Health Writer's Handbook

For the ever-greater number of people called upon to write about health -- the reporter newly assigned to the health beat, the writer hired by a medical institution, the clinician preparing articles for the public -- this handbook offers the expert guidance long lacking in the field. Gastel marshals her extensive experience as a doctor, writer, and teacher to lead newcomers and professionals hoping to brush up their skills through the basics of preparing, writing, and marketing articles related to health.The Health Writer's Handbook parallels the writing process, beginning with advice on choosing topics and gathering and evaluating information-from books and periodicals, government, associations, and other institutions, researchers, clinicians, and patients, and online resources. Gastel then moves on to the mechanics of crafting a piece, addressing questions about technique and genres, sensitivity and style, as well as concerns about presenting information on risk, facing ethical issues, and building a career in health writing. Gastel includes guidance on the specifics of writing about such central subjects as heart disease, cancer, infectious disease, and mental health. Both beginning and seasoned health writers will appreciate her listing of information sources from various medical fields.