By Carolyn Page AE, Editors NSW
Why would a passionate marine scientist (with 15 years of research practice that included the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the University of New South Wales) turn to editing and advising other researchers on their publications?
Although her career has changed, Dr Emmanuelle Botté has always had the same goal: winning attention for important research and ensuring that its message is clear and effective. Emmanuelle now describes herself as a “science editor and advisor” working in the life sciences (research disciplines that advance our understanding of living organisms, and their relationships to each other and their environment).
The support Emmanuelle offers science writers is much broader than simply copy and structural editing, smoothing and correcting text and applying a publisher’s house style. While their work may be important, an early-career researcher’s rationale may not be clear enough and their writing not yet be up to the standard of the best journals. An emerging researcher may also not understand the importance of a well-crafted covering letter, or of finding a journal that is a “good fit” for their work – but Emmanuelle knows that a punchy, concise letter will help convince an editor that the piece is worth sending to review. Emmanuelle may therefore ask the author to suggest 3 or 4 research journals – not just “top-tier, high-impact” ones, but deliberately including some that are not top-tier. She is thus offering a publication strategy to the writer and clarity to the publisher – “an expert’s objective opinion” on both sides of the desk. She may also assist with the writing of funding applications and other processes.
One participant asked, “What is a science editor, and do you need to be a scientist to be one?” Emmanuelle’s science background is certainly an asset: “I know scientists, how they think, their problems – and I am a scientist myself.” But a science background is not necessary for copyediting and line editing. Quoting a colleague, Emmanuelle explains that “the scientist had already done their job – what they needed was someone who could write”.
Emmanuelle did not have a background in editing and proofreading, so she enrolled in a certificate course in editing and publishing. She suggests that aspiring science editors try to pass the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) examination, which offers successful applicants international accreditation as an Editor in the Life Sciences (ELS). In Australia, the Australian Institute for Health Innovation, and IPEd’s own Special Interest Group on Academic Editing, may also be useful paths to involvement in research publishing. (To attract clients who are actively engaged in science writing, Emmanuelle suggests that you describe yourself as a “science editor” rather than an “academic editor”.)
For Emmanuelle, the biggest leap has been the establishment of her own freelance business, ManuScribes, which promises to support writers “from bullet points to bulletproof”. In addition to the professional services she offers as a writer, editor and advisor, her skills must now include client relations, branding, marketing, IT, budgeting and administration.
Active networking is critical. Emmanuelle has met many of her clients at conferences; through professional networks and associations (including IPEd); through social media; and by word-of-mouth from colleagues, friends and “second- and third-degree acquaintances”. University graduate research offices will often refer graduate students to IPEd (for example, through an online link) and these students may have an allowance for editorial advice.
Emmanuelle (who is of French and Australian descent) has worked for 16 scientific institutions worldwide, supporting researchers and educating younger generations to ensure that they keep writing. She continues to enjoy her own work as a science writer and explainer in Australia and internationally, including for the Museum of Human Disease, the European Space Program, and an (unpaid) environmental column for the South Sydney Herald.