What does one learn in a science writing master’s program? What are the main elements of a typical curriculum? What are the benefits of doing such a degree? The drawbacks? Is there any hope of graduating without incurring crippling levels of debt?
I spend a lot of time planning my reporting. But somehow, often my planning doesn’t seem to quite hit the mark. What strategies do you use to plan out your reporting for features? Are there certain questions you ask yourself that seem to be reliably helpful?
What is the appropriate way to go about fact-checking your own stories? Is there a specific method that a person should use? If so, what is it, exactly? Also, when in the process is the right time to do this—before turning in a draft, or after a story has been through the bulk of substantive editing?
How far over the assigned word count is acceptable? Do editors appreciate seeing some of that extraneous material and consider it part of their job to sift through it, or is it a major headache for them when writers significantly exceed the assigned word limit?
I recently had a feature story killed just before publication. I retain the rights to it. However, I’m not sure of the etiquette and ethics of selling a killed story to a new editor. What’s the most effective approach?
I don’t really know how to take good research notes. I read and mark up papers, then end up just hoping some portion of what I’ve read will influence how I concoct my story. What do other people do to organize what they’ve read into something useful for planning and writing a story?
A recent NASW post quotes a Slate editor as saying, “We hate quotations at Slate. …They waste the readers’ time. Only use quotes when you can’t say it better yourself.” Wow! What do other writers and editors think about using quotes? And what do they think about quotes as readers themselves?
I’d like to do more international travel as part of my work. I don’t really know how to begin finding stories in foreign countries, either in advance of travel or while I’m there. What are the best ways to do this?
I’m never sure if it’s OK to “just say no” to an editor’s edits. Do you view the edits more as decisions that have been made, or as strong suggestions that can be discussed or negotiated? And how late in the editing process can a writer feel comfortable making substantive changes to a story?
People talk about “saving string” for feature ideas, but where do they look for the string? Should I read a lot of scientific journals, or go visit random scientists in their labs, or what?
Should anonymous (unattributed) quotes be used to develop stories which would not be possible without them, such as when individuals are unwilling to go on the record with negative comments?
I will be embedded with a scientist whom I will follow around for a few days. I like this person already and could be friends in a normal world. Are there strategies I could follow while reporting to remain a human being and keep an appropriate journalistic distance?
What questions do you ask yourself about a story that you’re considering pursuing? How do you decide whether it’s a good idea?
I’ve heard people say it’s important not to be afraid to ask “dumb” questions. What is your favorite “dumb” interview question when interviewing scientists? What has gotten you the most useful results?
I will be attending a scientific meeting in a few months. About 6,000 scientists will be there. I’d like to come away with as many news and feature stories as possible. What is the best way to prepare beforehand?
TON is One! A year ago today, The Open Notebook published our first stories, launching an ongoing series of “story behind the story” interviews with some of the science journalists whose work we admire. […]
Including diverse voices in science stories ensures more accurate and complete stories that more fully reflect and inform readers, and is the equitable thing to do. On this page, we compile detailed and specific resources and strategies for making that goal a reality.
The articles in this collection from The Open Notebook—on topics such as covering preprint manuscripts, interviewing people who have experienced trauma, spotting shady statistics, avoiding spreading misinformation, and more—are especially relevant for anyone covering the coronavirus pandemic.
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