Developing Writing in STEM Disciplines > STEM Writing Booklist > General Books on Scientific and Technical Writing

STEM Writing Booklist > General Books on Scientific and Technical Writing

Brake, M.L. and Weitkamp, E. eds (2010). Introducing Science Communication. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

This edited compilation reviews the context for, and practice of, science communication in different media. It includes a useful chapter on writing, plus chapters on broadcasting, presenting to audiences, and science communication in museums and science activity centres.

Ebel, H.F., Bliefert, C. and Russey, W.E. (2004). The Art of Scientific Writing. Second Edition. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.

Guide to scientific writing genres, with an emphasis on writing techniques, accurate expression, meeting accepted standards, and above all clarity. Especially suitable for postgraduates, and for teaching and research staff.

Gilpin, A. and Patchet-Golubev, P. (2000). A Guide to Writing in the Sciences. Toronto: Toronto University Press.

A guide to better scientific writing based on an undergraduate course, with contributions from both writing specialists and scientists.

Holtom, D. and Fisher, E. (1999). Enjoy Writing Your Scientific Thesis or Dissertation! London: Imperial College Press.

A short, highly accessible overview of the process of writing an undergraduate dissertation or postgraduate thesis. Useful, but becoming slightly dated.

Katz, M. J. (2006). From Research to Manuscript: A Guide to Scientific Writing. Dordrecht: Springer.

It treats writing as part of the research process and reveals how to compose the sections of a scientific paper, through drafts and rewrites to the final product. It recognises that different scientific disciplines have different practices and so gives examples of well-written papers from various subject areas. Most useful for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and teaching and research staff.

Kirkman, J. (2005). Good Style: Writing for Science and Technology. Second Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.

Aimed at STEM students and professionals, it concerns how to write technical material in a coherent, accessible style. It includes detail about choices of vocabulary, phrasing and sentence structure for different contexts.

Montgomery, S.L. (2003). The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Offers detailed, practical advice on crafting many forms of scientific communication, from research papers and conference talks to review articles, interviews with the media, e-mail messages, and more. The emphasis is on promoting models of good practice, and developing voice with clear expression, with examples from different disciplines. Most suitable for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and teaching and research staff.