How to Write and Submit a Conference Paper

OWISE Graduate Seminar September 17, 2010 Jenna P. Carpenter

Outline
Select Your Topic Write/Submit Your Abstract Write/Submit Your Paper Reviews: How to Use Them References

Select Your Topic

What are the types of papers/posters/presentations? What topics are listed in the Call for Papers? What aspect(s) of your work would be of interest to this audience? What do abstracts and papers for this conference look like (check out past conference proceedings)? Do you know anyone who has had a paper accepted for this conference? Consider adding a co-author.

Writing and Submitting Your Abstract

Re-read the requirements (word count, format, font, etc.) in the Call for Papers. Briefly summarize the context, problem, approach, solution, future work (save details for the paper). Highlight what is interesting about your work. Use a professional tone and correct mechanics. Use a descriptive and interesting title. Have a mentor/colleague review your abstract for clarity and correctness. Submit your abstract well before the deadline

Writing and Submitting Your Paper

Your paper should include: Abstract, Introduction, Background, Main Body, Future Work, Conclusion, Acknowledgements, and References. Follow the requirements for format, length, etc. Use pictures, charts, tables, lists to communicate information, examples, data, results (number & title). Start early, write several drafts, have a mentor or colleague review the paper, submit early. Use a professional tone and correct mechanics.

Reviews and How to Use Them

Less than glowing reviews are hard to accept but reviews are an opportunity to improve your paper, as well as your overall communication skills. Reviews reflect the personal tastes of the reviewer. Some reviewers are more professional/helpful than others. Share your reviews with a trusted mentor if you need assistance responding to them. Submit your revised paper early.

General Tips
You can submit papers on different aspects of your project to different conferences, but not the same paper to more than one conference! Know the prestige/acceptance rate of the conference/papers dont aim too high or too low. Check out special opportunities for graduate students. Determine if a poster vs. a paper is the best fit. Submit a poster & a paper (not on same topic!), attend a workshop, volunteer to moderate a session.

References
How to Write an Academic Conference Paper (www.ehow.com/how_2301555_write-academicconference-paper.html) Tips for Writing Technical Papers (infolab.stanford.edu/~widom/paper-writing.html) Write and Submit a Conference Paper (www.spe.org/papers/authors/paper_proposal_gui delines.php) Preparing a Paper to Deliver at a Conference (www.clt.uts.edu.au/Scholarship/Conference.pape r.htm)

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Contact me at: jenna@latech.edu Check out the OWISE website for a copy of this & other seminars: www.latech.edu/coes/owise