Writers sued for libel in English and Welsh courts will find it easier to defend themselves under a law passed last week, Sarah Lyall reports in the New York Times. The measure restricts "libel tourism" and enacts protection for "responsible publication on matters of public interest." But it does little to address costs, Daniel Cressey writes in Nature. Also: Nick Cohen honors Simon Singh for his role in the change.

Congratulations to NASW members David Bjerklie and Lisa Winter, recipients of the 2013 Council for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings' fellowships to attend the 63rd Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau, Germany.

It's a common problem for freelancers. You send out a well-crafted pitch to an appropriate editor at an appropriate publication. Then you wait. And wait. Why doesn't the editor answer? Even if the answer is "no," at least it gives you a chance to find a better home for your story. Monya Baker lists possible reasons in a post on a companion blog to the NASW-funded Science Writers Handbook, available for immediate shipping from the NASW Bookstore.

In part of a Guardian series, David Dobbs answers eight questions about science writing, starting with "What's a good science story?" His reply: "In terms of material, I look for three things in particular: an alluring scientific idea or discovery; a scientist who is a highly intriguing figure on his or her own or who can talk engagingly; and either a subject or an event in which we see the idea or process at work." Answers from other writers.