"Technical writing sheds truth; science writing breeds understanding," Kristina Bjoran writes on her blog, where she gives examples of both (a pharmaceutical insert for the former; a CDC web page for the latter). She also offers tips for beginners who want to break into either field: Get an education, get experience, and network. "Science and technical writing exist on a spectrum — sometimes it’s the stuff in between in which you’ll find your perfect happy place."
Getting started
Debra Caruso was a radio journalist before becoming a public relations professional. Writing on ragan.com, she lists the reasons former journalists may make good PR people, and why they may not.
One was escaping from a long-ago recession. Another wanted more pay and better benefits. Those were among the responses Denise Graveline got when she posted this Twitter-hashtagged question on her "don't get caught" blog: "How did you get started in #PR or #communications?" Don't miss the post from a longtime NASW member who began her account with the brief but spellbinding sentence: "Newspaper had fleas." (Just fleas? We've seen worse.)
Budding chemist Christine Herman wants to be a science writer and has taken the first step by winning a science writing internship at a high-energy physics lab, she writes in the Just Another Electron Pusher blog
Dear Prospective Student: Thanks very much for your interest in our graduate program in science writing. You're off to a good start by sending a professional message with some well-composed details about your background and your desire to enter our field. We'll talk soon over the phone, and I welcome you to visit us here in the redwoods. In the meantime, you've asked what I look for in our applicants — the signs that you might be a good fit for us, and vice versa. I'm happy to oblige.
Stephanie Chasteen, a science education and communication consultant, was getting a PhD in physics when she realized she was more interested in learning about science than actually doing it. Time for a career change. Stephanie discusses how she launched a "do-it-yourself" program to learn science writing while still working on her PhD.
Christie Aschwanden, a freelance science writer in Colorado, talks about how she raised funds for and reported a story in Vietnam.
You will encounter a great many unfamiliar terms in marketing and publishing. Here is a useful guide.
There are many active organizations and discussion groups and useful newsletters to help you with your writing, marketing and publishing. Here's a list:
Given the considerable frustrations of working with commercial publishers, you may well consider self-publishing your book.