An advanced practice psychiatric nurse's guide to professional writing.

Topic: Many good ideas are not communicated to the community of mental health practitioners because advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APPNs) are not being well informed about writing for public dissemination.

Purpose: This study aims to support APPNs through the various stages of manuscript preparation so they can enlarge the scope of their written contributions to the mental health field.

Conclusions: An appreciation for the skills, mechanics, and attitudes that support the authoring enterprise can result in APPNs enjoying the multiple benefits that accrue to those who write about their professional activities for clinical, administrative, advocacy, fund-raising, and other purposes.