What Does a Health Writer Do?
When I told everyone I was becoming a health writer, I always got the same reaction: first, a smile with a simultaneous “Ah, that’s great!” Given my science degree and years of freelance copywriting, merging the two made total sense to my friends and family.
But this was immediately followed by a question: “But, erm, what does a health writer do?”
Even those with an idea of what writing about health involves didn’t know what it looks like as a career. They didn’t know what health writers do day-to-day, what types of clients we might work for, or just how crucial health communication is.
Whether you’re considering a career in health writing or are simply curious about what a health writer does, here’s a quick overview—and yes, it’s more than just writing!
What is Health Writing?
Health writing is exactly as it sounds: creating written content about health and medical-related topics.
It is also known as medical writing or health communications.
Professionals like myself who create this content are health writers. We also go by other names, such as health communicators and medical writers. These terms all describe the same general overall role, but specific titles are better suited to different content types.
For example, health writers who write about medical research or clinical content intended for doctors and clinicians are often called medical writers. Health writers who produce content for the general public are more commonly called health communicators.
What Do Health Writers Do?
Health writers are professionals who craft clear and accurate content about health.
This content could be intended for the general public, patient populations, medical professionals, researchers, or anyone else involved in the industry.
But while writing about health is our core responsibility, writing is never just writing.
Of all the hours I spend on a health writing project, only around 30% is spent on the actual writing process. The rest of my time is spent on tasks that help improve the outcome, such as:
Researching Content
Health writing must be accurate, as people may base health choices on the information they read. Before I start writing, I research the topic thoroughly to ensure I understand it inside out. This is the only way to guarantee my words are clear and accurate.
Interview Specialists
Sometimes, the best way to discover more about a health topic is to ask an expert, so interviewing is a common task for health writers. Medical journalism also relies on expert interviewing skills to create a credible, newsworthy piece with fun quotes to back up the claims.
Editing and Proofreading
Clarity is crucial in health communications, which is where editing and proofreading are vital. This is where health writers refine their words, ensure their messages are delivered, and cut any unnecessary jargon. If it weren’t for the editing stage, health writing wouldn’t have a polished finish.
Liaising with Clients & Editors
Health writers working for larger medical communications companies will likely not do all the editing themselves—they’ll need to liaise with a medical editor. For freelance health writers like me, our communications are with clients, understanding their business, audience, and objectives.
SEO Optimisation
Health writers may be responsible for optimising online health content for search engines. This involves conducting comprehensive keyword research, reviewing and keeping up-to-date with Google’s latest updates, and applying SEO strategy to their writing.
In addition to these writing-related tasks, freelance health writers spend a lot of their time running their businesses—writing blog posts, finding new clients, pitching for work, posting on social media, and sending invoices. We wear many hats and take on the role of writer, editor, and CEO.
So, while our primary responsibility is writing for the purpose of health communications, our daily work involves much more.
What Topics Do Health Writers Write About?
Health writers can cover any topic related to health.
The health niche is enormous, encompassing everything from general fitness to mental health, treatments for diseases, medical procedures, holistic well-being, and medical research.
In fact, it’s so broad that it can hardly be called a niche.
As such, you’ll find that most health and medical writers have narrowed their focus to areas they are particularly interested in or experienced in. My areas of interest are:
· Mental health and illness
· Neuroscience and brain health
· Gut health and the microbiome
· Sleep and circadian rhythms
· Nutrition and eating disorders
· Sports science and fitness
· Holistic health and wellness
What Health Writing Services Are Available?
Just as the topics within the health umbrella are broad, there are a huge number of available health writing services.
Why? Because health content comes in many formats, depending on the target audience and the message being communicated. For example:
Health clinics or hospitals might need writers to produce patient education materials that inform patients about treatment options.
Fitness brands might need a medical copywriter to create social media posts and email marketing campaigns to sell their products or services.
Medical or scientific researchers might need help writing grant applications to help them secure funding for their latest project.
Medical information websites like Healthline might need bloggers to write credible articles that provide accessible health information to readers.
Pharmaceutical companies might need health writers to create educational materials that teach doctors about their latest drugs.
Essentially, there’s a massive variety of health writing services, from copywriting to regulatory writing and medical journalism. Some health writers will offer the lot, whereas others work with a few specific types of content.
You can find a complete list of my health writing services here.
What Clients Do Health Writers Have?
When it comes to health writing, anyone who wants health content could be a potential client.
I’ve already mentioned some of the clients that health writers may work with: health clinics or hospitals, fitness brands, medical or scientific researchers, medical information websites, and pharmaceutical companies.
Some of my clients include a testosterone replacement therapy clinic, a neurologist specialising in transcranial magnetic stimulation, a sports performance coach, and even health and fitness influencers.
And perhaps next, you?
If you’re looking for an expert health writer, get in touch. I’d love to discuss how we can work together.
