To become a scientific editor, you typically will need to begin with a college education, where you most likely will complete undergraduate courses in both writing and science. Writing courses usually come from either English or Journalism departments and focus on broad classes, such as English composition, and technical specifics, such as electronic media writing. Broad science courses typically will include general ecology, as well as technical specifics, such as organic chemistry. Other areas you will want to gain expertise in as you seek to become a scientific editor include getting published in your field, gaining hands-on experience in editing, and learning all you can about the market for scientific editors.
It can be important for you to keep in mind that science can be either pure or applied. Therefore, a medical or an engineering course could be part of your coursework. In addition to regular coursework, it could be wise for you to find one or two extra-curricular activities that parallel the curricular route. For example, you could join a literary magazine staff and a geology club to gain experience and make connections in the field.
Even before you leave college, it is not too early to try your hand at scientific writing. Many colleges publish ecological or environmental journals where you can submit articles. No matter how many rejection notices you receive, remain persistent. Part of training is the real world of writing. Also, the Internet could provide you different avenues to shop your work to, since many publishing outlets are digital.
Another route you might want to consider that could help you become a scientific editor is learning all you can about the market. There are books available that list both national and international publishing outlets. The information found in these books can provide you the necessary tools to shop your work to numerous publishing outlets outside of the college market.
To help you improve you editing skills as you work to become a scientific editor, you could volunteer with organizations that will provide you with direct editing experiences. There is a broad range of editing opportunities for volunteers, so it could be easy for you to concentrate on texts that involve science. The Internet can be a good place to begin your search for organizations where you could volunteer.
