Today the internet is essential to the way we connect, communicate, and collaborate, so it is no surprise that academic publishers are looking for ways to make scientific manuscripts more appealing in digital spaces. A graphical abstract, sometimes called a visual abstract, is an illustration that succinctly captures the main message of a research paper with simple, clear imagery and minimal text. It is intended to be a more audience-friendly, visually appealing, and easily shareable accompaniment to the traditional text abstract.
While not all publishers require them, research has shown that a graphical abstract can confer certain advantages. For example, one study found that papers with graphical abstracts were eight times more likely to be shared on social media compared to those with text only. Another study found that journals that require graphical abstracts received higher impact factors after three years than those that did not. The same team of researchers also found that articles published with graphical abstracts had higher citation counts on Web of Science and significantly more social media shares than those with only text abstracts.
For researchers early in their careers, the exposure gained through social media via a graphical abstract can pay off in opportunities for networking, visibility, and even media coverage. Journals that require graphical abstracts also tend to be those with already high impact factors–for example, Cell, The Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine all use them, so if you are targeting high caliber publications strategically you should be prepared to submit a graphical abstract with your manuscript.
While graphical abstracts may improve the visibility of your research, they are also time-consuming and require a degree of technical expertise that may be challenging for science professionals. Depending on the nature of your research, you may also need to consider issues of representation, inclusiveness, and accessibility. Failing to do so could threaten the viability of your manuscript or result in endless rounds of revisions. The lack of universal standards for graphical abstracts also means that what is acceptable to one reviewer may not be acceptable to another.
Investing in the services of a skilled professional to create your graphical abstract can ensure that your manuscript is aesthetically appealing, logical, and accurate in its representation of your work. When selecting a professional, it is important to consider their visual communication and design skills as well as their familiarity with the field you specialize in.
While some medical writers are now offering graphical abstracts, many are not well-versed in graphic design principles. Before signing a contract, be sure to request samples of work done for previous clients and request a meeting to discuss the content of your manuscript. You should feel confident that the designer has the technical proficiency and the appropriate knowledge base to represent your work.
If you are in need of a graphical abstract to satisfy the requirements of a publisher or to promote your work to a wider audience, we can offer a team that is both well-versed in the biological sciences and experienced in visual communications. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you take your career to the next level.