How to Write an Article for ANA

25 Sep How to Write an Article for ANA

The ANA eUpdate is emailed fortnightly to over 2,000 individuals working in a wide range of public health nutrition and physical activity. ANA extends an ongoing invitation for you to submit an article to showcase a topic of interest.

If you haven’t written an article before then have read of my tips below.

Alison’s tips to help you get started with writing an article for ANA:

• Create a catchy title to capture attention (I usually leave this until last)
• Have a clear purpose (ask yourself: what do I want the readers to know?)
• Your first paragraph should summarise your key messages (as this may be all readers have time to read)
• Keep your story simple, uncomplicated and written for the layperson (use plain language and avoid jargon and acronyms)
• Make it interesting and relevant (provide examples relevant to public nutrition and/or physical activity)
• References aren’t necessary (use them only if you think they add value)
• Make your words succinct (our most popular articles are the shortest; to give you an idea of words this article is 300 words)
• The use of subtitles may make your article easier to read
• Use bullet points where you can (this allows white space which aids the visual appeal)
• Illustrate your points with pictures, photos or infographics.
• If using photos seek written permission to share them and credit appropriately. (ANA can find suitable photos if you don’t supply them)
• Bring your story to life with interest (use examples and/or provide quotes)
• Add in useful links and website addresses (useful for those who wish to read more)
• Add in your email address (so people can contact you for more information)
• Don’t worry about formatting and layout as your words will be cut and pasted directly into the website and then photos added later (unless it’s a PDF, then this will appear exactly as it is received)
• Have a colleague peer review your article before you email it to Alison

Here’s an example of a popular story I’ve written called Networking and Public Health. This story is an example of an article that uses most of the above tips.