times, we might do the opposite—keep a particular expression but change where and how it appears, altering its meaning based on its juxtaposition. We have to trust in the creative process while knowing that we have the frameworks, tools, and processes to impose the order that a final version will demand.
Write frequently, repeatedly, and often. Do it habitually, commonly, and continually. And then, do it over and over again. Writers write. Just as potters make pots and plumbers do plumbing, this is your métier, your craft. Unless writing is the thing that you do most of the time, you can’t call yourself a writer.
Academic Writing Courses
As you gradually shift your identity from “researcher” to “research writer,” remember that building expertise takes practice, which takes time. But practicing without clear guidance can be dangerous. Without clear and close guidance, and without using the right tools and frameworks for writing, publishing a paper becomes a matter of luck rather than the studied application of a craft.
For a more systematic approach to writing, business professors will find writing courses incredibly beneficial. Typically, academic writing courses or workshops cover topics such as developing a clear argument, structuring a paper, and refining your writing style. They may also offer guidance on time management and productivity, helping you balance writing with other academic responsibilities.
Some business schools occasionally offer these at the departmental level for their faculty, as part of faculty development or faculty training programs. Others are slowly recognizing the need for, and adopting, academic writing courses for their doctoral students.
Writing workshops provide a collaborative environment where faculty can learn new writing strategies, share their work, and receive constructive feedback from peers. These workshops can be particularly beneficial for early-career scholars who are still developing their writing voices.
Mehtatext offers workshops and courses for both early-career researchers and doctoral students in business. More details about these can be found here: mehtatext Writing Programs.
Conclusion: Embracing the Writer Within
Becoming an academic writer is a journey that requires time, effort, and a willingness to see yourself as a writer. For business professors, this journey is particularly important, as effective writing is key to communicating research findings, influencing practice, and advancing your career.
In the end, the path to becoming an academic writer is not just about producing more papers—it’s about cultivating a lifelong commitment to the craft of writing. As you develop your writing skills, you’ll find that your ability to convey your ideas clearly and persuasively will not only enhance your academic career but also enrich your contributions to the field of business research.