The pitching process can be intimidating to the new freelance writer. You are new at this, you know your healthcare professional, but writing is a whole new world.
If you are an established writer, you have come to the right place for the next steps in growing your freelance healthcare writing business.
This article will start with mistakes I see people make when they pitch and how to go from exploring a client to sending pitches, and what to aim for in your pitching game. It's all a process, which writers LOVE.
The Essential Step Pitching Process for Healthcare or Medical Writers
1. Be Confident
I remember as a new writer, I would pitch to clients and say that I was a new writer. They don’t care if you are new, they care if you can write. Start a pitch with a quick into you and why you would be a good fit for their company. Something like:
“Good morning, my name is Sarah, and I am a freelance writer. I love your website because it’s right along the area of healthcare I am passionate about, Labor and Delivery. I have been a labor and delivery nurse for over 15 years, and my vast knowledge in the area can help leverage your content."
See how confident I sound? You want the client to think that they can’t go further without you. I won’t end it there, though.
2. Redo Your Current Pitch
Look at what you have sent previous potential clients. See if you sound like you are new at this. In healthcare, no one wants to hear that someone is a new nurse. The same goes for healthcare writers.
When you look at your pitch, give samples of your current work. If you don’t have any current work, take a look at my post about building a portfolio when you have no experience, to gather samples for your potential client.
3. Catchy Subject
When you write a pitch for a company, know that you are among many fish in the sea. When you create an email with a pitch, make yourself stand out. Think of a subject line like:
- Profession + Writer → Pitches Inside
- Sarah Smith + freelance Writer
- Blog article writer, and profession, Sarah Smith
Think about what makes you unique to your potential client. Add in your pitch email what you love about their website because companies love when the writer has a genuine interest in their brand.
4. Keep Track
Give yourself a monthly goal for pitching. When I started as a writer, I would send 20-40 pitches every couple of weeks to gather clients. I know this sounds like a lot, but it will pay off quickly!
Make a trackable document in Excel or Google Sheets, or a simple piece of paper to follow up with clients. Following up will almost always give you a response if you remain consistent. Follow up with clients because your email may have been looked at and then pushed aside if the editor became busy.
Follow up with potential clients every three weeks or so.
Anyone can follow along and become a freelance writer too. You don't need a degree or expensive certificates already under your belt. Sure, having strong writing skills helps to get started, but you can (and should) continue to improve those as you go along.
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