Standalone Course: Freelancing in Medical Writing and Editing

Learn what freelancing is really like and what experience, skills, and personal qualities you need to succeed as a freelance writer or editor. We’ll cover the keys to freelance success, help you discover what success means to you, and describe how to avoid common mistakes when starting a freelance business. Learn about freelance writing and editing opportunities, the benefits of specializing, and how to choose your specialty when starting out.

At the end of module one, you will know:

• What will be covered in this course.
• How freelance work is different from working for an employer, and if you are suited for it or want to pursue it.
• The experience, skills, and personal characteristics that are most helpful in starting a freelance business.
• What being a successful freelancer looks like for you.
• Types of work available for freelance medical writers, editors, and general editors, and where to learn more about specialties.
• How to create a personal business vision.

Learn the essentials of setting up a freelance business. No business experience? No problem! We cover the basics and tell you where to find more information if you need it, so you can set up a business that looks and feels professional from the start. Learning what's involved in setting up a small business will also help you make an informed decision about whether, and maybe when, to start freelancing.

At the end of module two, you will know how to:

• Calculate what you need to earn and set earnings goals for yourself.
• Set up your billing, banking, and bookkeeping systems.
• Find resources for what to charge.

Running a business from day to day can be nerve-wracking if you’re not prepared. This module helps you understand the basics of saving for and paying taxes, understanding and funding contract resources, choosing a business structure that works for you, and understanding retirement options.

At the end of module three, you will know how to:

• Understand the big picture on taxes.
• Find contract templates or develop your own.
• Choose a business structure (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, S Corporation, partnership).
• Understand retirement savings options and make rough calculations for retirement savings.

Freelancing is a career choice, and you will need a space to work and systems in place to maximize your productivity. This module helps you design an office that allows you to be your most productive, maintain a realistic schedule and workload, and understand the value of essential operations tasks. We’ll also discuss activities that support your business, including vacations, sick leave, networking, and professional development.

At the end of module four, you will know how to:

• Choose and set up your physical office space.
• Create your freelance schedule with efficiency in mind.
• Develop time management strategies, including time off.
• Explore project management for optimal productivity.

Do you dread the idea of marketing or wonder how you’ll ever do it? Marketing your services is essential to building a freelance business, and here you will learn the methods that works best for freelancers. Learn how to attract clients by focusing on their needs and how you can meet them. In this module, you’ll start developing your marketing foundation and key tools to use in your new business.

At the end of module five, you will know how to:

• Choose your starting specialty.
• Develop a brand statement.
• Use client-focused marketing.
• Understand job boards.
• Understand networking, targeted email, and ongoing marketing.
• Get your first clients.

Did you know that steady work and word of mouth marketing from satisfied clients are the easiest ways to build your freelance business? Most clients are looking for freelancers they can trust and work with regularly, and those relationships can form the basis for your future business. Satisfied clients are likely to give you steady work and to refer you to other clients. Learn how to build trusting relationships with great clients—and how to identify and avoid or even fire bad clients.

At the end of module six, you will know:

• Evaluate prospective clients before working with them.
• Turn new clients into steady clients.
• Deal with difficult clients and when necessary, fire them.

This module helps you put everything you’ve learned together in a simple business and marketing plan for the next twelve months. We’ll also cover an easy-to-follow process to achieve your goals, as well as how to develop the freelance success mindset. We'll also discuss the changes you can expect after about the first two years, where freelancing fits in your long-term career goals, and how to continue building your business. We’ll help you be strategic and plan to take your business where you want it to go. Last, we will review what you have learned so far.

At the end of module seven, you will know:

• Are you ready to freelance?
• Structuring your success: one, three, and five-year goals.
• Analyzing your year: quarterly and year-end reviews.
• How your freelance business and marketing can evolve.

The University of Chicago has a clear refund policy for non-credit courses. View the withdrawal and cancellation policy for more details.

Current members of certain professional associations are eligible for a 10 percent tuition reduction. Please check the list of eligible organizations below. If you are a member of an organization listed, please contact medicalediting@uchicago.edu for more information.

If you have already completed a certificate program at UChicago Professional, you are eligible to receive our 20 percent Alumni Scholarship toward this standalone course.

For more information on the Alumni Scholarship program and eligibility requirements, please email the director of professional development programs, Karine Bravais.