Workshop: Turning your topic into a story

About This Workshop

Have you put in the time to research a feature idea, only to face continual rejections from editors? 😩 They often say, “It’s a topic, not a story.” This frustration is familiar to many writers and editors alike.

Rejected pitches aren’t just missed opportunities; they represent valuable science that deserves a broader audience. The key isn't to cram more information into your pitch or fine-tune your prose. Instead, it's about understanding what constitutes a story and how to uncover hidden narratives within your topic.

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help you undergo this transformation. You’ll begin to view every scientific piece you encounter through a new lens, identifying stories where you previously saw just a subject area.

What You Will Learn:

• Distinctions between a story and a literature review 🧐
• Familiarity with common story shapes in science journalism 📊
• A systematic toolkit for excavating stories from any topic 🔍
• A draft feature pitch ready for your unique story 🗒️
• Peer feedback from fellow writers 💬
• Worksheets for future story development and pitching 🛠️

Who This Is For:

Early-career science journalists eager to elevate their feature-writing skills and secure more commissions. No prior training is required, but please come prepared with a topic you wish to explore.

Workshop Leaders:

Claire Ainsworth – Former reporter and editor at New Scientist and Nature, now a freelance science writing trainer.
Aisling Irwin – Award-winning feature writer and board member of ABSW.

Location:

165 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5HD, United Kingdom

Booking Information:

Booking is essential and is now open until 13:00 on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Reserve your spot now: Workshop Registration 💻