If you're looking to engage medical writing support, one of the first questions on your mind is likely, “How much will it cost?”
There's no denying that medical writers can be expensive, particularly if you're working with a large medical communications agency.
Alternatively, you could choose to work with a freelancer medical writer or microagency. They will always be more cost-effective and flexible on pricing, but what’s a reasonable rate to pay?
Surveys such as the WE3 salary survey and EMWA freelance business survey offer insights into freelancer rates, though the ranges can be quite broad.
Another important decision is determining whether to pay by the hour, by the word or opt for a fixed-price arrangement for your medical writing project.
Hourly rates
Most freelance medical writers charge by the hour or day, but rates can vary enormously depending on the writer’s experience and skill level. Highly sought-after experienced medical writers will naturally charge more, while those new to the field or less in demand may offer lower rates.
Paying by the hour might seem simple, but it’s not always the most transparent option if you're unsure how long the work will take.
Experienced writers will typically charge a much higher rate than junior writers. But they will likely complete tasks much more quickly and will deliver a better first draft, reducing the time spent on revisions.
As a result, it's difficult to directly compare hourly rates between different writers and it can sometimes be a false economy to opt for a less experienced writer on the basis of a lower hourly rate. I'd also avoid writers offering rock-bottom prices, as they are likely to be producing work of very low quality or that is AI-generated.
Paying by the word
For some tasks, particularly medical editing or proofreading, paying by the word can be an option. Some editors prefer this model for its simplicity. However, for tasks such as scientific writing, slide development, or meeting support, paying by the word is often impractical due to the number of variables involved.
Fixed-price projects
Another option is working on a fixed-price basis, which many freelancers (myself included) offer.
This provides you with a set price for the entire project from start to finish, giving you certainty on costs from the outset and avoiding unexpected fees if the project takes longer than anticipated. It also allows you to assess immediately whether the cost fits your budget.
From the freelancer's perspective, fixed pricing carries some risk, as it depends on their ability to accurately estimate the time required to complete a project upfront, It also requires time to prepare detailed quotes and they will need to monitor the project scope closely to ensure everything stays within the original agreement.
Transparency in pricing
Medical writing rates are often hard to find as many agencies and freelancers avoid disclosing fees publicly. This is usually to avoid deterring potential clients before they have a chance to understand the value offered. Additionally, rates can vary significantly depending on the complexity and scope of a project.
However, I’m not convinced that this is the right approach.
Personally, I prefer knowing an approximate price before initiating contact when purchasing a service, and I think this approach is equally relevant for medical writing services. In my experience, it’s often possible to provide a rough estimate that can be fine-tuned once more details are available.
So, how much do I charge?
My price list can be found here and I've included some ballpark figures for the types of projects that I typically work on. For example, full support with a manuscript is likely to cost around £8000 for an original research article. However, if you already have a draft and just need some help with editing and formatting, then I charge between £75 and £125 per 1000 words, depending on the level of work required.
Get in touch
If you're interested in working with me for your next medical writing project, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm more than happy to discuss your requirements and provide you with a detailed quote for your project.
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