The Zomer Methods

Struggling with literature data overload when writing manuscripts? Check this step-by-step guide on how we organize our scientific literature to write comprehensive literature reviews. This method is also useful for writing the introduction and discussion sections of your research manuscripts!

Step 1: Create a Citation Table

• Open an Excel sheet.

• Create three columns: Keyword, Citation, and Reference.

Step 2: Add Citations to the Table

• As you read papers, highlight important sentences or passages.

• Identify keywords that capture the essence of each highlighted sentence.

• Enter the highlighted sentence in the citation column of the table.

• Write down the corresponding keyword in the Keyword column.

• Add the reference details of the paper in the Reference column for each citation.

Step 3: Organize the Table by Keyword

• Once you've collected enough citations, organize the table by keyword. Sort the table so that all citations with the same keyword are grouped together.

Step 4: Combine Citations into Authentic Sentences

• Review all citations under each keyword group.

• Combine the ideas from different citations into one coherent sentence that is not a direct copy of any single source.

• Ensure that the combined sentence accurately reflects the main points conveyed by the citations under the same keyword.

Step 5: Enjoy

• You are now ready to write your literature review. You will be able to use your table for years - keep updating it with new data! (But do make different tables for different projects).

• Writing science can be fun. Make it an enjoyable moment by setting daily goals.

• Make it your goal to write only one or two paragraphs per day - and reward yourself for your efforts once you have done it. It is easier to start when you know it's not going to take too long. You can trick your brain this way. If after you start, you feel like continuing it, then do it! If not, you already did great by achieving your daily goal!

EXTRA TIP: Use a Reference Manager for Manuscript Writing

• Choose a reference manager such as Mendeley or Zotero (both are free) to organize your papers into libraries.

• Add formatted citations to your manuscript using the reference manager's Word plugin.

• Utilize the AI capabilities of reference managers like Zotero for assistance in finding specific information for your manuscript based on your personal library.