What to Expect as a Beginner Freelance Writer in 2025

ai business clients niche pitching

By Elizabeth Hanes BSN RN
Freelance health journalist and founder of RN2writer

Elizabeth is a nurse turned six-figure freelance writer. Her work has appeared in WebMD, Verywell Health, Cardinal Health, and many other major healthcare brands and publications. She now helps nurses transition to freelance writing through RN2writer - an accredited provider of Continuing Nursing Education.

Welcome back to our May series: Behind the Curtain of Freelance Writing. If you're just beginning your freelance health writing journey in 2025, you're probably curious (and maybe a little nervous!) about what to expect.

Let’s pull back the curtain on the freelance landscape this year and give you the lay of the land—so you can feel confident stepping into this exciting world.

Expectation #1: AI Isn’t Taking All the Jobs

First up: artificial intelligence. Yes, it’s everywhere. But AI isn’t replacing human health writers anytime soon.

Clients still need critical thinking, clinical knowledge, and human empathy in their content—especially when communicating with patients. If you can combine your healthcare background with storytelling and accurate writing, you’re offering something AI simply can’t replicate.

To learn more, check out our recent post on AI-Proofing Your Writing Business.

Expectation #2: Niching Is Key

In 2025, generic writers are struggling, but niche writers are thriving. Healthcare writing is one of the most in-demand and profitable niches you can enter.

Clients want writers who understand:

Clinical terminology

Patient perspectives

Health policy

Tech innovations like wearables and EHRs

If you're a nurse or health professional, you already have a niche! Use it to your advantage.

Expectation #3: Clients Value Reliability Over Perfection

When you’re new, you might worry your writing isn’t good enough. Here’s the truth: most clients would rather have a B+ draft delivered on time than an A+ draft that arrives two weeks late.

Show up, meet deadlines, and respond to emails. That alone will put you ahead of 90% of new freelancers.

Expectation #4: Cold Pitching Still Works

Many new writers assume the only way to get work is through job boards. But cold pitching—sending a short email to introduce yourself to potential clients—still works beautifully in 2025.

It’s even more effective if you tailor your message to each company and demonstrate how your background aligns with their content needs.

Need help getting started? Our ebook walks you through the process.

Expectation #5: Freelancing Is a Real Business

You might be freelancing for flexibility, freedom, or financial stability. All valid. But to succeed, you’ll need to treat your writing like a business.

That means:

Setting clear work hours

Keeping track of invoices

Continuing to build your skills

Saying "no" to clients who don’t respect your time or expertise

RN2writer offers plenty of support and training to help you think like a business owner from Day 1.

Expectation #6: You’ll Learn On the Job

No one starts out knowing everything. Every freelance writer you admire once had no clips, no clients, and no clue how to invoice.

You will learn:

How to write different content types

How to communicate with clients

What red flags to watch out for

How to manage your schedule and energy

We all start as beginners. The key is to keep going.

Expectation #7: Building Momentum Takes Time

In 2025, it might take 2 to 6 months to land your first client. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

Use this time to:

Build a simple portfolio

Create a LinkedIn profile

Research outlets to pitch

Join a supportive writing community

Your consistency will pay off.

Expectation #8: There’s Room for You

The world needs more health writers who are compassionate, accurate, and clear. There is plenty of room for you, even if you’re starting from scratch.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up and offer your voice.

Ready to Begin?

Grab your copy of our low-cost ebook, Design Your Dream Career as a Nurse Writer, to get step-by-step guidance on how to launch your freelance writing business—even if you don’t have experience yet.

You’ll learn how to: