American Journal of Nursing
Author Guidelines – Viewpoint
The column should present a clear point of view in a distinctive voice on a topic that may
or may not be controversial. Opinion, reflection, debate, and musing are all acceptable in
this column. (Viewpoint could provide a “counterpoint” to the editorial or to a feature
article within the same issue, which would open or encourage debate among readers on a
particularly crucial or controversial topic.)
AUTHORS
Viewpoint authors can be nurses, patients, physicians, public health professionals,
politicians, AJN staffers, and others as deemed appropriate. The writer’s opinion need not
reflect that of LWW, the AJN staff, or the ANA. When presenting a strong opinion, back
it up with a cogent argument, statistics, and/or anecdote. When deciding on your topic,
narrow your scope to something that you know well through experience and that pertains
to a general nursing readership. Keep in mind that evidence and specific details
strengthen an argument.
LENGTH
Keep it short and to the point: 700 words. Give the reader a short, sharp, cohesive,
incisive point of view. Focus on one idea, and in your opening and closing paragraphs
clearly state your position. Don’t try to explain all sides of an issue.
SUBMISSION
The voice should be casual and conversational, yet authentic. No medical jargon, clichés,
or “academese.” Imagine trying to explain your thesis to a friend or colleague. Do not
commit libel. Do not plagiarize—even your own work (that is, don’t regurgitate already
published material). Eliminate passive words and sentences. Example: Change “The care
was provided by Wilhelmina” to “Wilhelmina provided the care.” All facts, statistics, and
quotations must be referenced (though they may not be published) for fact-checking.
Consider how to organize. The Internet has many resources for writers; check
http://webster.commnet.edu/writing/writing.htm for one set of links that may be helpful
in determining an outline.
The preferred method of submission is via the Internet at http://ajn.edmgr.com. For
details on acceptable program formats for submission (ex: Microsoft Word, Excel, Power
Point, and so on), from the main page, under the “files and resources” section, go to the
“system requirements”. To accommodate blinded peer review, do not place authors’
names anywhere in your submission. Authors will enter their information directly into
the website and it will remain linked with their manuscript. This is a secure site; AJN
editors control access to all submissions.
For questions about submitting a manuscript, contact Carmen Walker at (646) 674-6602,
or cwalker@lww.com. For queries about the journal’s interest in your manuscript,
contact Diana Mason at (646) 674-6604, or dmason@lww.com.