How to Become a Freelance/Telecommute Health Writer and Start Writing for Clients
Truly, health can be wealth if you learn to become a freelance health writer. A specialized field of endeavor, there's comparatively less competition in the niche of medicine, health, and fitness. And although everyone tries to fit into the niche, not everyone has the training or experience to deliver the level of expertise that's necessary. Thus, most articles fall within the word count but some fall short on content.
On being a freelance writer
If you want to be a content writer who freelances on health-related articles, then be prepared for some amount of technical writing. This allows you to translate medical jargon into concepts which are easier to understand.
Still, to facilitate this translation, you've got to have a basic background on anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Education-wise, these sciences can be learned through short-term courses or intensive research sessions online.
However, if it's purely for article submission and blog posting, most health and fitness articles are based on plans and programs which apply to both diet and exercise. If you have some basic knowledge as a fitness buff and if you've gained some hands-on experience from working out in the gym, then you can get away with a fairly good account on what keeps an individual strong, healthy, and fit.
The specialty and its challenges
You'll never be at a loss for jobs since there many outfits which hire writers for this specialty. Since we live in a health-conscious world, everyone's anxious to lose weight, burn fat, and build muscle. Thus, health and fitness websites would be one of your first clients.
Also, there are hospitals, clinics, universities, and pharmaceutical companies which outsource the work to freelance health writers. You'd have a clear advantage if you've earned a medical degree or studied an allied health course.
In contrast, you'd be at a disadvantage if you have no laboratory or pharmaceutical knowledge whatsoever. You'd have to work harder at being accurate in medical terminology, medications, drugs, and diseases.
Once you hurdle these challenges, the reward's twice as nice since you're paid at least $10 for every expertly-written, self-edited article.
On becoming good at what you do
Step 1: Build your portfolio.
One of your foremost credentials would be the fact that you've written medical reports and health articles before. Therefore, organize all related works into a portfolio which best exemplifies your abilities and skills.
Take note, however, that you're to exclude all medical writings which are covered by the confidentiality clause or by a copyright agreement. As a matter of professional ethics, these documents should be kept private. Not to be taken lightly, you'd be held liable and in breach of contract if you release any of this information without the owner's permission.
Step 2: Use medical libraries as a resource.
If you have the time, access whatever free information you'll find in your local or university library. Under the medical section, study how medical reports and journals are written.
If you're resourceful enough, there are medical libraries available in CD or DVD form. These are your virtual e-learning courses for a brief background on common signs, symptoms, diseases, and treatments. They include anything from traditional, scientific medicine to the more alternative, homeopathic approach.
Step 3: Rely only on credible sites.
Last but not least, you might as well gather information from tried-and-tested medical sites such as Mayo Clinic and WebMD. Also rely on websites which end in .edu, .org, or .net. As legit academic resources, their information is screened, edited, and updated on a regular basis.
(C) WritingBids.com
On being a freelance writer
If you want to be a content writer who freelances on health-related articles, then be prepared for some amount of technical writing. This allows you to translate medical jargon into concepts which are easier to understand.
Still, to facilitate this translation, you've got to have a basic background on anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Education-wise, these sciences can be learned through short-term courses or intensive research sessions online.
However, if it's purely for article submission and blog posting, most health and fitness articles are based on plans and programs which apply to both diet and exercise. If you have some basic knowledge as a fitness buff and if you've gained some hands-on experience from working out in the gym, then you can get away with a fairly good account on what keeps an individual strong, healthy, and fit.
The specialty and its challenges
You'll never be at a loss for jobs since there many outfits which hire writers for this specialty. Since we live in a health-conscious world, everyone's anxious to lose weight, burn fat, and build muscle. Thus, health and fitness websites would be one of your first clients.
Also, there are hospitals, clinics, universities, and pharmaceutical companies which outsource the work to freelance health writers. You'd have a clear advantage if you've earned a medical degree or studied an allied health course.
In contrast, you'd be at a disadvantage if you have no laboratory or pharmaceutical knowledge whatsoever. You'd have to work harder at being accurate in medical terminology, medications, drugs, and diseases.
Once you hurdle these challenges, the reward's twice as nice since you're paid at least $10 for every expertly-written, self-edited article.
On becoming good at what you do
Step 1: Build your portfolio.
One of your foremost credentials would be the fact that you've written medical reports and health articles before. Therefore, organize all related works into a portfolio which best exemplifies your abilities and skills.
Take note, however, that you're to exclude all medical writings which are covered by the confidentiality clause or by a copyright agreement. As a matter of professional ethics, these documents should be kept private. Not to be taken lightly, you'd be held liable and in breach of contract if you release any of this information without the owner's permission.
Step 2: Use medical libraries as a resource.
If you have the time, access whatever free information you'll find in your local or university library. Under the medical section, study how medical reports and journals are written.
If you're resourceful enough, there are medical libraries available in CD or DVD form. These are your virtual e-learning courses for a brief background on common signs, symptoms, diseases, and treatments. They include anything from traditional, scientific medicine to the more alternative, homeopathic approach.
Step 3: Rely only on credible sites.
Last but not least, you might as well gather information from tried-and-tested medical sites such as Mayo Clinic and WebMD. Also rely on websites which end in .edu, .org, or .net. As legit academic resources, their information is screened, edited, and updated on a regular basis.
(C) WritingBids.com