Numbers have a unique way of telling stories.
For me, a freelance medical writer, the numbers that mattered most in 2024 represent not just milestones but the lessons, challenges and celebrations of a year well spent.
Here’s a closer look at the numbers that defined my 2024.
1. Total Clients Worked With: 14
This year I worked with 14 clients, showcasing the variety and breadth of my client base, including:
- A pharmaceutical company
- A patient engagement specialist
- Two medical education providers
- A health tech start-up
- An advertising agency
- Several health comms agencies
- A digital marketing agency
- A membership body.
2. Returning Clients: 7
The fact that half of my clients were returning is a point of pride. It’s a testament to strong relationships and quality delivery.
Yet, client retention is about more than just ‘delivering’ (what an impersonal word) —it’s about trust, partnership and consistency, things I strive for in every engagement. Building these lasting relationships is been one of the most rewarding parts of my freelance medical writing career to date.
3. New Clients Acquired: 7
Securing seven new clients was a big win for me this year. It shows that my outreach efforts are working. In particular, I can see the value of a diverse marketing strategy across LinkedIn, Instagram, my website, blog, email list, and in-person networking.
Most of these clients have continued to work with me in some capacity throughout the year – and the hope is these partnerships will continue into 2025.
4. Total Client Hours Worked: 501
Although I took four months of this year (Jan and Feb as maternity leave, and July and August as summer hols with the kids), I logged ~500 client hours across the year. That’s an average of 60 hours per month – not bad going!
These hours represent only client delivery. So, this number doesn’t include time spent developing my business, training, pitching, managing social media, invoicing – and all the other fun stuff that comes with running a business.
What I will say is that I’ve been very careful about choosing the most profitable work for my business, so I can maximise my cost-effectiveness when I am working on client projects.
This year was a lesson in balancing intense periods of work with rest—proving you can achieve a lot in focused, intentional bursts of effort.
5. Number of Projects Completed: 45+ Invoices Raised
Raising over 45 invoices is a clear indicator of productivity this year. These projects ranged from one-off blog posts and quick turnaround promotional pieces, to complex, multi-month assignments. Some highlights include:
- Editorial work for patient engagement materials
- Copywriting for bespoke wound care HCP educational materials
- Blog writing and rewriting for a well-known wellness retailer
- Social listening for a pharma company
- Patient advisory board report writing across a range of therapy areas
- KOL meeting report writing in the regulatory space
- Manuscript writing for a patient engagement specialist.
6. Therapy areas / health topics covered: 18
This year, my writing spanned a diverse array of topics, reflecting the complexity and breadth of modern healthcare.
I explored cutting-edge advancements in lung transplant, precision medicine for cancer care, AI in healthcare, and antibiotic resistance, and therapy areas like chronic kidney disease, anaemia, and wound care.
Women’s health featured prominently, with pieces on heavy menstrual bleeding, ovulation, fertility, breastfeeding and mastitis, and the broader impact of women in STEM. I also covered specialised topics such as skeletal dysplasias, haemophilia A and B, and regulatory reliance and harmonisation, alongside practical subjects like medical aesthetics and sensory skill training.
From taking vitamins and minerals as part of a healthy diet to the intricacies of post-surgical wound care, this year’s projects have deepened my appreciation for the wide-ranging challenges and innovations shaping healthcare today.
7. Total Revenue: £75,000+
A revenue of just over £75,000 this year (across 8 months of work) marks progress for my business, especially compared to last year’s £50,000 (this included some months of maternity leave). This represents a 50%+ increase compared to last year, despite taking extended time off.
8. Followers: ~2,400 (Double Last Year)
More than doubling my following to 2,400 across platforms – LinkedIn, Instagram, and my newsletter – was an unexpected triumph.
Not astronomical numbers, but still exciting to see! In particular, I’m really happy with the successful launch of my newsletter for fellow medical and health writers, which is seeing brilliant engagement:
- Average open rate of 74%
- Average click rate of 26%
I don’t know how much you know about engagement, but these numbers are pretty good. If you’re a fellow medical writer, please join us for more top-quality content you’ll actually want to read.
Social media and email have become a vital way to connect with my peers and potential clients, and this growth motivates me to keep sharing valuable content.
9. Blogs Posted: 30
I wanted to work really hard on developing my blog this year, so this number makes me very happy!
My most-viewed post of the year was a personal favourite (I love anything about books): https://www.rachelpascal-healthcarewriter.com/five-must-read-books-for-medical-writers/
This engagement reinforced the value of offering insights that go beyond my day-to-day work and connect on a personal level.
10. Trainings Attended: 4
Attending four training sessions this year across a range of topics:
- SEO health writing
- Writing Health Information for Patients
- Setting up for Success – business growth course
- ABPI training
Staying curious and committed to learning ensures I’m always offering my best to clients and staying ahead in the ever-evolving field of medical writing. More to come next year as I look into AI training courses.
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As I head into 2025, I’m excited to see what new challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
To my clients, peers, and followers—thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of growth, discovery and storytelling!
Here’s to a successful 2025!
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