How to Become a Science Writer

Do you dream of embarking on a flexible, rewarding career as a science writer? Science writing is a fascinating freelance writing niche, offering a unique blend of creativity and technical knowledge. In this post, we’ll guide you through the world of science writing. We’ll explore: 

• What the term “science writing” means
• The typical daily tasks of a science writer
• Some examples of science writing in action
• Five steps you can take to become a freelance science writer

What Is Science Writing?

Science writing is a type of content writing which focuses on communicating scientific concepts. A science writer translates complex scientific ideas and research findings into clear, concise, and compelling content that various audiences – usually the general public – can understand. 

Science writers often focus on topics within science’s three major branches: 

• Formal, or physical science. Sub-fields include chemistry, physics, and mechanics. 
• Natural, or earth science. Sub-fields include astronomy, climatology, and geology. 
• Social, or life science. Sub-fields include biology, zoology, and ecology. 

Interestingly, “science writing” is often confused with “scientific writing.” The main difference is that scientific writing is content produced by scientists for scientists, whereas science writing appeals to a general audience. You do not have to be a scientist to produce science writing.

Science Writing Examples

Science writing comes in many forms, each tailored to different audiences and purposes. You can find science writing in popular science articles, research papers, science blogs, press releases, and educational content. Here are a few real-life examples:

1.   “Magnetic Mystery of Earth’s Early Core Explained.” This 2015 Scientific American article explains the current understanding and ongoing research about Earth’s magnetic field. 

2.   “Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply.” This is a post by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bringing awareness of the effects of climate change on food supply and agriculture. It shows how we can reduce climate change in order to preserve food supply.

3.   “The Fascinating World of Quantum Computing.” This HulkApps blog post breaks down the principles of quantum computing and its potential future applications.  

4.   “Discovery Alert: A ‘Super-Earth’ in the Habitable Zone.” This press release by NASA informed readers of an Earth-like planet’s discovery by an international team of scientists. The press release summarizes the scientists’ key findings and implications for the general public and media outlets. 

5.  “Spots, stripes and more: Working out the logic of animal patterns.” This article by Knowable Magazine explores “how the tiger got its stripes, the cheetah its spots and more besides.” 

What Does a Science Writer Do?

As a science writer, your daily routine will differ from that of a typical nine-to-fiver. A science writer’s role varies depending on their niche and the type of content they produce. However, there are some daily tasks that most have in common:

1. Perform Content Research

All science writers need to conduct thorough content research. This might involve reading scientific papers, interviewing subject-matter experts, and staying up to date with the latest developments in their field. For example, they might follow experts in their chosen niche on social media or read relevant scientific journals and magazines.

2. Write and Edit

Once they have gathered their research, science writers will translate it into engaging, accessible pieces of content that a general audience can enjoy. As we mentioned earlier, this content can take many forms, including articles, blog posts, reports, press releases, and web content. 

A science writer will often need to adhere to a particular style guide when writing a piece of content. For example, Science Connected Magazine‘s style guide requires writers to follow the Chicago Manual of Style. It also asks writers to use simple sentence structures and plain English. 

Finally, a science writer will always proofread and edit their content to root out any grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. They will also ensure that the writing has a consistent tone and uses appropriate vocabulary.

3. Fact-Check and Provide Evidence

A good science writer will fact-check their content to ensure it is accurate and up to date. For example, they may send their draft of a climate change piece to a climate scientist to verify the accuracy of the information before publishing it. The scientist will check the data presented, correct any misconceptions, and offer additional insights that strengthen the article’s credibility. Providing factually incorrect information is the cardinal sin of science writing, as it undermines your audience’s trust in you and tarnishes your reputation, so accuracy is essential!

Additionally, science writers support their arguments or claims with evidence. This does not necessarily mean they use formal citations like an academic essay or paper. Instead, science writers often employ a more accessible and engaging approach. Here is how they typically support their information:

1.   Attribution to experts: Science writers often quote or paraphrase experts in the field, such as, “According to Dr. Victor Fries, a leading expert in climate change, the recent data shows…” This helps establish credibility by directly referencing authoritative sources.

2.   References to published studies: While they may not use formal citations, science writers often reference published research. For instance, they might write, “A study published in Science Geek found that…”

3.   Links to sources: In digital formats, science writers frequently include hyperlinks on keywords to direct readers to original studies, reports, or additional information. 

4. Collaborate With Other Professionals

Science writers might seek help from graphic designers and other professionals to create engaging and informative content. Here are a few examples:

1. Graphic designers: When creating an article about the human brain for an educational website, a science writer might collaborate with a graphic designer to develop visual aids like diagrams, infographics, or illustrations. The writer provides the content and works with the designer to ensure that the visuals accurately represent the discussed scientific concepts. For instance, in an article about neural pathways, the writer might guide the designer to create a clear, labeled diagram that complements the text.

2. Publishers and content managers: A science writer working on a textbook might collaborate with a publisher and content managers to ensure that the content aligns with curriculum standards and is appropriate for the target audience. They might work together to organize the material in a way that builds knowledge progressively, ensuring that each chapter flows logically from one to the next.

5. Communicate With Experts

As previously mentioned, science writers support their content with evidence. They often interview scientists and experts to gather insights and quotes for evidence support.

Here is how they might communicate with experts:

1. Interviews: When writing an article about the latest advances in gene therapy, a science writer might interview leading researchers in the field. They ask questions to gather insights, quotes, and explanations that enrich the article. For example, the writer might speak with a geneticist who explains how CRISPR technology works and provides a quote that makes the complex science more relatable to the reader.

2. Collaboration on research papers: When co-authoring a research paper, a science writer may work closely with the lead researcher and other co-authors to write sections, such as the introduction, discussion, or conclusion. The writer might help translate the raw data into a narrative explaining the study’s significance. For instance, in a paper on new cancer treatments, the writer might collaborate with oncologists to present the results in a way that highlights the potential impact on patient care.

It is worth mentioning that inexperienced writers usually do not collaborate on research papers, so there is no need to worry about this if you do not have much science writing experience.

As you can see, science writers tend to devote a lot of time to preparing and writing their content as well as working with relevant professionals.

How to Become a Science Writer

So, how does one become a science writer? Well, it won’t happen overnight! The process involves several steps. Here is how you can start your journey into freelance science writing:

1. Gain Science Knowledge

If you already have formal science education, such as a university degree, you’re on the right track. While not mandatory, a university degree in a scientific discipline can be incredibly beneficial, as you can channel your college-gained knowledge into credible scientific content. If you do not have any science education, fear not! You can always gain a strong foundation in science through self-study education, such as by watching related content via YouTube videos or TED talks and reading popular science magazines. 

2. Hone Your Writing Skills

If your writing skills are in need of improvement, there are lots of ways to become a better writer. Practice is essential, as it allows you to identify your weak spots and begin to work on addressing them. Similarly, we also suggest finding someone to read and critique your writing. Ideally, it would be someone with writing expertise who can give you detailed feedback. If they’re knowledgeable in your niche, even better!

Another option is taking online writing courses to improve your skills. You could also consider other forms of continued education, such as taking a science communication or journalism course through night school at your local community college.

3. Create a Portfolio

A freelance writing portfolio is essential, whatever your freelance writing niche. Clients will want to see examples of your best work, and how you can adapt to different projects.  

There are lots of ways to build up your portfolio when you’re just starting out. Firstly, you could think about starting a blog using a user-friendly blogging platform. Posting regularly – once or twice a week – will allow you to gather samples of your writing, which you can share online to grow your audience and build your credibility.

Or, if you prefer, you could blog using LinkedIn. Providing interesting, valuable information is a great way to build strong relationships with your existing connections and attract new connections within your niche. And if your connections have any science writing opportunities available, you’re more likely to be at the forefront of their mind. 

If you don’t like the idea of blogging, you could contribute to science magazines, such as Popular Science or Discover Magazine. You can often pitch article ideas directly to the editors by submitting a well-crafted pitch email that includes a summary of the article concept, why it’s relevant, and how it fits with the magazine’s audience.

Additionally, you could pitch to write for educational websites, such as Science News Explores or HowStuffWorks. For example, if you wanted to write for HowStuffWorks, you could pitch articles that explain the workings of everyday objects, processes, or scientific concepts. These should be detailed yet accessible to a general audience.

4. Network

Connecting with other science writers is essential for building a supportive network, sharing ideas, and finding opportunities. Here are some ways to network with others.

Join Science Writing Communities 

1. Social media: Platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn are popular among science writers. You can connect with other writers, researchers, and organizations by following relevant hashtags (#SciComm, #ScienceWriting), joining relevant groups, and engaging in conversations.

2. Online forums and communities: Websites including the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) and Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) offer forums where members can discuss industry trends, ask questions, and share resources.

3. Local meetings and workshops: Many cities have local science writing or journalism groups that meet regularly via networking sites such as Meetup. These gatherings can be a great way to network in person, exchange tips, and collaborate on projects.

Attend Conferences

We also recommend attending science-related conferences. These offer several benefits for science writers looking to expand their network:

1. Face-to-face interactions: Meeting people in person can create stronger connections than online interactions. Conferences provide an environment where you can have meaningful conversations, discuss ideas, and make a memorable impression.

2. Learning and development sessions: Conferences often feature workshops, panels, and talks by industry experts. These sessions provide valuable insights and can spark new ideas for your writing.

3. Exposure to new opportunities: By attending conferences, you may discover new writing opportunities, whether through job postings, collaboration offers, or simply by being in the right place at the right time.

4. Expanding your network: Conferences bring together professionals from various fields, including editors, publishers, and other writers. Networking with these individuals can lead to future collaborations or job opportunities.

Here are a couple of notable conferences that science writers might find valuable:

1. Science Writers Conference (NASW Annual Meeting)

Hosted by NASW, this annual conference offers workshops, networking events, and panel discussions tailored to science communicators. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow science writers, editors, and publishers.

2. Association for Science Education (ASE) Annual Conference

While focused on science education, this conference brings educators, writers, and communicators together to explore the latest in science education. It is a great place to network with professionals passionate about science communication.

5. Find Clients

Look for freelance science writing jobs on job boards, contact potential clients directly, and leverage your network for opportunities.

Job Boards 

Start by visiting job boards like Indeed or Upwork, and tailoring your search to your preferred niche or subject area. For instance, imagine you’re interested in writing about environmental science. You could search for keywords like “science writer,” “environmental writer,” or “science content creator.” Then, you could set up email alerts for these keywords to notify you when new opportunities are posted.

Reach Out to Potential Clients Directly 

If you have a passion for a particular field, identify blogs, magazines, or companies that publish content in that field. Then, draft a personalized pitch email introducing yourself and your expertise.

For example, say you have a passion for neuroscience, and you find a popular neuroscience blog called Mind Matters that accepts guest posts. You could send the following email: 

Subject: Freelance Science Writer Available for Mind Matters Blog

Hi [Editor’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I’m a freelance science writer specializing in neuroscience. I’ve followed Mind Matters for a while and appreciate your insightful articles on neural plasticity and cognitive health.

I’d love to contribute to your blog by writing articles that dive into recent developments in neurodegenerative diseases. I’ve attached a few writing samples for your review. I’d be thrilled to discuss how I can add value to your content.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Leverage Your Network for Opportunities

If you’ve already connected with other science writers and professionals in the scientific community, let them know you’re available for freelance work.

• Step 1: Identify LinkedIn connections, former colleagues, or academic contacts who might need or know someone who needs a science writer.
• Step 2: Send a friendly message or make a post about your availability:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to reach out and let you know that I’m now available for freelance science writing projects. I’d love to collaborate if you or anyone in your network needs help with content related to [specific science field].

Here’s a link to my portfolio: [Portfolio Link]

Thanks so much, and I hope to hear from you!

Best,

[Your Name]

When reaching out to others via email, it is crucial to follow up with them if you do not hear back from them, say within 24–48 hours. Persistence is key! 

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