The 4-1-1: When and How to Pitch Professional Pubs, One Editor’s Advice, and the Lowdown on Dictionaries

Here’s this week’s 4-1-1:

4-QUICK ITEMS/ACTIONABLE TIPS FROM ME:

1.     When is the best time to pitch a medical publishing market? I know you might want to start contacting new-to-you medical publishing outlets right away, but it is important to first familiarize yourself with the specifics of the publications you will be targeting.

2.     Consider what experience you have. If you don’t have prior health writing clips, your experience can be personal such as with a health condition of your own or a close family member. For example, if you have psoriasis or eczema (or even acne), you already have a base knowledge of that skin condition so introducing yourself to a dermatology publication might make sense for you. Or if you are a diabetic, an endocrinology pub might be a good fit. Reflect on your life and consider the possibilities.

3.     Closely read (“study”) the publications or websites in this field. Look at what types of articles they include; notice the tone, words, and sentence structure; how they refer to physicians and allied health professionals; and if they use freelancers or physician writers only. (Many will use some no-MD writers)

4.     How should I pitch? Many editors are looking for good, reliable journalists who can learn about their specialty. Detail oriented, accurate, and dependable freelance medical writers are needed. Once you have familiarized yourself with the professional publication, lookup the editor or managing editor’s email address (NOT the Chief Medical Editor) and then craft a brief (no more than 1 page) email about your relevant experience, if any, and your general writing background. Ask if they use freelance writers and tell them you’re your interest in writing for them. Include a few samples or links to your writing. If you have no health or medical writing samples, send an article you have written that showcases your best work in another field.  Hit send and then follow up in a week or two. While you are waiting to follow up continue researching and contacting other outlets.

1-INPUT FROM AN EDITOR

“Medical writing is a growing area and there is always going to be a need for medical writers (whether they are writing for a physician audience or if they are prepping materials for a lay audience,” says Jules Gould, managing editor at Formedics, the parent company of Physician’s Weekly, a source of information and perspectives on medical news for both healthcare professionals and patients. 

“Ideally, we like to look for freelance writers and editors who have healthcare experience. This just helps with the onboarding process and if they have a “rolodex” of doctors available, it helps get the content right off the ground,” she explains.

But don’t worry if you don’t have previous healthcare writing experience.

Gould says: “Everything we do can be learned. If we have someone who is not directly involved with healthcare content and writing, I work with them to learn the content and style. We work month over month to improve their style and align it with our house style.”

Writers should always read their published work and see what changes were made by the editor and then incorporate these types of changes into upcoming pieces. This is the way to learn to be a go-to freelance writer for the specific publication.

While writers have time to learn, progress based on direct feedback should be seen and if the writer is having a hard time adjusting to the style, it might not be the best fit for them, Gould adds.

1-RESOURCE RECOMMENDATION FOR YOU
Once you start perusing medical publications and websites, you will start seeing words that you don’t know, words you have heard of but don’t understand, and those you can’t remember how to spell. That’s where medical resource dictionaries come into play.

A print medical dictionary on an online one, such as Stedman’s Online Medical Dictionary or Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary Online, are essential. (You don’t want to rely on a general internet search or Wikipedia, which might have inaccurate info.)

Dictionaries for a particular specialty are also helpful. For example, when I started ophthalmology writing I used a Dictionary of Eye Terminology (now in its 7^th edition), which I still have and refer to on occasion. Association websites in a particular specialty, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology or the American Academy of Dermatology, are also helpful for definitions and easy-to-understand explanations.

Happy researching!

Until next time,

Lisa

ps. Send questions or comments to me by replying to this email newsletter and please share this with a writer you know who wants to learn more about medical publishing.