ABSW: Society events at the WCSJ

The committee is currently working on two events for the World Conference of Science Journalists (WCSJ) designed specifically for ABSW members (though technically speaking the entire WCSJ is an ABSW event!).

The first event is an ABSW Science Book Sale, which will run in a basement during the conference. Leftover review books have been donated by Nature's Phil Campbell, New Scientist's Jeremy Webb, and The Economist's Fiametta Rocco. Fifty of these books will be given away free to WCSJ participants from developing countries attending the conference on scholarship (they'll also be able to buy science books at a reduced rate). The remainder will be sold off to raise money to help republish the ABSW career guide So You Want To Be a Science Writer?. We need volunteers to support the book sale by helping to collect and deliver the books (anyone with a car in Central London?), and to help man the sales desk during the lunch breaks (an honesty box system will be in place at all other times). Please contact me if you are able to help.

In the second event, Anna Lewcock and I are working on a 'Lunch for Authors and Editors' at 1pm on Wednesday 1st July. They hope to bring together some of the figures in popular science book publishing, be they agents, editors, or buyers. Speakers include popular science writer John Gribbin. The idea is to give a small window into the world of writing and publishing a popular science book, and give everyone the opportunity to ask questions and network. If you have any suggestions for speakers, or wish to be involved in some way, please contact me or Anna Lewcock. The event will be free but lunch is not. Please check closer to the time whether you need to bring lunch with you.

Finally, the ABSW award for Best Newcomer in Science Journalism will be presented to the winner at a gala reception at the WCSJ. Further information, and a form for entry, can be found online.

Natasha Loder
ABSW Committee