Freelance Forum

Q--Is there any benefit to referring to yourself as an "independent medical writer/editor" or "medical writing (or editing or communications) company" rather than "freelance"? A--Interesting question, since I refer to myself and my business all 3 ways, depending on the circumstances. For example, when talking informally with other freelance folks or communicating on the AMWA freelance listserve, I refer to myself as a "freelance medical writer." When talking with clients, other than some AMWA members with whom I have worked for many years, I refer to myself as "President of Smith Simon Company, a medical communications (and education if applicable) company, incorporated in Virginia." This distinction lets them know that we are incorporated and that our business is an established, bonafide entity. Finally, in those instances when I am working under contract for an agency or another communications firm and meeting the ultimate client (pharmaceutical company internal staff), I refer to myself (if asked) as an "independent medical writer under contract for this project with XYZ Company." To further confuse the issue, some of us use the term "professional medical writer," which I have also used with clients. While slight variations of meaning occur with each phrase, any one of them can communicate a person's status, depending on the situation. "Independent medical writer/editor" or "medical writing (or editing or communications) company" seems to imply a more professional status than "freelance." (Note: We are no longer referring to ourselves as "freelancers," as many of us did in the 1980s and 1990s.)