Are you a Springer Nature researcher with a story to tell? – We want to know! We are always on the lookout for a great, compelling, personal and, above all, true story.
Springer Nature Storytellers is a science communication initiative that harnesses the power of storytelling to truly humanize the research that we publish across all of our brands. There are several methods of recording stories for this program, which authors are encouraged to explore to not only further discovery of their research, but to add techniques and skills to their sci-comm tool belt.
How to pitch your story
Below are several ways in which you can share your story. Whether you’re interested in writing or recording your story, we ask that you pitch us your story idea in 2-3 paragraphs and send it to stories@beforetheabstract.com (All pitches should be sent to with the subject line ‘PITCH:…’). If your submission is chosen, we will ask you to write a written draft (a 10-15 min spoken story is approximately 1500 words) to be shared for feedback. We will then work with you to determine the best way of recording/sharing your work.
Springer Nature Storytellers Live Show
Springer Nature sponsors live storytelling shows in partnership with The Story Collider. These events are typically held in conjunction with major conferences around the world and are limited annually. You can view our Events page for opportunities to tell a story at an upcoming show. If you have an idea for a story at an upcoming show or have a show theme that you would like to pitch for an upcoming meeting, please email with the subject line ‘PITCH:LIVE SHOW.’
Storytellers Recording Day
Springer Nature is equipped with two recording studios at the New York and London offices. If you are a researcher who is local to either of these locations, there may be an opportunity to record your story in person. Please include a note about this possibility in your email pitch.
Storytellers Remote Recording
The easiest way to share your story with our audience is to arrange a remote recording of your story. Springer Nature’s Multimedia team will facilitate a recording of your story by phone/computer, making this opportunity accessible regardless of location and timezone.
Storytellers Written Story
We recognize that spoken storytelling might not be for everyone and we are happy to share written stories as well. Stories should be written in an open, informal tone and mimic a conversation rather than a lecture.
Some tips from our partners at The Story Collider for telling an engaging story
- It must NOT be a lecture. Your goal is not to educate the audience or readers, but to build an emotional connection between science and the public. So while each story must contain a significant science element, we ask that you use only as much science as needed for the audience or readers to understand and follow your story.
- The story must be about YOU. True, personal stories have the most power when they are about the person telling them! Let us in on your thoughts and feelings so we can go on the journey with you.
- The story must have an arc. This means that you, the storyteller, change from the beginning to the end of the story. This change can be big or small — as momentous as becoming a father or as small as learning to ask for help — but it has to be there in order for the audience to feel that the story is going somewhere.
- For examples of stories that we’ve truly loved, please listen to or read an example of each.
For advice on writing your story, visit The Story Collider tips page.
Just a final note: You must be a Springer Nature author to participate (read: have published with Springer, Nature, Macmillan Science and Education, Palgrave, BioMed Central or SpringerOpen brands). Not sure? You can do an advanced search of your name for free on SpringerLink.