The medical writing world beckons, and you’re eager to dive in. But what if you’re unsure how to start building a medical writing portfolio from scratch? Don’t worry—this guide will show you how to showcase your skills and land your first health writing job, freelance or employed, even without a traditional medical writing portfolio of published work.

First, what if I told you that you don’t even need a portfolio of published work to get your first freelance health writing job?

Think about it. All your clients want to know is that you have strong medical writing skills. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t been published yet.

Here’s your guide to showcasing your talent and securing that first gig when you’ve never been published.

Step 1: How to create medical writing samples without clients

Remember, no client exists yet, so why not create your own?

Choose a relevant niche you’re drawn to – patient education materials, clinical trial narratives, medical copywriting for devices – and start writing!

Here are some ideas:

• Craft a patient information booklet on a common condition, explaining it in clear, accessible language
• Develop a compelling case study highlighting the benefits of a hypothetical medical device
• Write a health blog post addressing a trending medical topic, showcasing your ability to translate complex information for a lay audience
• Draft a regulatory document in your chosen niche, adhering to the specific format and guidelines

Don’t worry about publishing these just yet.

The goal is to demonstrate your understanding of the medical field, writing skills and ability to cater to specific audiences.

Step 2: Seize every opportunity to build your medical writing portfolio

Never forget that opportunities often arrive in unexpected ways.

Network with healthcare professionals, attend industry events and connect with medical marketing agencies. If someone proposes a writing project, even if it feels slightly outside your comfort zone, consider it a chance to learn and showcase your adaptability.

This could mean writing a blog post for a local clinic, drafting email newsletters for a medical association or even ghostwriting content for a healthcare professional.

Each project adds valuable experience and strengthens your writing skills.

Step 3: Inventing hypothetical clients to enhance your medical writing portfolio

Feeling adventurous? Develop a hypothetical client within your niche. Research real companies and create a typical requirements-gathering brief. Then, write samples tailored to their needs and target audience.

This allows you to demonstrate your ability to research, adapt writing styles and meet specific client requirements.

Remember, transparency is key. Clearly disclose these samples as mock projects when you publish them on your website and show potential clients.

Step 4: Why your medical writing samples don’t need an audience yet

The purpose of these initial samples is not necessarily publication, but demonstration.

Include them in your online portfolio, share them during client consultations or use them as writing prompts during interviews.

Focus on the quality of your writing, clarity of message and adherence to health communication best practices.

Step 5: Showcase your writing skills to attract medical writing clients

Ultimately, clients want to see your writing ability and potential.

While published pieces are ideal, well-crafted, relevant samples, even if unpublished, can speak volumes.

Emphasise your research skills, attention to detail and passion for medical communication.

Showcase your willingness to learn and adapt, demonstrating your potential to become a valuable asset to their team.

Bonus tip

When pitching, highlight transferable skills from other writing experiences.

Explain how your communication skills, research background or ability to handle complex topics translate to the medical writing realm.

Building a medical writing portfolio from scratch is a journey. By following these steps to start medical writing without published samples, you can effectively showcase your talent and attract clients. Embrace the process, believe in your skills and let your passion for medical communication shine.