Paper Writing

[Moody (Sarada Lee)]

I submitted my first paper to the IEEE few days ago. I also came from a non-academic background and tried to answer your questions with limited experience.

@Ezno

Where can I search to see if someone else has done what I am doing or similar before (both for research and proper citation as well as to ensure I am not just re-inventing a previously published paper)? I am only familiar with ArXiv, but are there other key places I should be checking?

Based on your ArXiv paper titles, you can use ArXiv Sanity to search related/similar papers. Then, use I use Mendeley to organize.

@Ezno

Is it important to show what I am doing in math notation, or can python code and explanations suffice?

Depending on where you publish to put math notations within a paper or as an appendix. Most of the time, pseudo-codes are more sufficient for a paper but you can link your GitHub for codes. You can use Snip Notes to generate math notation in LaTeX. Life is much easier.

@Ezno

How do I know that this is a good general idea vs something that happens to work in the small datasets I am testing it on? Should I focus on 1 dataset for a first paper, then if it works well across many datasets write a follow up - or should I start with a wide scope if possible? Are there any resources that can help guide me through the paper-writing process?

Again, depending on where you publish. Just a general rule of thumb, the higher the impact factor is; the more work and data/proof/evidence is required. There is a lot of work involved even a short paper.

I totally agreed with @perceptualrobots. To move forward:

1. Do your literature review to ensure you want to publish;
2. Identify the journals/conferences you want to publish. Their instructions (and restrictions) can guide you through the submission process.

Other tips:

• Most of the publishers accept Words documents, but eventually, I learnt LaTeX. I use Overleaf as recommended by the IEEE. (Note: It is free and you can collaborate remotely.)

• I will strongly recommend NOT to share your finding publicly at this stage. During my submission, I need to declare the work is original (fair enough) and NOT published elsewhere. It seems the copyright will transfer to the publisher once the paper is accepted. I am not 100% sure at this stage.

• I submitted to a special issue of IEEE. So, there is a hard deadline. But, I will find out an outcome by a given date. The possible outcomes can be:
  a) accepted;
  b) accepted with minor changes;
  c) accepted with major changes; or
  d) reject.
  From my understanding, the outcome will come with reviewers’ feedback. So, you can improve your manuscript further.

All the best for your first paper.