In my PhD lab, we always drafted our results into figures before we started writing our manuscripts. Starting with your figures allows you to determine the story that your findings tell and identify any weaknesses.
Why does it matter?
In some types of writing, figures and illustrations are added to complement the ideas described in the text. However, when you write up your results in the form of a scientific manuscript, the figures are the basis for the text. You have performed a finite number of experiments or made a limited number of observations, and you must describe them in the manuscript.
Drafting your figures before writing also allows you to determine as soon as possible if any of your figures are incomplete.
How to apply this tip
Draft your figures! You are likely to have early versions of figures from lab meeting presentations, conferences, grant applications, or preliminary analyses. Experiment with grouping your findings into logical figures. I suggest that you only apply specific formatting guidelines when you have a complete manuscript nearly ready for submission.
Use the figures to outline the results section of your manuscript. Although you could write a full outline, you could alternatively draft titles for your figures. Writing figure titles will force you to summarize your findings in short, simple terms.
Determine if your story is complete. Try to think like a peer reviewer and identify any gaps in your figures. Discuss your figures and outline with your principal investigator and your co-authors. Set up any necessary experiments while you continue to work on your manuscript.
As you work on your article, refer to the figures. Only make claims that are supported by your findings.
Do you start with the figures when you draft your manuscripts? Ask questions or share your experience below!
Holland-Mountford Editing | Scientific editing 