A Field Guide for Science Writers

Edited by Deborah Blum, Mary Knudson, and Robin Marantz Henig

The best guide for teaching and learning effective science writing, this second edition of A Field Guide for Science Writers improves on the classic first edition with a wider range of topics, a new slate of writers, and an up-to-date exploration of the most stimulating and challenging issues in science. In this collection of essays, nationally known science writers Deborah Blum, Mary Knudson, and Robin Marantz Henig assemble the best science writers working today to explain what they do and how to do it well.

Field Guide combines detailed and practical how-to advice with thoughtful discussions of the challenges of science journalism in the 21st century. It doesn't shy away from addressing such controversial matters as cloning, stem cell research, eugenics, medical overtreatment, and questions of scientific honesty. Offering a comprehensive overview of the field of science writing, this book discusses a broad range of media and sources, from newspapers to broadcast journalism and from corporations to government agencies. It also provides a detailed analysis of some of the hottest fields in science writing — ranging from mental health to human genetics — and covers a diverse array of writing styles, from "gee-whiz" to investigative.

With more than 45 esteemed contributors — people who work for such leading news outlets as Scientific American, Popular Science, Discover, Smithsonian, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal — this book is an invaluable resource for current and aspiring science writers, students and instructors in science writing and journalism, and scientists who are interested in science communication.

Take a look at the Table of Contents below. NASW members may order the paperback version of the book (single copies only) by sending a check for $18 (shipping included) to Diane McGurgan at NASW, P.O. Box 890, Hedgesville WV 25427. Non-members may order the book via Amazon.com using the link above.

A FIELD GUIDE FOR SCIENCE WRITERS
SECOND EDITION
Oxford University Press, 2005

Edited by Deborah Blum
Mary Knudson
Robin Marantz Henig

Table of Contents

FOREWORD, Timothy Ferris

EDITORS' NOTE

Part 1: LEARNING THE CRAFT

Introduction, Mary Knudson
1. Finding Story Ideas and Sources, Philip M. Yam
2. Reporting from Science Journals, Tom Siegfried
3. Understanding and Using Statistics, Lewis Cope
4. Writing Well About Science: Techniques From Teachers of Science Writing
5. Taking Your Story to the Next Level, Nancy Shute
6. Finding a Voice and a Style, David Everett

Part 2: CHOOSING YOUR MARKET

Introduction, Carey Goldberg
7. Small Newspapers, Ron Seely
8. Large Newspapers, Robert Lee Hotz
9. Popular Magazines, Janice Hopkins Tanne
10. Trade and Science Journals, Colin Norman
11. Broadcast Science Journalism, Joe Palca
12. Freelance Writing, Kathryn Brown
13. Science Books, Carl Zimmer
14. Popular Audiences on the Web, Alan Boyle
15. Science Audiences on the Web, Tabitha M. Powledge
16. Science Editing, Mariette DiChristina

Part 3: VARYING YOUR WRITING STYLE

Introduction, Robin Marantz Henig
17. Deadline Writing, Gareth Cook
18. Investigative Reporting, Antonio Regalado
19. Gee Whiz Science Writing, Robert Kunzig
20. Explanatory Writing, George Johnson
21. Narrative Writing, James Shreeve
22. The Science Essay, Robert Kanigel

Part 4: COVERING STORIES IN THE LIFE SCIENCES

Introduction, Deborah Blum
23. Medicine, Shannon Brownlee
24. Infectious Diseases, Marilyn Chase
25. Nutrition, Sally Squires
26. Mental Health, Paul Raeburn
27. The Biology of Behavior, Kevin Begos
28. Human Genetics, Antonio Regalado
29. Human Cloning and Stem Cells, Stephen S. Hall

Part 5: COVERING STORIES IN THE PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Introduction, Deborah Blum
30. Technology and Engineering, Kenneth Chang
31. Space Science, Michael D. Lemonick
32. The Environment, Andrew C. Revkin
33. Nature, McKay Jenkins
34 Earth Sciences, Glennda Chui
35. Climate, Usha Lee McFarling
36. Risk Reporting, Cristine Russell

TAKING A DIFFERENT PATH
JOURNALISTS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS: SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES, The Editors

Part 6: COMMUNICATING SCIENCE FROM INSTITUTIONS

Introduction, John D. Toon
37. Universities, Earle Holland
38. Institutional Communications During Crisis, Joann Ellison Rodgers
39. Government Agencies, Colleen Henrichsen
40. Nonprofits, Frank Blanchard
41. Museums, Mary Miller
42. Corporate Public Relations, Marion E. Glick

EPILOGUE, James Gleick

Last revised: March 18, 2006

The National Association of Science Writers, Inc.
P.O. Box 890, Hedgesville, WV 25427 | (304) 754-5077