TKF Science Writing

I was recently interviewed by a gal running a website called specialty buzz about freelance science writing. It will go live on her website (http://blog.jennescalona.com/category/specialtybuzz/) July 17th but for a sneak peak see below:

What is your specialty and how did you get started in that particular area?

I specialize in science and medical writing. Although I am adept with many science industries, my passions are food science, chemistry, and health.

What are three things a writer needs to know before choosing to specialize in your area of specialty?

I think you really should know the subject fairly well or be interested in it to study it a bit. Quite frankly, if you don’t really want to know why beans make you toot, then writing about it might make you look silly. Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

Know or learn the lingo.

Don’t be too specialized as to completely pigeonhole yourself into one market.

Does writing in your specialty require any particular training or could a layman pick it up?

I think that depends on who your audience is. If you are writing for astro-physicists then you may want to take a course in physics.

Are there any potential pitfalls associated with specializing in your area?

There are pitfalls in any area in this economy. Who would have thought there would be pitfalls working for GM? Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.

What is the current market for writing in your specialty? Who is buying and who is selling?

That is in a state of flux right now. Companies, websites, agencies are all cutting back right now. If you can weather the storm, pick up a few new skills, and plant some seeds, you might be okay.

What do you enjoy most about your specialty?

I love to cook and I enjoy chemistry and biology so it makes writing about it that much easier and fulfilling. Sometimes I feel like a teacher when I receive e-mails saying what a great job I’ve done or educated people in some way.

What do you enjoy least about your specialty?

Not everything in chemistry is fascinating. Sometimes it can be deadly boring.

How would you suggest networking within your specialty? (Networking advice can include associations to join, web forums to browse, advice on meeting people and potential clients in a writer’s local area, etc.)

You need a balance. On-line networking is fine but sometimes you have to pound the pavement and just get out there. Join professional organizations, go to the gym, get outside, and bring your business cards wherever you go. You want get that much business talking to your cats all day. Perhaps some mental health institutions might hire you if that is the case. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

What advice would you give to freelance writers interested in specializing in your area?

Be patient. This is going to take a long time in this market. Plant the seeds but expect that you probably won’t receive any clients for a while. When things start turning around, you want people to remember, “that Tim Fitzpatrick, yeah, he’s that science writer guy.”