Whether you’re a nurse, physio, pharmacist, or doctor: you’re curious about how to break into freelance medical writing. You’re wondering: How can I turn my clinical knowledge into a freelance medical writing career?
You’re not starting from scratch: your clinical experience is your biggest asset. Health brands, startups, agencies, and patient organisations are actively looking for writers who understand medicine and can explain it clearly.
In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to help you break into medical writing – from understanding what freelance medical writing actually is, to building your portfolio, finding your first clients, setting your rates, and developing the soft skills that make clients want to hire you again and again.
1. Understand What Freelance Medical Writing Really Is
If you’ve spent time in healthcare, you’ve already seen all kinds of medical writing around you: patient leaflets, clinical guidelines, training slides. But what exactly do freelance medical writers do?
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Freelance medical writing is about helping others understand health and science clearly. You might be writing for doctors, nurses, patients, or the public. And instead of being employed by one company, you work for yourself, taking on writing projects for different clients.
What do common freelance medical writing projects include?
- Patient education materials: Leaflets, FAQ sheets, or website pages that explain medical conditions in plain English.
- Blog posts for health brands or companies: Easy-to-read articles on health topics, often used for marketing or public education.
- Training slides or learning modules (CME): Materials that help healthcare professionals stay up to date.
- Ghostwriting health articles: Writing on behalf of doctors or health leaders who want to share their views online or in print.
- Marketing content for medical companies: Things like product brochures, emails, or website copy that explains how a medicine or device works.
If you want to see real examples, I’ve shared my writing samples (and tips on how to create your own) in this guide: Examples of Medical Writing Samples You May Want to Include in Your Portfolio.
Do I need to know regulatory writing?
You might have heard of regulatory writing as part of medical writing – things like clinical trial reports or documents for drug approval. These are important, but they often need extra training and experience. Many freelance medical writers don’t start here, and you don’t need to either, just like you don’t need to know or offer every type of medical writing.
If you’re just starting out, the easiest place to begin is content writing – like patient info, blogs, or educational material. These projects are often more flexible, quicker to complete, and a great way to build confidence and a strong portfolio.
Clients are looking for people who understand health and can explain it clearly. If you’ve worked in healthcare, you already have that. Now it’s about learning how to put your knowledge into writing – clearly, simply, and in a way that helps others.
2. Inventory Your Strengths: You Already Have What Many Clients Want
I know it might not feel that way at first, especially if you’ve never written anything outside of patient notes or clinical reports. But trust me, what you know is exactly what many health brands and agencies are looking for.
You already understand:
- How healthcare works in real life: Not just what’s in textbooks, but what happens on the ward, in the clinic, or during a home visit.
- What patients actually ask: You know where the confusion, fear, or curiosity usually shows up and how to explain things clearly.
- What clinicians really need to know: Whether it’s quick summaries, guidance, or evidence, you understand what makes content useful (and what doesn’t).
That’s not something you can Google. And it’s why so many health and pharma companies are looking for people like you to help write their content.
A few real-world examples:
- Nurses are brilliant at breaking down complex ideas with empathy. You already do this with every patient. You’re likely a natural explainer.
- Pharmacists are medication experts. You know the language of drugs, dosing, and patient safety, and that’s gold for content teams.
- Surgeons are trained for precision. Your attention to detail and ability to follow strict protocols makes you a great fit for structured writing.
- Physios, OTs, and speech therapists know how to turn health advice into everyday actions. That’s exactly what patient education needs.
It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong in this field, especially if you’re new to freelancing or haven’t written for clients yet (spoiler: we all suffer from imposter syndrome even after many years of freelancing, trust me!). But here’s the truth: You don’t need to “learn science” from scratch. You already know it. What you’re learning now is how to write it down for different readers, in different formats. And you’ve got a strong head start.
3. Build Proof, not Perfection: Start with What You Know (and Turn It Into Writing Samples)
One of the best things about freelance medical writing? You don’t need permission to start. You can begin building your portfolio before you’ve landed a single client, just by writing what you already know.
Not sure where to begin? Try one of these ideas:
- Turn a patient handout into a blog post
Have you ever explained something like blood pressure, wound care, or inhaler use? Write a short, clear article as if it’s going on a health website. Use headings, short paragraphs, and a friendly tone. - Summarise a guideline
Pick a recent clinical recommendation (NICE, SIGN, etc.) and turn it into a plain-language summary. Imagine you’re explaining it to a time-poor colleague or an interested patient. - Create an FAQ
Choose a common condition from your work – like heart failure, asthma, or stroke recovery – and write 5–7 frequently asked questions with short, clear answers.
These samples don’t need to be perfect. They’re simply a way to show clients that you understand health topics and can explain them clearly.
A few quick tips:
- Keep it structured and easy to read
Use bullet points, bold headings, and short sentences. Clear is always better than clever. - Use plain English
Unless your sample is aimed at clinicians, avoid jargon and medical terms that the average person might not know. In the UK, the NHS recommends aiming for a reading age of 9-11. - Focus on one strong sample at a time
One polished piece is better than five rushed ones. Choose a topic you feel confident about and do it well.
If you’re still not sure how to build a portfolio from scratch, or if the idea of mock samples feels intimidating, I’ve written a full guide with step-by-step instructions, example projects, and my top tips as a mentor. You can read it here:
👉 How to Build a Medical Writing Portfolio from Scratch (With My Top Tips)
4. Build a Simple Online Presence (and Start Networking)
Now that you’ve got a couple of writing samples, it’s time to make it easy for people to find you. You don’t need a fancy website or a big online following to begin. But you do need a place to showcase your work and a way to connect with potential clients.
Here’s where to start:
Step 1. Set up your LinkedIn profile
Update your headline to say something like:
➤ “Freelance Medical Writer | Former Nurse | Patient Education & Health Content”
This helps people understand who you are and what you do at a glance.
Step 2. Create a simple portfolio
If you don’t have a website yet, no problem. You can:
- Upload your samples to Google Drive, Dropbox, or Canva as a shareable PDF
- Use free platforms like JournoPortfolio, Medium or Contently to showcase your writing
Step 3. Start connecting with the right people
Don’t worry, you don’t have to start pitching strangers right away. Begin by following and engaging with others in the medical writing or health content space on LinkedIn. You can:
- Follow other medical writers and comment on their posts
- Connect with healthtech founders, content managers, or agency leads
- Join groups for freelance health writers and medical communicators
Even just liking or replying to posts builds visibility and trust over time.
Not sure what to say? Use this template:
Hi [Name], I’m transitioning from clinical work into freelance medical writing and really enjoyed your recent post about [topic]. I’d love to follow your work and learn more from others in the field.
That’s it, simple and friendly. You’re not asking for a job. You’re just building relationships. And often, that’s how the first opportunities show up.
5. Find Your First Freelance Gigs: Where and How to Look
Once you’ve got a few writing samples and your online presence started, it’s time to find your first freelance clients. This is where things can feel intimidating, but I promise, it gets easier once you know where to look and how to position yourself.
You don’t need a huge network or years of experience to get started. What you do need is a clear focus, a bit of consistency, and the right platforms.
Here are some of the best places to find beginner-friendly freelance medical writing jobs:
- Your Network
Let people around you know that you’re getting into medical writing.
This isn’t just a networking site, it’s one of the best places to find freelance health writing gigs. Jobs get posted daily, and many clients are happy to hear from new writers who show initiative and industry knowledge.
- Upwork
While rates tend to be lower at first, it can be a great platform for beginners to build a track record, collect testimonials, and get experience with real clients before moving on to better-paid gigs.
- Medical writers’ associations
Sites like EMWA, AMWA, and RAPS often list freelance jobs and offer networking events, online courses, and community support.
- Slack groups and Facebook communities
There are private groups where job leads get posted all the time. These are also great spaces to connect with other writers and get support.
- Start-ups and smaller health companies
These businesses often need content support but don’t have in-house writers. You can find them on LinkedIn, through health tech directories, or by doing a simple Google search like “health marketing agency UK.”
I’ve written a full guide that breaks down the eight best freelance platforms (plus tips on how to make the most of each one).
👉 Eight Best Freelance Writing Websites to Land Your First Medical Writing Jobs
Final tip: Start small and grow from there
In the beginning, look for short-form projects like a blog post, a patient leaflet, or a content edit. These quick wins help build confidence and give you real examples to show in your portfolio.
And remember: you don’t have to do this alone. Join communities, ask questions, and keep learning as you go. The work is out there, and you already have the experience and insight many clients are searching for.
6. Set Your Price as a First-Time Freelancer
Setting your freelance rates can feel like the trickiest part of launching your medical writing career. You don’t want to price yourself out of opportunities, but you also don’t want to undercharge and burn out.
Here’s how to get started:
- Step 1: Estimate Your Minimum Hourly Rate
This is the rate you need to earn to cover your bills and stay in business. Use this simple formula as a baseline:
Your target monthly income ÷ billable hours per month = internal hourly rate
- Example:
£3,000 ÷ 60 hours = £50/hour
This is for you, not necessarily what you quote to clients—but it helps you price projects sustainably.
- Step 2: Price by Project (Not Hourly)
Most medical writing clients prefer flat-fee pricing. Once you’ve got your internal rate, use it to estimate how long a project might take—including time for research, revisions, and admin. Then set a fixed rate that covers your time and your expertise.
Example:
A 1,000-word blog post that takes ~6 hours might be priced at £300–£400, depending on complexity and the client.
- Step 3: Use Benchmarks to Check You’re in Range
According to industry data, beginner freelance medical writers typically charge:
- £60–£80/hour (UK average)
- £200–£400 per blog post (1,000–1,200 words)
- £500–£1,200+ for more technical content (e.g., white papers, CME modules)
I’ve written a full guide to help you work through this in more detail:
👉 How to Set Your Freelance Medical Writing Rates With Confidence
7. Build the Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out
If you’ve worked in healthcare, you already bring a powerful toolkit: empathy, attention to detail, and real-world clinical insight. But what many new writers don’t realise is that soft skills are just as important as writing itself – especially when working with clients.
Soft skills every freelance medical writer needs:
- Communication: Being able to explain ideas clearly and professionally (on calls, emails, and in your writing).
- Time management: Meeting deadlines, planning your week, and knowing how long things really take.
- Adaptability: Switching between projects, writing styles, or even time zones.
- Confidence: Talking about your skills and setting boundaries with clients.
- Feedback resilience: Taking edits or critiques without losing confidence (easier said than done – I still work on this!).
These aren’t things you need to be perfect at. They’re things you build over time, just like any clinical skill.
How to build soft skills as a new freelancer:
- Practice client-style communication and time management: Write mock emails to imaginary clients. Set deadlines for yourself to complete the steps above and try to meet them.
- Join communities: Places like Freelance Media Women (Facebook) or Top Of Funnel community (Slack) are great for asking questions, learning how others work, and building confidence.
- Get feedback: Whether from a mentor, a peer, or a client, feedback is gold. Learn what works and where you can grow.
- Reflect: Keep a journal or short log after each project or writing session. What went well? What would you do differently next time?
Final Thoughts & Next Steps: Don’t Let Perfection Stop You From Starting Freelance Medical Writing
You don’t need to be a perfect writer. You don’t need to go back to school. You don’t need a PhD. You already speak the language of healthcare: now you’re learning how to write in it. What you do need is the willingness to try, to keep learning, and to use the healthcare knowledge you already have in new ways.
Here’s what to do next:
✅ Pick one health topic you know well and turn it into a writing sample
✅ Set up a basic LinkedIn profile and connect with others in the field
✅ Read my full guides on how to build your medical writing portfolio and where to find freelance jobs
✅ Bookmark this article and return to each step when you need a boost
✅ Explore whether medical writing certification is worth it for your goals
You’re not starting from zero. You’re starting with clinical insight, real-world experience, and the ability to communicate clearly: that’s already half the job.
It’s also important to know that getting started in freelance medical writing is a journey, and not always a straight one. You’re not supposed to get it all right on day one. Some days you’ll feel like you’re making real progress. Other times, you might feel stuck. But that’s completely normal. As long as you show up consistently and learn fast, you can get into freelance medical writing. You don’t have to do it alone, you can also get help and find the right mentors for your journey.
🔹 Stay updated: Join my newsletter for tips, rate guides, and freelance writing resources.
🔹 Find support: Become a member of MedWrite for extra tips and templates.
FAQ: How to break into medical writing
How do I start freelance medical writing?
Start by building a simple portfolio with 2–3 writing samples. Choose topics you know well and write in plain language. Then set up a LinkedIn profile, connect with people in healthcare and writing, and apply for beginner-friendly jobs. Check out my guide on how to build a medical writing portfolio from scratch.
What is regulatory writing?
Regulatory writing is a type of medical writing focused on official documents needed for drug approval. These documents are sent to health agencies (like the FDA in the US or MHRA in the UK) to show that a new medicine or medical product is safe, works well, and should be approved.
This type of writing has to follow very specific formats.
What are examples of regulatory writing?
Here are some examples of regulatory writing:
- Clinical Study Reports (CSRs)
→ A big summary of how a new medicine was tested in people, what happened, and if it worked. - Investigator’s Brochure (IB)
→ A document for doctors who are testing new treatments. It explains the drug and what to watch out for. - Informed Consent Forms (ICFs)
→ A paper given to patients in a clinical trial to explain the risks and what the study is about — in plain language. - Common Technical Document (CTD)
→ A long, structured file that goes to government agencies to ask for medicine approval. It includes data, safety info, and how the drug is made. - Risk Management Plans (RMPs)
→ A plan that explains how a company will monitor and reduce risks of a new medicine after it’s approved. - Regulatory Briefing Documents
→ Used when companies meet with health authorities like the FDA. They explain their medicine and ask questions before submitting it. - Package Inserts / Labelling
→ The info sheet that comes inside medicine boxes — describing how to take it, who can take it, and warnings.
How to break into regulatory writing?
Start by learning the basics of clinical trials and drug development. Then, take short courses in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and look at mock documents like Clinical Study Reports. If you’re from a science background, this path may be a good fit. Certification helps too – read more in this guide on medical writing certification.
What is CMC in medical writing?
CMC stands for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls. It’s a part of regulatory writing that explains how a medicine is made, stored and tested for quality.
What is CRO medical writing?
CRO stands for Contract Research Organisation. These are companies that help drug makers run clinical trials. Medical writers at CROs work on study reports, patient forms, and other scientific documents.
