Scientific writing & editorial consulting
Turning dense research into words people actually read.
I'm Joel Johnson — a freelance science writer, copyeditor, and manuscript consultant. I help researchers get published and help everyone else understand why it matters.
What I do
Five ways I can help
From first draft to final submission.
Science communication for lay audiences
Translating research findings, technical reports, and complex concepts into clear, engaging writing for general readers — without losing the science.
Academic writing
Full drafting or co-writing of papers, technical reports, and literature reviews, structured to the conventions of your field and target journal.
Manuscript preparation & copyediting
Line-by-line editing, formatting, and submission preparation to get your manuscript through peer review.
Data analysis & visualisation
Working through datasets and results to build the figures, tables, and analysis your paper or report needs to make its case clearly.
Grant writing & experimental design
Structuring proposals and study designs that communicate rigour and significance to the reviewers makeing decisions on research funding.
Latest publication
Recently in print
Selected work
Writings tailored for two audiences
The scientific rigour, for two audiences: precise for peer reviewers, plain for everyone else.
Science writing for lay audiences
Feature articles, explainers, and long-form pieces that bring research to readers outside the field.
Browse the portfolio →Academic & journal work
Peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and manuscript editing across scientific disciplines.
Browse the portfolio →Have a manuscript, dataset, or deadline?
Get in touch →Get in touch