Although not as significant as the dissemination of your results, the sense of accomplishment associated with publishing a manuscript in a medical journal is a welcome reward for working through the research process. Three basic strategies will help you produce a better manuscript. Careful consideration of a target audience and adherence to the journal's instructions for authors is the first. Secondly, the manuscript must describe a well-designed and conscientiously conducted study. No amount of creative writing can disguise a poorly designed study. Lastly, writing to inform rather than to impress, and doing so using clear and purposeful prose that is accurate and concise, is crucial. Adherence to these strategies will guide you in your work and will ultimately lead to successful publication.