I’m often asked how I ended up as a medical editor, so I thought I’d write a blog post on it! Being a freelance copyeditor is a really rewarding and interesting career. Specialising in a particular niche will not only set you apart from other freelance editors but also opens up more opportunities. Why is narrowing your focus advantageous?
Expertise commands attention: Clients are drawn to specialists who can demonstrate in-depth understanding and knowledge in their own specific field. If you position yourself as an expert in a particular field, you become the go-to professional for clients seeking specialised editing services in their own area of expertise. If a client knows you can speak their language, you will become a more attractive potential freelancer to them than a do-it-all editor.
Confidence in your skillset: Your clients will have more confidence in an editor who specialises in one specific area of expertise, meaning you can offer services and solutions that the client may not have thought of themselves. Thus, you become their trusted partner.
Streamlined marketing: Tailoring your marketing efforts becomes more effective when you know exactly who your target clients are. Your messaging can be refined to speak directly to the needs and concerns of those in your chosen niche.
Building a brand: A focused niche allows you to build a brand around your expertise. Consistently delivering high-quality edits in a specific area helps you establish a strong and recognisable presence in the industry.
How to find your niche
Reflect on your interests and passions: Consider the subjects that genuinely interest you. What topics do you find yourself reading about or exploring in your free time? Your passion for a particular field can be a strong motivator for specialisation. For example, I did my degree in life sciences when I was in my thirties around a full-time job. Studying in the evenings and weekends takes a lot of dedication, and I had to have an interest in the subject in order to do the studying. It was easy for me to then decide on medical editing as my niche because I was already interested in disease and the human body.
Assess your skills: Take inventory of your skills and experiences. What industries or subjects have you worked with in the past? Identify areas where you already possess a strong understanding because this can serve as a foundation for your niche.
Research market demand: Investigate the demand for editing services in various areas. Look for industries or sectors where there’s a consistent need for editorial support, for example by browsing freelance job platforms, networking and researching market trends.
Explore industry publications: Delve into publications, websites and forums related to potential areas. Understanding the language, tone and specific editing needs within a particular area can provide valuable insights into whether it aligns with your skills and interests.
Test the waters: Consider taking on small projects to gain experience in a new niche. This allows you to assess whether you enjoy the work and if there's a demand for your services.
Seek feedback: Once you've narrowed down your niche, seek feedback from clients or colleagues within that industry. Constructive feedback can help you refine your skills and better understand the specific expectations of your target audience.
Understanding the role of a freelance medical copyeditor
A medical editor is an expert who specialises in polishing and refining medical documents to ensure accuracy, clarity and adherence to industry standards. This could include anything from journal articles and research papers to patient education materials and pharmaceutical documentation.
Building a solid foundation: education and skills
To succeed in freelance medical copyediting, a relevant educational background shows your potential clients that you can speak their language. A degree in a subject such as life sciences provides a solid foundation. And qualifications in copyediting and proofreading will show that you are an expert not only in medical language but also in the written word.
A related work background is also useful. I was an in-house copyeditor before I set up my freelance business, so I had a lot of experience behind me. However, that’s not to say that you can’t set up a successful freelance business without this experience.
In addition to formal education, honing your skills is crucial. A keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of medical terminology and proficiency in using editing tools such as Track Changes in Microsoft Word. Familiarise yourself with style guides commonly used in the medical field such as the American Medical Association (AMA) Manual of Style.
Building your portfolio
Build a compelling portfolio that showcases your skills and expertise. Include samples of your previous work, emphasising any experience you have with medical or scientific content. If you’re just starting, consider offering your services to friends or colleagues in the healthcare field to build a portfolio of relevant work.
Networking within the medical community
Building a network within the medical community can open doors to more opportunities. Attend medical conferences, join online forums and connect with professionals in the field. Building relationships with researchers and healthcare professionals can lead to referrals and repeat business.
Staying informed: continuous learning
To stay relevant as a freelance medical copyeditor, it’s essential to commit to continuous learning. Subscribe to reputable medical journals, follow industry news and participate in webinars and workshops. And don’t forget to keeping your editing skills up to date. Organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and the Publishing Training Centre (PTC) offer editing-specific courses, which are highly respected in the industry, and will show that you are a well-qualified editor.
Setting your rates
Research industry standards and consider factors such as your level of experience, the complexity of the material and the time required for editing. As you gain experience and build a reputation, you can adjust your rates accordingly.
Managing your freelance business
Managing a business can be challenging. No one is paying your for the time you spend on admininstration tasks and marketing, and self-discipline is often the single biggest challenge for a freelancer. If you’re to build a successful freelance business then eliminating distractions and interruptions is one of the first – and most important – steps you can take. Set priorities and write out the tasks you need to do each day. Set aside time each week to keep on top of your admin, social media and accounting.
One of the best things about working for yourself is that you are in charge of your working hours. Your business model is down to you. You don’t have to work 9–5 anymore if that doesn’t suit you. Early birds can start work at 6am and be done for 2pm for example.
Marketing your services
Creating a professional website really makes you stand out from other freelancers. Using branding colours, style and theme across your website and your social media gives you an identity and makes your business memorable. Consider having professional photographs taken to really make you stand out. Utilise social media to connect with potential clients and share valuable content related to medical editing: regular posts and sharing interesting content keeps you at the front of potential clients’ minds.
Embracing feedback
Feedback is a valuable tool for growth. Actively seek feedback from clients after completing projects. Use this information to identify areas for improvement and to refine your skills. Positive feedback can also serve as powerful testimonials to attract new clients.
Professional development
As you establish yourself as a freelance medical editor, consider avenues for professional development. This could involve updating your copeyditing and proofreading qualifications, keeping up to date in the medical areas that your clients specialise in, attending workshops, and reading journals and specialist medical websites.
Final thoughts
Freelance medical editing is such a rewarding career, but it does require a unique set of skills and a commitment to continuous improvement. Success in freelancing is not just about editing words: it's about building relationships, staying up to date and constantly evolving. Good luck on your freelance medical copyediting journey!