Six years ago, a “Google” search on “nutrition informatics” yielded “No results.” This is hard to imagine given the ability for search engines such as Google to locate information on just about any subject you want to learn about—but it is true.  Just to save you the time—today you search on nutrition informatics and get more than nine million hits—a product not only of increased awareness and information, but on new sophistication in search capabilities.  It is hard to remember a time when easy access to information wasn’t always at our fingertips.

While compiling information for the AMIA/OHSU/ADA 10x10 with focus on Nutrition Informatics, the reality of progress made in six years is astounding.  Even so, we need additional articles about how RD/DTRs are using informatics (“the intersection of information, nutrition and technology”) to make work more efficient, improve care or advance the profession. 

For those hesitant to publish, here are a few tips which helped me.

1. Partner with someone who shares your passion about a subject.  It makes drilling down to the critical points much easier and usually adds depth to your writing. I am lucky to have collaborators who believe in making everything an adventure—we go out to eat, plan the content, discuss strategy and make it a fun project along the way.
2. Outline key points you wish to make. Realize there is a time lag in time to publication. This is 13.5 months for the Journal, although there is variability.
3. Identify the venue for your article.  “Topics of Professional Interest” in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association is a great starting point, as this is an area for cutting edge ideas or experiences. 
4. Read the Author Guidelines. (Then re-read them prior to scanning your article for the last time.)  Elsevier (publisher for the Journal) even has an author tutorial, details on authors rights,
5. Write your article and ask a friend for feedback—honest feedback.  (Note: If you have ever asked a friend if your outfit looks good prior to going out for the evening, and they always say: “You look great”, this is NOT the right person to ask.) Set the stage by asking for diplomatic honesty. Your goal is to present concepts in a way that others understand.
6. Revise and rework any changes recommended by your reviewer.
7. Submit the paper. You will receive an author proof to review again.
8. Congratulations!  And thank you for your contribution to the profession!