Ten simple rules for leading a many-author non-empirical paper.

Area of Science:

• Scientific communication
• Collaborative research writing

Background:

• Many-author non-empirical papers can drive research community conversations and address unmet needs.
• These papers, including consensus statements and roadmaps, leverage diverse expertise for unique resource creation.
• Traditional writing approaches are insufficient for large, multi-author non-empirical projects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline ten practical rules for effectively leading many-author non-empirical papers.
• To guide lead writers through content generation, structure definition, and feedback management.
• To provide solutions for common challenges in coordinating large collaborative writing efforts.

Main Methods:

• A structured approach led by a small team of lead writers.
• Collaborative content creation and iterative feedback from numerous co-authors.
• Focus on logistical coordination, writer preparation, and feedback management.

Main Results:

• Ten actionable rules designed to streamline the writing process for non-empirical papers with many authors.
• Strategies for defining paper content, managing complex logistics, and handling high-volume feedback.
• Guidance applicable to papers with at least 30 authors, with potential relevance to smaller collaborations.

Conclusions:

• Implementing these ten rules can enhance the efficiency and impact of many-author non-empirical papers.
• Effective leadership and structured collaboration are crucial for realizing the potential of large authorship teams.
• A companion paper offers guidance for co-authors to ensure a productive collaborative experience.