If you're looking to engage medical writing support, you're probably wondering “How much is this going to cost?”
There's no denying that medical writers can be expensive, particularly if you're working with a large medical communications agency.
But there's another option – freelancer medical writers or microagencies.
They're often more affordable and flexible when it comes to pricing, but what’s a reasonable rate to pay?
Surveys like the WE3 salary survey and EMWA freelance business survey can give you an idea of freelancer rates, though the ranges can be quite broad.
Another important question is how you want to pay: by the hour, by the word or through a fixed-price arrangement for your 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 clearest option if you're not sure how long the work will take.
Experienced writers typically charge higher rates than junior writers, but can complete tasks faster and deliver a better first draft, which can save you time on revisions. As a result, it's difficult to directly compare hourly rates between different writers and it can be a false economy to opt for a less experienced writer on the basis of a lower hourly rate.
And be cautious of writers offering rock-bottom prices – they will likely deliver low quality work or even AI-generated content.
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, it's not always practical for tasks like scientific writing, slide development or meeting support due to the many variables involved.
Fixed-price projects
Another option is working on a fixed-price basis, which many freelancers (myself included) offer.
This gives you a set price for the entire project from start to finish, so you'll know exactly what you'll pay from the outset. It also means no surprises if the project takes longer than expected and allows you to quickly determine whether the cost fits your budget.
From the freelancer's side, 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
It can be hard to find clear pricing for medical writing services, as many agencies and freelancers avoid listing fees publicly. This is usually to avoid scaring off potential clients before they've had a chance to understand the value they offer. 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 reaching out for a service, and I think that this is true for medical writing services, too. In my experience, it’s often possible to provide a rough estimate that can be fine-tuned once more details are available.
How much do I charge?
My price list can be found here and I've included some ballpark figures for typical projects.
For example, full support with a manuscript is likely to cost around £9000 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 needed.
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
Get in touch
If you're interested in working with me on your next medical writing project, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
I'd be happy to chat about your requirements and provide you with a detailed quote for your project.
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