So, you've decided that you need medical writing support and are now on the hunt for a freelance medical writer.
But where do you start?
The bad news is that there are tens of thousands of people worldwide who call themselves a "freelance medical writer". However, their skills, experience and price will vary hugely and finding the right person for your project can be a massive challenge.
The good news is that there are tons of resources – both free and paid – that can help you find an experienced and talented medical writer.
Of course, there's certainly no shortage of paid options. Recruitment agencies and specialist freelance platforms can connect you with a freelancer and some even offer help with contracting and invoicing. However, the fees can add up and strict terms may be imposed that could prevent you from working directly with freelancers for an extended period in the future. Plus, many of the best and most experienced freelance medical writers prefer working directly with clients, so they might be harder to find through these third-party channels.
Luckily, there are also many great free resources where you can find a skilled medical writer or medical editor without any extra costs.
LinkedIn is one of the best starting points for finding freelance medical writers, as most professionals in the industry maintain an active profile. That said, it can be a bit overwhelming to navigate due to the sheer volume of results. A quick search for “Freelance Medical Writer” will bring up over 20,000 profiles, covering everything from publication planning and regulatory submissions to medical copywriting – so it can be tough to know where to begin.
👉 How to use it: To make your search easier, use specific keywords that relate to your project. For example, if you're looking for a UK-based writer who can help with a congress abstract, you could search for "freelance medical writer scientific publications" and filter the location to the UK, This will narrow down the results to a more manageable list (and you might even find me in there!).
MedComms Workbook
This directory features around 270 freelancers, all with a strong focus on medical communications (MedComms). Most are based in the UK, although a small number are from Europe or further afield.
👉 How to use it: It's completely free for clients! Simply fill in this form and your request will be shared with everyone in the directory. Since freelancers pay a small annual fee to be listed, the directory tends to attract committed and professional writers.
If you're specifically looking for freelancers with a MedComms focus, this is one of the best resources out there. You can find out more about the MedComms workbook here.
Professional organisations
👉 Both the European Medical Writers Association (EMWA) and American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) offer directories of freelance medical writers. Freelancers pay an annual fee to be members of these organisations and to be listed in their directories.
👉 If you're specifically looking for freelancers who specialise in publication planning and development, a great place to start is the ISMPP (International Society for Medical Publication Professionals) expert directory.
Biome Professionals
👉 This is another directory of professionals in the life sciences industry, including freelance medical writers. Freelancers can create a free profile, but they can also pay a small fee for a premium profile. As well as searching the directory for a suitable writer, clients also have the option to post jobs on the site, which can further help attract freelancers suited to specific projects.
If you have more questions about freelance medical writing, head here: Do you want to be a freelance medical writer? Get the answers to your FAQs
About me
I'm a freelance medical writer specialising in scientific publications and medical affairs. If you're interested in working with me, please take a look at my website where you can learn more about my fees, explore my portfolio and read client testimonials.
If I'm not the perfect fit for your project, take a look at the resources listed above - hopefully, you'll find the ideal writer for your needs.
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