Struggling with your research paper? 10 ways a freelance medical writer can help

Writing a research paper isn't easy.

As well as trying to clearly explain your findings and developing tables and figures that add value, you'll need to navigate complex journal guidelines. On top of that, you'll need to ensure that the language used is precise and accessible to your audience.

These challenges can be even more daunting if English isn’t your first language or if you're trying to balance research with clinical or academic responsibilities.

This is where a freelance medical writer can make a significant difference. We are experts in scientific communication who can support researchers in overcoming these obstacles. By partnering with a professional writer, you can improve the quality of your manuscript while retaining full ownership of the intellectual content.

Understanding the role of a freelance medical writer

A medical writer specialises in writing, editing and refining medical and scientific documents, including original research papers and review articles.

Their goal is to help you effectively communicate your findings while adhering to journal and ethical standards.

However, they are not usually authors and it’s crucial to distinguish their role from that of an author.

As per ICMJE guidelines, the author retains full intellectual ownership of the study, while the writer provides technical and editorial support to present your work in the best possible light. This ensures the collaboration is ethical and transparent, with proper acknowledgement of contributions.

10 key ways a medical writer can support your research paper

Here are some specific ways a freelance medical writer can be of assistance during the development of your manuscript:

1. Strengthening your writing

A well-written manuscript is key to getting published. Medical writers can polish grammar, syntax and sentence structure to improve readability. They can also ensure that complex scientific concepts are presented in a clear and accessible way, ensuring that your work can be understood by a broad audience.

If you're suffering from writer's block or don't have time to get started, a medical writer can develop an initial outline or first draft. They can make a proposal for the structure and content of the article and can make suggestions for which tables and figures to include.

2. Providing substantive feedback

Most medical writers have a strong scientific background, with many having a PhD and some with postdoctoral experience. Many have authored their own papers and may even have worked as journal reviewers during their academic careers. They can provide valuable insights on clarity, logical flow and scientific rigour, suggesting ways to enhance your manuscript without altering the integrity of your work. When you're too close to your work, it's easy to lose perspective. A fresh pair of eyes can pick up on points that may not be clear to someone not intimately involved in the project.

3. Developing figures and tables

Clear, well-structured tables and figures are crucial for effectively conveying your results. Medical writers can assist in designing visually appealing, informative figures and tables that align with journal guidelines. They ensure your data are presented logically, improving comprehension and impact.

4. Data and fact checking 

Accuracy is paramount in scientific writing. Medical writers can cross-check numerical data, references, and statistical results to ensure consistency throughout the manuscript. A good medical writer will also query any points that seem illogical or lacking biological plausibility, often identifying errors in the source document this way. If you've used AI to prepare the first draft, getting a medical writer to check for accuracy (particularly referencing) will be vital.

5. Journal formatting

Writers are well-versed in journal-specific guidelines and can ensure your manuscript meets requirements for formatting, referencing styles and word counts. They can also assist with preparing disclosures, acknowledgements, and other required statements, ensuring that submission requirements can be met without delay.

6. A final polish

If you already have a complete manuscript, you may just want it checking for errors and inconsistencies. It's very difficult to proofread your own work as most people read what they expect to be there rather than what is actually on the page. A medical writer or medical editor can proofread your manuscript and correct typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies in language and formatting. Ironing out these errors will ensure that journal editors and reviewers have a more positive opinion of your article right from the start.

7. Submitting your manuscript 

Journal submission sites can be challenging even for those of us who deal with them on a regular basis. Writers can advise on file preparation and guide you through the process to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a smoother submission.

8. Addressing reviewer comments

Addressing reviewer comments is an essential part of the revision process. Freelance medical writers can help you navigate reviewer feedback, ensuring that you meet their expectations while preserving the core of your research.

9. Checking page proofs

Once your paper is accepted, freelance medical writers can review the final page proofs to ensure that no errors have been introduced during the publishing process. This final review ensures that your article is error-free before being officially published.

10. Developing publication extenders 

Journals are increasingly offering options to extend the reach of your article. Medical writers can help create plain language summaries, graphical abstracts, or even author videos, tailoring these materials to attract a wider audience.

Addressing ethical concerns

Ethical considerations are central to any collaboration with a freelance medical writer.

There are a lot of cowboys out there, from paper mills to medical writers willing to work as ghostwriters. However, a professional writer or editor will follow ICMJE guidelines and Good Publication Practice (GPP).

The ICMJE guidelines ensure that the researcher retains full authorship by contributing to study design, data analysis, and interpretation. Medical writers, in turn, provide technical support without influencing the intellectual content of the manuscript.

Transparency is key. Contributions from medical writers should be acknowledged in the manuscript to avoid any perception of ghost writing.

This approach ensures ethical integrity and builds trust with journal editors and reviewers.

Finding the right freelance medical writer

There are tens of thousands of people online who claim to be a medical writer. Unfortunately, many of these will be underqualified, inexperienced and/or likely to be reliant on tools like ChatGPT, without the expertise needed to properly support your work.

However, there are plenty of freelance medical writers out there who are offering a professional service. But how do you find them?

Here are some good signs to look for:

• Relevant experience. Whilst employment at a senior level in a medical communications agency is not essential, it is a strong indicator that these writers have significant practical experience. The fact that they have been promoted should also reassure you that they are actually good at their job.

• Strong academic background. These writers will have authored their own articles, may have been a journal reviewer and will have personal experience of the scientific publications industry.

• Strong portfolio. Look for a writer with a long list of the publications they have authored or been acknowledged on.

• Client testimonials. Good reviews from happy clients are a great sign that the writer knows what they are doing.

• Signs of a legitimate business. A professional website and email address, an up-to-date LinkedIn profile with photograph, and appropriate business protections, such as professional indemnity insurance, all point to someone serious about their work.

• Realistic rates. If someone offers to write a manuscript from start to finish for $50, give them a wide berth. In the UK, a realistic cost for manuscript support will be around £10,000 for a freelancer and £20,000+ for an agency medical writer.

• Excellent English language skills. A professional medical writer's command of English should be clear in all their communication, including website, emails and social media posts.

Conclusion

Clear and ethical scientific writing is essential for advancing your research and achieving publication success. Freelance medical writers bring expertise in language, formatting, and adherence to journal and ethical standards, helping you to navigate the complexities of manuscript preparation. By collaborating with a skilled writer, you can refine your research paper while maintaining full ownership and integrity of your work.

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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 to learn more about my fees, explore my portfolio and read my client testimonials.

When I'm not writing about science and medicine, I am bringing up two children, fostering cats and attempting to play the piano.