Question:  Do you work onsite or offsite? 

I work onsite or offsite (or a combination of both) for clients in Manhattan and New Jersey.  I can work offsite with any client remotely, no matter where they are located.  I’ve effectively done so with many clients across the country, as well as internationally.  I’ve even successfully worked remotely on extremely intense and demanding assignments, such as product launches.

While it’s sometimes necessary to have someone onsite, hiring me to work remotely can be an efficient, cost-saving option since you only pay for the time spent on a project, not for time in the office. So, if you only need  part-time help, or you don’t want to pay a freelancer while waiting for client feedback, then this may be your best choice.  I can even attend meetings remotely via conference call, speaker phone, or GotoMeeting (or other videoconferencing software).

Question:  What are your rates?

I can arrange a fee on an hourly, project, or contract basis.  Although I’m highly experienced and can charge more, I set my rates around the current market average to keep them competitive.  Right now, the average hourly market rate for freelance pharma copywriters is about $85 an hour.  Under certain circumstances, I may be willing to accept a lower rate (discounted as much as 25%), or may need to quote a higher fee. I will also sometimes accept a flat fee for a project, if the amount is fair.

So, if your budget can accommodate the fees that I’ve described, contact me with the project details and I’ll quote an exact hourly rate or work with you to negotiate a fair flat fee or contract.

Question:  What are your payment terms? 

I accept payment either on a W-2 or 1099.  Clients usually pay me bi-weekly when I’m working on a W-2. When I’m paid an hourly rate on a 1099,  I bill either weekly or monthly, with the invoiced payment due “net 30 days.”

When working for a flat fee or with small, new clients, I require a deposit up front, equivalent to either one third or one half of the estimated or agreed upon flat rate for the project.  The remaining portions of the balance due are due upon submission of the first draft, and/or upon project completion.

Question:  Do you write materials for health care professionals or consumers? 

I‘ve written a broad range of digital, print, and interactive materials for physicians (DTP), other health professionals (DHP), and consumers (DTC), as well as pharma sales representatives and marketing personnel.  I’ve also written materials for other end users, such as research scientists.

A list of the types of materials that I’ve written for these audiences can be found on the media page of this website.  Or, if you would like to view my portfolio, contact me for the password.

Question:  How comfortable are you with “high science”?

T he answer is that I am extremely comfortable with high science.  I  have worked extensively in scientifically complex therapy areas, such as oncology.  I am also the sole author of journal articles on highly advanced medical technologies, such as pharmacogenomics and nanomedicine, which are the basis for future generations of pharmaceuticals.

Unlike most pharmaceutical copywriters, I hold prestigious professional and academic credentials in BOTH science (BA in biochemistry) and writing (MS in journalism), as well as credentials in various digital media (see resume). That said,  I’ve also worked on accounts for OTC and Rx pharma products that are so scientifically basic, that they are marketed like cosmetic products (e.g., moisturizers, dermal fillers).