Freelance medical writing can be a very rewarding career. If you have a background in science, enjoy desk-researching topics, and are able to clearly communicate your findings, it could be the perfect job for you. Becoming a freelance medical writer requires previous experience and networking. However, with a little guidance, it is possible to break into this lucrative line of work. This article attempts to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by aspiring medical writers thinking of taking the leap into freelancing.
In This Article – Freelance Medical Writing
- What do freelance medical writers do?
- What does a typical day look like for a freelance writer?
- Is freelance writing only available to those with science backgrounds?
- How much can you earn as a freelance writer?
- Which skills are most important for becoming a successful freelance writer?
- How do you find clients as a freelancer?
- Should you go to medical writing school or learn on the job?
- Summary
- Conclusion
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1. What do freelance medical writers do?
Freelance medical writers write for a wide range of clients, from pharmaceutical companies to health publications. They are usually hired for projects and produce either a report or a piece of creative work depending on the assignment. If you’re assigned to write a report, you’re likely to be given a topic, a brief, and a word count. However, if your assignment is to produce a creative piece, you’ll usually be given more freedom in what you write about.
The most famous type of freelance medical writing is ghostwriting, where you write someone’s book and get paid based on a fee per word rate. You can also earn money by reviewing medical research papers and publishing your findings in an article format.
2. What does a typical day look like for a freelance writer?
Freelance medical writers tend to work from home, although it’s possible to work in an office as part of a larger team. The hours can vary depending on your clients and their workflows, but you can expect to work between 8 and 10 hours a day on average. Most freelance medical writers have a mix of different clients. Some have one or two large clients as a source of consistent income, and others have more clients with smaller budgets for a more diversified income.
3. Is freelance writing only available to those with science backgrounds?
No, although you will come across many job postings for graduate-level (Master’s Degree) and Ph.D.-level writers. You can get into a freelance medical writer with a bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, although you may need to intern or work as an assistant editor first before finding full-time work as a freelance medical writer.
4. How much can you earn as a freelance writer?
This will vary depending on your experience, the clients you work for, and the type of work you do. Entry-level rates for ghostwriting contracts range from $50 to $150 per hour. If you work as a reviewer, you can expect to make between $15 and $50 per article. Rates for health/science freelance writing are generally on the lower end of the salary range. Many writers supplement their income with other work, such as teaching, copywriting, or other writing-related occupations.
5. Which skills are most important for becoming a successful freelance writer?
Freelance medical writing requires a diverse set of skills. You’ll need to be able to conduct thorough research, understand scientific concepts, be able to clearly communicate your findings to your clients, and have an eye for design. It’s also helpful to have experience in an editorial role. This gives you an advantage as it shows clients that you’re able to work on a team, follow instructions and meet deadlines.
6. How do you find clients as a freelancer?
You’ll find clients either through networking, pitching to publications, or pitching to potential clients directly. Networking is the most important part of the freelance writing business. You need to build relationships with potential clients and be able to pitch yourself to them. One of the best ways to do this is to attend conferences related to your niche, such as the conference of the American College of Physicians. Here, you can network with other people in the industry, make connections, and pitch articles to publications.
7. Should you go to medical writing school or learn on the job?
This will depend on the type of freelance writing you want to specialize in. If it’s ghostwriting, you’ll likely need a degree in a science-related field. It’s also helpful to get one-on-one experience through an internship. If you want to specialize in reviewing articles, you can start freelancing straight away. It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the scientific process as a writer needs to know what’s new and what’s unverified before they can say it in their own words.
There are many benefits to going to medical school and getting a degree in science. You’ll be more qualified for certain types of freelance writing assignments and will make more money. It also provides a great foundation for other careers in the field, such as research, academia, and medicine. If you don’t have a science background, you can still become a freelance writer, but it will be harder to gain clients and find work.
Summary
Freelance medical writing is a great career choice for those with a passion for science and a love of writing. It’s also a job that can be done remotely, making it a great career choice for those with familial or personal obligations that make working in an office difficult. As a freelance medical writer, you’ll conduct research, write reports and articles and pitch your work to potential clients. To become a freelance medical writer, it’s helpful to have a degree in a science-related field, although it’s not required. You can also build up your experience by getting an internship in an editorial role. end>
Conclusion
Freelance medical writing can be a very rewarding career. If you have a background in science, enjoy desk-researching topics, and are able to clearly communicate your findings, it could be the perfect job for you. To become a freelance medical writer, it’s helpful to have a degree in a science-related field, although it’s not required. Moreover, you can build up your experience by getting an internship in an editorial role. It’s important to network, pitch your work and be willing to take on different types of work. You need to be able to communicate your ideas clearly, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
