The first hard-cover book published by the National Association of Science Writers, A Field Guide for Science Writers, was appropriately and most successfully launched at the 1997 NASW annual meeting in Seattle, Washington. Featuring 37 chapters by individual NASW authorities on all aspects of science journalism, the book was jointly edited by Mary Knudson, a Silver Spring, MD, freelance writer, and Deborah Blum, science writer for the Sacramento Bee. Knudson is NASW secretary and Blum is on the NASW board. The entire project, as well as two receptions to introduce the book to both scientists and science journalists at the 1997 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Seattle, was supported by a generous grant from the Sloan Foundation.
Over 180 copies of the book were sold at an NASW booth in the AAAS Exhibit Area (also a first), in the AAAS newsroom, at a reception in the Sheraton Seattle, and at a presentation for local readers in the famed Elliott Bay Book Company.
Others may purchase copies of the book by ordering directly from the National Association of Science Writers, PO Box 294, Greenlawn, NY 11740; (516) 757-5664. Copies are $20,00 to NASW members, $25.00 to non-members, plus $3.50 shipping, and $1.65 state sales tax for New York State residents only.