This entry outlines a number of factors to consider when beginning the academic writing process as well as basic elements of good writing that will assist communication students and scholars when undertaking a writing project. This entry first discusses the importance of determining the appropriate audience or outlet for the writing project as well as following the specified format based on the chosen outlet’s requirements. Specific elements that will improve an author’s writing ability, including style, voice, verb tense and choice, transitions, and citations and attributions, are then discussed.