Contacting an editor for the first time can be intimidating, especially for writers who lack experience. It can be hard to even get the contact details of an editor. Although there is no standard way of introducing yourself to editors, most science writers make first contact by email, including at least a story idea, if not a full pitch. So, writing a persuasive, compelling email is key to having a successful first-time contact with an editor.
Applications are open through October 21, 2021, for the next round of The Open Notebook/Burroughs Wellcome Fund fellowship for early-career science writers. During this 10-month, part-time, remote fellowship, fellows will report for The Open Notebook with the guidance of a dedicated mentor.
Facing my first story idea as a science journalist, I knew the first step was to email researchers and set up interviews. But after spending years at the lab bench myself, I knew that scientists juggle many demands on their time. To grab their attention, my email had to hit all the marks while also being courteous. And because I hadn’t yet secured an assignment, I wanted to be extra sure that my request wouldn’t get lost in the noise.
Most science journalists learn how to read a certain kind of paper: one based on number-heavy, experiment-driven research. But rarely are we taught how to evaluate the credibility of papers that are based on qualitative data such as interviews, observation, or the analysis of historical documents. Doing so requires redefining expectations, calibrating your definition of what “robust” research is, engaging deeply with the internal debates of a field, and resetting the narrative structure of your stories.
Master your craft with The Open Notebook‘s free Science Journalism Master Classes. Each course drills into one skill or habit over a period of five to eight lessons that are delivered by email. You’ll have daily homework assignments, and you’ll come away from each course with new, actionable skills. These free courses are made possible by a grant from The Kavli Foundation.
The Open Notebook ha publicado más de 500 artículos y otros recursos destinados a ayudar a los periodistas de ciencia a mejorar sus habilidades. Esta página contiene traducciones al español de un conjunto creciente de esos artículos. [The Open Notebook has published more than 500 articles and other resources to help science journalists improve their skills. Our readers come from almost every country in the world and include thousands of people whose first language is Spanish. This page contains Spanish translations of a growing collection of these articles.]
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