From lab to literature
Many scientists dream of writing a book with mainstream appeal, but where do you start? The Biologist asked nine best-selling scientists-turned-authors for their tips
By Rachel Duffield, 4 Sept 2026
In
Working out the facts and putting them in the right order is only a third of the battle. You have to stand outside them and find the magical path through them that everyone can relate to
VENKI RAMAKRISHNAN HON FRSB
For your first book…
It’s best to pick a topic that you both know and care about. The alternative is to spend at least a year reading and talking to key people in the area, but I think that’s easier once you already know how to write a book from start to finish.
I wish I’d known…
That writing 80,000 words for a general audience would take much more stamina and discipline than I had expected. I also did not realise how long the editing and finalising would take, but good editors improve a book immeasurably.
A great science book…
Should bring the topic alive, be free of unnecessary jargon and make the reader want to learn more.
On finding time…
I set aside at least a few hours a few times a week for a book, and protect that time. Ideally, if you’re able to write every day it helps you maintain focus and momentum. When I had long lapses I found it hard to resume and concentrate.
MATTHEW COBB
On getting an agent…
Once you have an idea, contact a literary agent who has experience in selling popular science books to publishers. Agents partly act as a quality filter, but they also craft the proposal in a way that publishers expect. Most non-fiction does not require a full manuscript before a publisher will buy it – a general proposal, a structural outline and a sample chapter will suffice. Initial contact with an agent doesn’t need to be long: my agent leapt at a brief one-paragraph idea I had, having previously turned down my more turgid and academic approaches.
I wish I’d known…
Less is more! I only really appreciated that ‘the writing is in the re-writing’ when I started writing books. Baggy chapter drafts are fine, as long as you give them a good kicking. Kill your darlings, read your writing out loud, go through every page with the aim of cutting one or two dozen extraneous words. The result will be briefer, more elegant and, above all, clearer.
On success…
Unless you are already prominently in the public eye, sales of your book – no matter how brilliant – will be difficult to predict. To be long-lasting and influential, it needs to be something that both captures the zeitgeist and contains a novel or critical approach to that issue.
I find time by…
Being retired! When I was an academic, the key was being very focused on partitioning my attention between my various tasks – and working late. I didn’t watch TV and I didn’t read much fiction for many years. I was also very lucky in that my various line managers were all supportive of my popular science writing.
HARRIET RIX
My top advice…
Is to write a lot experimentally, but when you are really ready to write a book, find an agent. My agent got in touch with me having read an article I had written. He made the process of writing a pitch and finding a publisher easy and fun.
I wish I’d known…
Working out the facts and putting them in the right order is only a third of the battle. You have to stand outside them and find the magical path through them that everyone can relate to.
On what makes a great science book…
Detail and philosophy, the tiny jigsaw puzzle pieces (or absent pieces) of science fitting into the broad sweep of the universe. But I have never forgotten the revelations of Nick Lane’s Power, Sex, Suicide, so perhaps it’s like everything else: Eros and Thanatos… sex and death.
LIXING SUN
On book ideas…
Follow your passion, but stay objective regardless of your personal beliefs. Also, know your own domain and level of knowledge. You do best when you know the topic best.
I wish I’d known…
It was so difficult to write in another language. Also, that science writing requires creativity. To be a better writer you should always find new ways and literary tools to communicate effectively.
A great science book…
Can take multiple forms. Some of my favourites include The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins, as it offers a completely new way of looking at life; The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee, an expert introduction to a very complex and widespread disease; and The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, which is all about her mastery of language.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson offers no new ideas, but how can we resist the humour it contains throughout?
Idea to bookshelf: the publishing process explained
1. Find an agent
Approach an agent with your idea and hone it into something that appeals to publishers. You can also skip this step and contact a publisher directly.
2. Submit a proposal
A proposal is a detailed plan for the book to attract a publisher. An agent can help finesse a proposal and send it to the most relevant publishers.
3. Sign a deal
If one or more publishers are interested, you or your agent can negotiate the terms of a publishing contract. This will include any upfront payment (an advance) and royalties if the book sells.
4. Write the book
Your publishing deal will include a deadline for when you are expected to deliver your first draft.
5. Redraft the book
Your publisher’s editor will make suggestions to improve the book. There may also be queries or corrections that are spotted by copy-editors, fact-checkers, lawyers and proofreaders.
6 Publish the book!
Getting things like the typesetting, cover art, marketing and release day right means there can be a long time between finishing a manuscript and the joy of publication day.
7 Sell the book
Your publisher will expect you to help get the word out about your book in any way you can, so be prepared to do interviews or talks for as long as the book is popular or when new editions are published.
PETER GODFREY-SMITH
My advice…
Is to think about a couple of people you know who you most want to appreciate and understand the book.
Ask yourself from time to time: ‘Would they actually understand this paragraph?’ and keep those individuals in mind.
Great science books…
Can be so diverse that I don’t think there are any generalisations I could offer. Grand books, detailed books, personal books, eccentric books… all of them can be great science books.
NESSA CAREY
My top tip is…
Get an agent. Use your research skills to find the most relevant agents and follow their instructions for preparing a proposal. Don’t be precious about your masterpiece – this is their world and they know what works.
I wish I’d known…
That often you think you understand something, only to discover, when you try to explain it, that you really don’t.
A great science book is…
Clear and engaging. Accessible explanations are really important, but no one will care how clear these are if you can’t convince the reader that the science is exciting.
I found the time by…
Committing to it, and for me that meant a lot of long evenings and lost weekends. It didn’t feel like a hardship because I discovered I loved the process, but if it’s just another chore, maybe you should rethink whether writing is the best use of your time.
GINA RIPPON
On finding a writing style…
Immerse yourself in as much popular science writing as you can, especially if most of your writing to date has been for journals or grant applications. I found The Conversation network, for example, to be a great training ground for both reading and submitting ideas.
I wish I’d known…
That many publishers (and agents) now have guidelines on their websites about what they are looking for in book proposals.
A great science book…
Has to deliver what it promises. You should finish each chapter feeling that you know just a bit more about the subject (or even a lot more). It also has to be a satisfyingly challenging read: the reader should be pleased that they have understood something that is difficult without feeling patronised or talked down to.
I find time to write by…
Making it part of my day job: I tried to prepare my lectures as though they were a section of my book. You can make your writing one of your outreach, impact or public communication of science KPIs, or appraisal targets too. Writing can be part of your busyness, not an additional burden.
DANIEL M DAVIS MBE FRSB
On writing your first book…
Think deeply about the overarching point of your book – and then make sure every page has its own point too.
It’s very useful to talk to people who have written books to understand the process, but you’ll hear all sorts of conflicting advice because everyone has done it in their own way.
I wish I’d known…
The commercial success of a book is something of a lottery. Many brilliant books have sold surprisingly few copies and vice versa. Staying true to yourself and your book is harder than it seems because there’s pressure to ‘succeed’ by saying things that would gain attention but might be only half true.
On what makes a great science book…
Stories are an obvious answer. Authenticity is another. From my perspective, I love books that contain lines and phrases that are surprising, carefully composed and deeply meaningful.
On finding time to write…
I suppose I make time for writing in the same way other people make time for running or gardening. I want to write, so I make time for it. Early morning is my best time for writing, often when others in my house are still asleep.
SADIAH QURESHI
Some top advice…
is don't be afraid to share your passion for the subject as it draws the reader in. I think many people think of science as tiresome or boring because they're so used to encountering scientific ideas reported on in abstract terms, but communicating with passion can help bring joy to the writing and reading.
I wish I’d known…
small victories accumulate. On the days when you feel like you're lacking inspiration or staring at a blank page, it is important to remember that every small step is building towards your bigger purpose.
A great science book…
doesn’t underestimate readers. Writing with clarity helps draw readers into profoundly complex ideas and worlds much quicker than we might assume. For me, the best books use that talent to help readers reflect on how they understand the world they live, and how they want to contribute to it anew.
I find time to write by…
teaching the subjects I want to write about. It has been the most important way to stay engaged with ideas.
The perils of self-publishing
Many companies and platforms allow authors to pay to self-publish. This ranges from simple software for making your own e-book to more complete publishing packages. While self-publishing frees authors from having to meet the demands of a conventional publisher, self-published books often suffer from a lack of editorial oversight and marketing clout. Some authors find they then have to pay thousands of pounds in additional fees to have their books printed or publicised properly.
This article was first published in the print issue of The Biologist, the RSB's award-winning membership magazine. Subscribe by becoming a member today.