As newspapers shrink and social media booms, Bora Zivkovic offers a primer for budding science writers on establishing themselves: "In the 20th century, one would try to ingratiate oneself with the gatekeepers, the editors. As they are still part of the ecosystem and probably will be for some time in the future, this strategy is still valuable, but it is only one of many. More important, if anything, is to build support networks with your colleagues, peers and buddies."

The days when a beginning journalist was surrounded by a newsroom full of experienced colleagues may be gone now, Jillian Keenan writes on the Poynter site: "I fell in love with the freedom and flexibility of independent journalism, but there was one problem: without long-term editors to supervise my work, it seemed like I’d never find those inspiring mentors I had imagined." Keenan offers five tips for freelancers who want to fill the gap by finding their own mentors.

Khalil A. Cassimally posts about a project of his with Bora Zivkovic — a Google Docs spreadsheet with — so far — listings for 11 buyers of freelance writing, with links to successful pitches for some. Cassimally writes that the page is intended to become "a depository of successful pitches junior science writers are willing to share with fellow junior science writers" as well as "a place to start networking with 'friends in low places' (and not-so-low places)."

Spending four years or more in a PhD program is enough to make some budding scientists think about other options. A popular one is science communication, Becky Ham writes in a post on "don't get caught." "Why does science writing sound so good?" she asks. "I think it’s because most scientists want to share their research. And new scientists haven’t given up on the idea that they’re allowed to talk to everyone — not just their peers — about what they’re doing."