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Free Tips | Launch Your Career | FAQs | Order CDs
Free Tips for Medical Writers! (visit our blog for more tips)
New medical writers or people interested in starting a career
in medical writing often ask how they can become more involved in the
field. Below, Dr. Hughes addresses some common questions.
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How Can I Launch a Medical Writing Career?
- Join the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and attend
their workshops and conferences. This is the primary industry association
for the field. AMWA has a certificate program for those wishing to boost
their credentials. See the association web site for more information www.amwa.org.
- Network with others in the field as much as possible by attending
meetings on a monthly basis.
- Seek out opportunities for writing projects within your current
company or through your contacts. If you are new, accept any project no
matter how small to build your portfolio and gain experience.
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FAQs:
Do I need to have a science degree to become a medical writer?
- No. I know many excellent medical writers who don't have science degrees. However, you must have a strong interest in science and medicine and be willing to learn by reading and attending workshops or university courses. If you don't have a science degree, you should have a degree in English, journalism or a related subject. Keep in mind though that you may find it difficult to get certain types of medical writing jobs, especially those in clinical or regulatory writing, without a science degree. The best paths for those without science degrees are in medical education, medical journalism, or pharmaceutical PR.
I am a post-doctoral researcher or professor and want to leave research to become a medical writer. How do I start my new career?
- I recommend trying to get a job at a contract research organization or medical education or pharmaceutical company. The precise position matters less than getting the first job. You may need to start as a researcher, an account executive, copyeditor or project manager. Once at a company, you can offer to take on small writing assignments in addition to other responsibilities. If you do well, most companies will allow you to move into a writing position. If not, you can leverage the experience gained on small projects to obtain a writing position at another company.
When is it a good time to begin a business as a freelance or consultant writer?
- I suggest working at a company for 5 to 10 years before starting your own business. It's possible to be successful with less experience. However, you'll be on solid ground if you take the time to obtain the necessary experience, contacts and writing samples before trying to launch a company.
How do I start a business as a freelance or consultant writer?
- Network! Contact everyone you know and tell them you are starting your own business. Ask them to think of you first when projects come up. Attend meetings and hand out business cards to people you meet so they will remember you.
- Think of yourself as a business person first. I prefer not to use the term freelancer as it can sometimes be limiting. Hire a lawyer and an accountant on an hourly basis to help you set up your business. Check in with them as needed throughout each year. Develop a business plan and re-visit it each year.
How long will it take to get my first project after I become a freelancer/consultant?
- That depends on how much writing experience you have and how many contacts you have in the field. If you have 5 or more years of experience in the field, you may be able to get your first project within 4 to 6 weeks. If you have little or no experience in the field and few contacts, it could take 6 to 12 months to obtain your first paying project. I recommend saving up enough money to cover several months worth of living expenses before launching your own business. If you are new to the field, you may want to continue working in your current field while seeking medical writing projects on the side or obtain a full-time medical writing job before starting a freelance/consulting business.
How can I obtain writing samples to show potential clients?
- There are three ways to obtain writing samples. The first is to apply for a job and be hired at a company as a medical writer. As you complete each project, be sure to save a copy of the final piece for your portfolio. The second is to network with all your contacts to obtain a freelance project. At the start of the project, request that you be allowed to use a copy of the final piece as a writing sample to gain further work. The third is to take a class that involves creating some type of medical writing as part of the instruction.
How can I ensure that my freelance/consulting business will be successful?
- The number one key to success is to keep in mind that a freelancer or consultant is first of all a business person. Develop a business plan and update it periodically. Hire experts when needed, especially accountants for financial help and lawyers for legal advice. Run regular reports to check the financial health of your business. Advertise and market your business.
What other groups are useful for medical writers besides AMWA?
Will I like being a consultant/freelance medical writer?
- If you have a high tolerance for risk, are proactive and flexible, enjoy challenges, are able to work with all types of people, and be a team player yet also able to work independently with minimal feedback, you may enjoy being a consultant/freelance writer. In short, if you have an entrepenurial spirit, you can be a consultant/freelancer.
- If financial ups and downs cause you a lot of worry and you crave stability, love talking with colleagues in the hallways, need frequent feedback, or prefer others to tell you what needs to be done, then you will be unhappy as a consultant/freelancer.
Where can I find information about what common hourly rates are or salary information for medical writers?
- The best source of information for rates or salaries is AMWA. This association conducts a member survey of rates and salaries. The most recent survey results were published in AMWA Journal 2008, vol 23 (1).
How many medical medical writers are there?
- AMWA has about 5,600 members. The number of writers has increased substantially since I joined the field about 15 years ago. If you are considering a new career in medical writing expect that it will be a competitive field.
How has the economy affected medical writing?
- Like all other fields, medical writing has been impacted. Many people are deciding now is the time to make a career switch to medical writing, increasing the number of new writers seeking experience.
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Purchase a Training CD
Audio CDs
Title: Gaining Clients Through Marketing Savvy: For Freelancers Only
Issue Date: January 2008
Description: Have you ever wished you had more clients? Do you have dry spells with no work? Learn how to gain clients and smooth your work flow by developing a marketing strategy for your medical writing/editing business. In this complete package, you will be guided through development of a basic marketing plan with strategy and tactics tailored to your potential customers. Learn how to implement tactics, raise your profile and have a greater likelihood of winning new projects. Listen to the audio, view the slides, assess yourself with worksheets, see samples of tactics other writers use. Visit free web sites highlighted in the presentation for even more training on marketing tactics.
Cost: CD= $12.00, Shipping= $1.00 (by standard U.S. Postal Service, express or international shipping extra), Tax= $0.72 (CT residents only), TOTAL= $13.00 (outside of CT) or $ 13.72 (in CT), Payments by U.S. bank personal or corporate check (include phone number on check) accepted. Bounced checks subject to $35.00 fee.
To Order: Click for Audio CD Order Form or Order it online
Listen: Click to hear clip Gaining Clients.wav
Title: CME Evolution: Surviving and Thriving in a New World
Issue Date: June 2006
Description: Over the past few years, government and association guideline changes have triggered development of new methods of developing continuing education (CME) programs. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies have restructured and developed new processes for funding CME programs in response to high profile, costly lawsuits associated with guideline changes. The guidelines, new processes and corporate responses to the new environment are discussed in this presentation.
Cost: CD= $12.00, Shipping= $0.63 (US Postal Service, first class mail; express or international delivery extra), Tax= $0.72 (CT residents only); Note: Payment by check drawn on US bank only, include your phone number. All sales final; no refunds. Checks payable to "Hughes BioPharma Advisers LLC". Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Bounced checks subject to $35.00 fee.
To Order: Click for Audio CD Order Form or Order it online
Listen: Click to hear clip DS_20008.WMA
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