Isotopes, Archaea, and Cold-Water Physics—How to Sell Obscure Science Stories to Editors and Readers

The Open Notebook

Factuality

Ownership

Getting a story about obscure and unfamiliar fields like geology, organic chemistry, or quantum mechanics off the ground often means overcoming hurdles—for both editors and readers—that might not exist for more relatable topics. But with the right approach and thoughtful storytelling, a determined and creative journalist can turn almost any arcane subject into a gripping read. These kinds of stories can leave people more informed, more curious, …