Special Publication Grants Instructions

Special Instructions For Completing NLM Publication Grant Applications

Guidelines for Completing PHS 398
Be sure to obtain the instructions for completing PHS 398 from the grant application web site. These comprehensive instructions provide examples and definitions of terms.

The following section describes the use of the PHS 398 form for the Publication Grant.
Form Page 1. Face Page - refer to section 1 of the detailed instructions for completing form PHS 398, with the following changes
Item 2. Response to Specific Program Announcement Check the "NO" box. In Number, enter N/A. In Title, enter "NLM Publication Grant".
Item 4. Human Subjects Research: See instructions Section III-A "DEFINITIONS"; p.35.
Item 5. Vertebrate Animals: Check the "NO" box.
Item 6. Dates of Entire Proposed Project Period: Keep in mind that the approval cycle requires 9 to 12 months.
Form Page 2. Description, Sites, Key Personnel - refer to section 2 of the detailed instructions for completing form PHS 398. If the application is funded, this description will become public information.
All other form pages - follow the general instructions.
Research Plan. There is no form page for the Research Plan. Use Continuation Pages and organize your description as follows:
a. What do you intend to do? Cite the objectives of the proposed publication. Describe the intended audience. Describe and justify the medium of publication.
b. Why is the work important? State concisely the importance and health relevance of the proposed work. Provide evidence of the significance of, need for, and usefulness of the proposed publication. If there are similar works, describe how the proposed work differs, extends, or enhances them. Include one or two carefully chosen letters of support from the target audience and peers. If possible, include evidence that the proposed work would be considered for publication by a university press, professional society, or other publisher.
c. What has already been done? Cite your relevant publications. Contact the Publication Grants Program Officer to offer samples of your relevant work in book, videotape, etc. form. Although NIH discourages the use of URLs in applications, if your work is best assessed by reviewing a website, include the URL, being careful to specify which work/files should be reviewed. Describe the current status of your writing or development of the publication. Provide an outline.
d. How are you going to do the work? Describe methods you will use. Include how the information will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Describe how the proposed publication will be organized. If the proposed work involves electronic publication, a website or CD-ROM, describe the software to be used and the experience of the technical developer. Provide letters of agreement from co-developers, consultants indicating their willingness to work on the project.

For electronic publications:

describe how formative evaluation will be performed
provide documentation of maintenance of electronic publications beyond the grant period
cite the privacy policy and other relevant "code of conduct" elements to be followed and posted on the website

Appendices are not encouraged. However, they may be used to supplement aspects of the Research Plan. Append only highly relevant material, such as a sample chapter, website map, and letters of support. Since appendices are only reviewed by the primary and secondary reviewers, critical material should be contained in the body of the Research Plan. If you wish to submit examples of your work in an electronic medium, please contact the Publication Grant Program Officer for permission and special instructions.

Grant Program Overviews