FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I've listed below some of the most common questions that I'm asked about my experience and services.
If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
WHAT SORT OF PROJECTS DO YOU WORK ON?
I have particular expertise in supporting authors and publications team on developing scientific manuscripts, including original research papers and review articles.
I've also worked in medical affairs, Independent Medical Education, HEOR, and the development of patient materials.
Full details of the services I provide can be found here.
DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE IN SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS?
Yes, I have extensive experience in publications, both as an author and as a medical writer. Please see here for a list of all the publications that I have authored or have been acknowledged as providing medical writing or editorial support.
I have worked on the full range of scientific publications, including abstracts, posters, oral presentations, primary and secondary papers, narrative and systematic literature reviews, and plain language summaries. I have also been involved in publication planning and have worked closely with publications teams in pharmaceutical companies.
DO YOU PROVIDE A MANUSCRIPT EDITING SERVICE?
Yes, I provide a full editing package, including substantive English language editing, proofreading, and formatting in accordance with journal guidelines. I will also check the content of the manuscript against relevant reporting guidelines, such as CONSORT or STROBE, and provide top-level feedback on the scientific content.
The aim of this process is to eliminate grammatical and language errors, reduce wordiness, and improve clarity and logical flow in order to produce a final manuscript that is ready for submission.
For this service I charge a fixed fee of £125 per 1000 words.
CAN YOU FACT CHECK MY PAPER?
Yes, I can check documents against all source data and cited references. For this service I charge a fixed fee of £100 per 1000 words.
HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE AS A MEDICAL WRITER?
I have been a medical writer for almost 13 years years, working for both medical communication agencies and as a freelancer. During this time, I have worked with most leading pharmaceutical companies and on a wide range of project types, including publications, medical affairs, market access and independent medical education.
Please take a look at my website to find out more about me and to see some of the publications projects that I've worked on.
CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES?
I have built a reputation for the high quality of my work and have many great reviews from satisfied clients.
WHICH THERAPEUTIC AREAS HAVE YOU WORKED IN?
During my medical writing career, I have worked in a broad range of therapy areas, including, but not limited to, oncology, autoimmune disease, infectious diseases, diagnostics, haemophilia and cardiology. I enjoy learning about new therapy areas and am always happy to take on projects in unfamiliar areas (I do not charge for time spent familiarising myself with a new therapy area).
WHAT TYPES OF CLIENTS DO YOU WORK FOR?
As a freelancer, I have worked for medical communications agencies, pharmaceutical companies and medical societies. I am also happy to work with academic organisations and charities, so please get in touch if you feel that I could help.
CAN YOU ATTEND MEETINGS IN PERSON?
Yes, I am available to attend face-to-face meetings, including congresses, Ad Boards, Steering Committee meetings etc. Travel expenses and travel time will be charged in addition to my usual fees.
CAN YOU REVIEW WORK COMPLETED BY OTHER WRITERS?
I have previously worked in senior roles in medical communications agencies where a large part of my role involved reviewing work completed by junior medical workers. As a freelancer, I am happy to provide a senior review of materials developed by other writers.
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?
To give some idea of the costs of fixed price projects, I have put together a rate card that includes some rough estimates for typical projects. However, these are only ballpark figures and the final agreed price may be less or more depending on the scope of the work. If you would like a detailed estimate for a project you have in mind, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
I can also work on an hourly rate for ad hoc projects and discounts are available for not-for-profit organisations.
Please get in touch for more details or have a read of this blog post.
DO YOU TAKE ON INSIDE IR35 PROJECTS (UK CLIENTS ONLY)?
No, I provide professional medical writing services across multiple clients and projects on a purely outside IR35 basis.
WHAT IS YOUR AVAILABILITY?
I am usually fully booked with regular work. However, I am always open to ad hoc projects. Please get in touch if you have a project that you would like to discuss.
CAN YOU TAKE ON LARGER PROJECTS/PROGRAMMES OF WORK?
I have a network of trusted freelancers that can provide additional support for larger scale projects. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to find out more.
DO YOU WORK WITH OTHER FREELANCE MEDICAL WRITERS?
I collaborate occasionally with experienced freelance medical writers on larger projects. If you would like to be added to my database, please send me a copy of your CV, details of your rates, and a short summary outlining your experience and skills.
DO YOU PROVIDE A COACHING SERVICE FOR MEDICAL WRITERS?
Whilst I am always happy to answer one-off questions, I do not provide a paid-for coaching or mentoring service for entry-level medical writers or established writers who are looking to transition from a permanent to a freelance role.
I have written a few blog posts about transitioning to a freelance role, including my initial experience, an update after three years and answering some frequently asked questions. These may be of use to anyone who is considering the freelance route.
Please note that I do not subcontract work to or recommend inexperienced medical writers or those whose work I am not personally familiar with.