In this workshop Stuart Lane (University Lausanne) discusses the makings of a good scientific paper in geomorphology, based on his long experience as author, co-author and Chief Editor of Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. Mike Ellis (British Geological Survey) will give tips on writing research proposals, using his experience from a distinguished scientific career and from his experience as director of the Geomorphology program of the US NSF and as a member of the NERC Peer Review College.