Science writer
A science writer researches, writes and edits scientific news articles and features for business, trade and professional publications, specialist scientific and technical journals, and the general media. Writers need to be able to understand complex scientific information, theories and practices. They then need to be able to write about these topics in a clear, concise and accurate language that can be understood by people who may not be experts in these fields.
A science writer can also be referred to as a science or scientific journalist.
The exact activities that a science writer undertakes depends upon the nature of the role and who they are writing for. Common activities may include:
Broadly speaking, there are two routes you can take to become a science writer:
Many science writers have a science degree and sometimes even a postgraduate science qualification. A scientist can either migrate to science writing immediately upon graduation or can move into the industry after several years of scientific research. Sometimes writers with science degrees take on a further postgraduate qualification in journalism or scientific communications in order to further their scientific writing careers. These courses aim to help those from a science-based background to distil complex information to a level that the general public can understand.
A list of science communication courses can be accessed at British Science Association - Science Communication Courses . Some courses are better regarded so it is important to investigate if the course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) , what topics are covered, what graduates of the course go on to do and what work experience opportunities (if any) are incorporated.
Alternatively, a trained journalist or reporter can become a specialist in the area of science writing. Entering the journalism industry can be done in a number of ways. This may include taking an undergraduate degree in journalism or completing a degree in a different subject and then studying for a postgraduate qualification in journalism. Most journalists will start as a trainee and will undertake the NCTJ preliminary and then National Certificate Exam (NCE) qualifications. See newspaper journalist and magazine journalist for more information. To make it as a science writer with a journalism background, you will have to have an aptitude for science writing and be interested and enthusiastic about science.
Science writing is difficult to get into largely because of the number of media graduates looking for work. Regardless of how they enter the profession, potential candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Candidates must be able to offer a portfolio of work. Recruiters will want to see as many published examples of your writing as possible, as evidence of your ability, and not just a list of your qualifications.
Prospective scientific writers should look for work experience opportunities with the below places:
You could also consider starting your own blog - it will enable you to compile a ready-made portfolio of work, which you can show to prospective employers. Also try to enter competitions as winning any type of writing award/prize will help you to stand out from the crowd.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training differs greatly and depends on the organisation. Trainees within large newspaper and magazine organisations normally receive formal training. After an initial probationary period, most trainee journalists follow basic journalism training under the terms of a training contract. Once a journalist has worked for 18 months, they then usually take the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)
National Certificate Exams (NCE), which qualifies them as a senior journalist. In order to sit these exams, the journalist must first have passed the NCTJ preliminary exams.
Journalists in larger organisations may also receive structured training in reporting, writing, proofreading, sub-editing, layout, and design and production.
Writers working for smaller organisations will largely receive informal, on-the-job training. This includes receiving feedback from editors, colleagues and clients, and learning from more experienced colleagues.
All types of writers need to have an open mind and be able to accept criticism, suggestion and be willing to make changes to the way they write. Writers also learn to improve their own writing through regularly reading the work of other good scientific communicators.
It will also be important to keep up to date with any advances in the science industry. Attending science-related conferences and becoming a member of any relevant professional bodies are a way of maintaining an ongoing knowledge of the industry.
Many trainees begin their career working in local media or publications with a small audience. After building up their portfolio, writers can aim to work for larger media organisations with a wider audience. Many senior journalists and correspondents freelance across print, broadcast and online journalism. After several years, writers can try to move to more senior editorial roles.
Career advancement at all stages depends on ability, performance and initiative. Writers who want to advance should seek out every opportunity to get a good article in front of an editor and preferably published by a respected organisation. It is vitally important to network with fellow professionals in order to advertise your name and abilities to colleagues.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) is a great source of information for all working journalists and offers the chance to network with others in the profession. The Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) is also a useful organisation. Membership with them can provide access to industry contacts, advice on freelance pay and information on key events and news, which can all help with networking and progression.
A move to other types of science writing is a possibility. For example, science information officers work for universities, private research foundations, government agencies and laboratories, technology corporations, science/technology museums, charities and non-profit science and health organisations. The main duties include preparing press releases and other materials explaining research at their institutions and aiding science journalists in preparing stories on that research.
Science writers can also move into technical or medical writing.
Writers may wish to move into production, working on page layout and headlines as a sub-editor.
Those with relevant skills can also move into related occupations in broadcast journalism, either as a researcher, reporter or presenter. Opportunities are likely to increase as digital media expands.
Science writers are employed by national and local newspapers. Many titles are owned by large newspaper groups at international, national or regional level. Recent years have seen many takeovers and acquisitions; check the latest facts and figures, and lists of daily and weekly newspapers within the UK, on the Newspaper Society .
Other opportunities for scientific writers to find work come from the specialist magazine sector. Typical publications include New Scientist , Nature and The Ecologist magazine . For more ideas of specialist magazines which provide employment opportunities see Media UK .
If you are interested in freelance science writing, send your proposal to a science editor at a relevant publication along with a copy of your CV. It is important to address your correspondence to a named person.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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