The Science Writer Academy
@ Bitesize Bio
Thanks for checking out the Bitesize Bio Science Writer Academy. This is the place to come if you’re interested in launching a career in science writing.
If you’re interested in a career in science writing, Bitesize Bio is here to help you. With our Writer Onboarding Courses, we’ll provide you with all the tools you need to perfect your science prose. We’ll walk you through getting started in science writing, writing for the web, creative writing techniques for scientists, and much more. When you’re ready, you’ll have the opportunity to work with our editorial team on an advanced writing course to produce and polish a piece of your own work for publication on our blog.
We also have exciting opportunities for commercial work for our very best writers. If you think you fit the bill, sign up for one of our onboarding courses below and take the first step in your journey to becoming a science writer!
Some Of Our Courses
Grammar 101
Now On Demand
Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Swift
This course is a friendly and accessible introduction to grammar for scientists. We talk you through some of the most common grammar mistakes and discuss how to fix them. We’ll show you why grammar is important and how using it correctly will improve your science writing. We’ll also show you how, once you know the rules, you can go ahead and break (some of) them!
Top Tips for Writing a Research Poster
Now On Demand
Presenter: Dr. Adam Pawson
This course lays out top tips and handy hints to producing the best research poster. We cover choosing a title, what colors to avoid, and where to stand when presenting your poster!
What is Science Writing?
Now On Demand
Presenter: Dr. Laura Grassie
So, you’re interested in a career in science writing, but are you aware of the whole range of opportunities out there? In this course, we’ll cover the different types of science writing, how you can break into various fields, the importance of building a portfolio, and how BsB can help you achieve your science writing dreams!
Writing for the Web
Now On Demand
Presenter: Dr. Laura Grassie
Readers consume text online completely differently from text in print. And as much of what we read these days is online, if you’re doing science writing, you need to make sure you’re doing science writing for the web. We’ll walk you through the fundamentals of writing for the web, from audience to SEO to using lists effectively. Optimize your writing and you’ll reach more people more effectively.
Referencing
Are you baffled by reference management software or unsure about copyright rules? Then sign up for our referencing course, where we’ll help you get to grips with everything from permissions, to setting up RSS feeds, to picking the best reference manager for your needs.
Creative Writing For Scientists
You might not think rhetoric is that important to a scientist, but there are a ton of techniques from speechwriting and creative writing that you can use in your science writing to better reach and engage your audience. In this course we go back to English class to talk triples, simile, and anecdote and highlight how creative writing techniques, when used effectively, can make your science writing sing (figuratively, of course!).
Day in the Life
Have you ever wondered what a science journalist’s day looks like, or how a medical writer got into their field? Well, in this course we give you the chance to find out. In this roundtable discussion, we chat with science writers about their day jobs, covering everything from degree disciplines to on-the-job training to money. You’ll have the chance to quiz our panelists, as you find out more about a day in the life of some successful science writers (and BsB alumni)!
Structure, Style Guides, and Search Engine Optimization
Make sure your readers get right to the end of your science writing with our handy guide to structuring an article, following a style guide effectively, and optimizing your writing for the web. We’ll show you how to reach your target audience, why you need to let go of your ego as a writer, and how the right image can help reinforce your message. Join us as we cover headings, lists, SEO, and much more in this in-depth and informative course.
Submit an article
Have an article to submit?
Do you have an article you think could help others in their scientific research?
Submit it for consideration by the Bitesize Bio Editorial team. We give feedback to everyone who submits an article or idea, whether it is accepted or not.
Before you submit
We highly encourage you to spend some time reviewing our existing content to ensure that your ideas or article draft:
- Does not cover existing topics.
- Fits with our existing content.
- Is written in a friendly, informal manner.
- Is of interest to a broad audience of researchers.
Ready to submit?
You can submit your article or an article idea (as a ‘brief’ overview) using this form.
Our editorial team will review it and get back to you with comments and feedback.