How to get consistent work as a freelance medical writer without an advanced degree.

I get messages several times a week from aspiring medical writers trying to figure out how to successfully break into the field. The most recent was from a health writer in the US who has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters degree in International Health. She said:

“I’d love to know more about how to navigate the degree aspect of medical writing. Most of the gigs I’ve seen specifically ask for writers with advanced degrees. I have a Masters, but not the PhD/MD that many of the gigs request.”

The first thing that comes to my mind is: she’s over-qualified.

The issue is rarely with someone’s background, education, or relevant experience. It most commonly lies in the following 10 areas (usually a combination of many):

Lack of confidence

Not believing in your own abilities or recognizing how capable you are as an entrepreneur will be a huge deterrent for your business. This is a tough one because if you don’t actually possess the skill sets or expertise needed to keep clients happy, you can’t (and shouldn’t) feel confident. If that’s the case, you need to develop them. However, if they’re there but you’re being too hard on yourself, that’s another story altogether and something I see often in newbie freelancers.

A scarcity mindset

If you operate your business from a place of lack, you’ll never have enough work. Whereas, if you genuinely believe that companies are out there desperately seeking talented writers to hire (the truth), you’ll be inundated with opportunities. While you can’t cultivate an abundance mindset overnight, it is possible to achieve when you’re surrounded by successful writers who are thriving in the field, as well as peers who are excited about taking on new clients/projects and getting them.

Prioritizing money

Freelance medical writers who make all their business decisions based on anticipated earnings tend to struggle the most as entrepreneurs. When I hear writers say things like “that’s what the market needs” or “that’s where the money is,” I know they’re in for an uphill battle in their business. No-one ever made vast amounts of money (and enjoyed it) because they chased dollar signs; they succeeded because they were truly in love with their brand and service offering.

Unfamiliarity with the industry

If you don’t know what terrain you’re standing on, you can’t navigate it with minimal resistance and enjoy the ride; you’ll always be second guessing yourself about what your next steps should be and wondering whether you made a wrong turn a few miles back. This is definitely true in the medical communications industry. While it’s possible to jump in and thrive right away (I did), you’ve got to familiarize yourself with the landscape and understand client expectations deeply.

Low self-esteem or self-worth

Writers who don’t yet see themselves as entrepreneurs and, instead, suffer from a severe case of imposter syndrome will never reach their full earning potential. Freelancers are typically the only employee or decision-maker in their business, so if they don’t feel deserving of high-paying projects or dream clients, they will naturally (albeit often subconsciously) self-sabotage and push opportunities away to protect themselves and “set the record straight.” Not a recipe for success.

Insufficient or poor marketing

If you don’t have enough freelance work yet, it’s because a) you aren’t marketing yourself or your services enough, b) what you are doing to promote your business isn’t very effective, or c) all of the above. Most medical writers haven’t been taught how to “sell themselves” and find it intimidating. But if prospects don’t know you exist or that you can help them, they won’t hire you. While referrals are great, it takes time for these to come in. In the meantime, you must advertise.

No distinct niche or brand

If you don’t understand marketing, you probably don’t have a good grasp on niching or branding either. These are both core elements of our signature business coaching program because they are the most important foundational aspects of any successful business. They are also the aspects that most freelance medical writers are doing/getting wrong. Without a strong niche or brand that is clearly communicated to prospects, your business will never truly take off.

A fear of sales or pitching

So often, I see freelance writers get right up to the goal posts and then kick the ball in the opposite direction (i.e. they can’t secure a project when it’s right in front of them). If you’re afraid of sales, you’re afraid of business; the two go hand in hand. Helping aspiring freelancers feel more comfortable with sales is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a business coach, probably because it’s the area I struggled with the most when I first began my own freelance career.

Perfectionistic tendencies

The need to constantly improve is engrained in the vast majority of entrepreneurs (myself included), and there’s nothing wrong with that. I see this most often with healthcare professionals and academics who are used to having high stakes work responsibilities and haven’t been able to recalibrate yet. However, the fact is: no-one is going to die if you don’t deliver a medical writing project perfectly. It’s not like an incorrect treatment regime or drug formula. Done is better than perfect.

Poor communication skills

This should go without saying but, unfortunately, it doesn’t. I’ve seen countless mediocre writers in my 5 years as a coach, irrespective of background. There are certainly things you can do to develop your written communication skills, but part of the problem is that most writers don’t even know their writing blows. If you’re serious about making a good living as a medical writer, make sure you get some honest feedback and training from someone who’s experienced in the field.

Key takeaways

If even a few of these 10 factors resonate with you, you’re likely not reaching your full potential as a freelance medical writer, as they all interrelate. Find ways to “plug the gaps” and work on these and I guarantee you’ll see great results!

Not sure if your current business model or service offering is right for you? Reach out (sophie@prospology.com) to discuss customized 1:1 coaching options.