How to Use Storytelling
in Academic Writing

Good writing skills and habits are critical for scholarly success. Every article is a story, and employing the techniques of effective storytelling enhances scholars’ abilities to share their insights and ideas, increasing the impact of their research. This book draws on the tools and techniques of storytelling employed in fiction and non-fiction writing to help academic writers enhance the clarity, presentation, and flow of their scholarly writing. In it I describe the structure, techniques and tools of storytelling; how to apply them in writing the Introduction, Theory and Hypotheses, Methods and Results, and Discussion sections of an article; and how these sections differ for qualitative and theory papers. I also address how to navigate the writing, coauthoring and review processes, and finally, I explain how to use storytelling when writing grant proposals, research statements and cover letters.

The book is now available in hardcover, paperback and ebook formats. You can buy the book directly from Edward Elgar. If ordering from outside the U.S., use the international version of the link, which shows the purchase price in British pounds to ensure worldwide shipping.

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Critical Acclaim

“It won’t matter how brilliant your ideas are if you can’t explain them well in your writing. As one of the sharpest writers in the management field, Tim Pollock has produced a remarkably useful guide for academics to communicate more clearly.”

— Adam Grant, University of Pennsylvania

Saul P. Steinberg Professor of Management, and Professor of Psychology

New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Originals

“The most interesting ideas and the most diligent designs fall flat if we can’t showcase them for the reader. Pollock shows us how—while also giving tips for making the process more efficient and enjoyable. This book is essential for any scholar and should be required reading when training doctoral students.”

— Jason A. Colquitt, University of Notre Dame

Franklin D. Schurz Professor, Former Editor, Academy of Management Journal

“If you want your scholarly work to be read, admired, and remembered, you should dive into this book. Tim Pollock has done us an immense service. By integrating classical concepts from the narrative and dramatic arts, along with numerous juicy examples from the world of academic writing, Pollock provides us a fun, valuable story about storytelling.”

— Donald C. Hambrick, The Pennsylvania State University

Evan Pugh University Professor and Smeal Chaired Professor of Management

For researchers, finding the truth has always been a method taught to everyone, and reporting it has been an art known only by the few. Thanks to this book, research has now become more democratic, because the reader learns how to use storytelling tools methodically for reporting research.

– Henrich R. Greve, INSEAD

Rudolf and Valeria Maag Chaired Professor of Entrepreneurship, Former Editor, Administrative Science Quarterly