My first freelance work wasn’t writing—it was proofreading for a local printing business. It didn’t pay much, and I had to physically pick up and drop off the work around my full-time job. But it gave me something more valuable than money: freelance experience.

Six months later, that client referred me to someone who needed a copyeditor for a drug development journal. Again, this wasn’t writing—but I took it. The work was steady, paid well, and introduced me to a field I hadn’t known existed: medical writing.

That opportunity changed everything. Over time, the client asked me to do some writing. And because I understood the content from editing the journal, I was able to turn that experience into more medical writing work—and better clients.

Another early break came through a referral. A colleague from a professional association connected me with a prestigious health system that needed a writer for a physician newsletter. I had no experience writing for clinicians. But the referral built trust—and they hired me anyway.

That project led to more referrals, more experience, and soon, a steady stream of medical writing work.

The takeaway: your first freelance work doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to get you in the game. Small projects, adjacent work, and referrals can all lead to the clients you really want.

If I had turned down the proofreading work because I only wanted writing work, my freelance journey would have been much harder. And I probably would not have become a medical writer.

So if an opportunity could help you build your freelance business in any way, take it. What you learn will be valuable. And each opportunity is likely to lead to other opportunities.

2. Build a Strong, Trusting Network 

Looking back on my freelance career, I can’t believe that the prestigious health system hired me when I had no experience in medical writing.

But as I soon learned, when people know and trust you—or the person who referred you—they’re willing to give you a chance, even if you have little or no experience in the work. Clients want to do business with people they trust. And they’re grateful for referrals to competent, dependable freelancers.

Professional associations are the best way to build a strong, trusting network and to meet people who can give you referrals. Volunteering and giving more than you take when networking are the best ways to get to know clients and colleagues and earn their trust.

Volunteering is easier than traditional networking. When you contribute in a meaningful way, people see your skills, your reliability, and how you approach projects. That kind of experience often speaks louder than most networking conversations.

3. Consider Your Experience Broadly 

You probably have more relevant experience than you think.

Many freelancers assume experience only counts if it matches a client’s needs exactly. But that’s rarely true. In many cases, experience from work, school, or volunteer roles can help prepare you for freelance medical writing or editing.

For example, writing journal articles in medical, nursing, or pharmacy school can be relevant experience for freelance medical writers. Editing a newsletter for a club, nonprofit, or other organization can be relevant experience for freelance editors.

Transferable skills matter too. Any writing or editing you’ve done may help. Other transferable skills include:

• Analyzing information
• Attention to detail
• Collaborating with others
• Conducting research
• Defining needs and requirements
• Managing time well
• Identifying and solving problems
• Interviewing
• Meeting deadlines
• Organizing work
• Suggesting new ideas
• Synthesizing information.

Take time to look closely at your background. You probably already have experience and skills that apply more directly to freelance work than you realize.

4. Expand Your Knowledge and Skills

One of the most practical ways to build experience is to keep learning. Professional associations are a great place to start. They offer both informal and formal learning opportunities, often at a lower cost than universities or for-profit programs. Some options are even free.

Start with informal learning

This includes reading, watching videos, attending webinars, listening to podcasts, and talking with other writers or editors. It’s a good way to build basic knowledge and get familiar with different types of work.

But informal learning has limits. It helps you understand a topic, but it doesn’t usually help you practice or produce work you can show clients.

Add formal learning to build real skills

Formal programs help you go further by giving you hands-on experience. These include:

• Conferences
• Courses, workshops, and tutorials
• Certificate or certification programs
• Membership communities.

Here’s how each can help.

Conferences
Professional conferences let you explore many topics at once while meeting people in the field. For example, the American Medical Writers Association annual conference includes sessions, roundtable discussions, and workshops. Workshops include assignments you can turn into writing samples.

Courses, workshops, and tutorials
These are some of the most practical ways to build skills. Look for programs that include assignments or projects you can use as samples. The American Medical Writers Association offers many workshops, webinars, and tutorials.

Whenever possible, prioritize learning that includes practice.

Certificate and certification programs
These programs go deeper. They help you build skills, complete structured work, and often earn a credential you can share with clients. Examples include:

• American Medical Writers Association Essential Skills Certificate Program
• University of Chicago Medical Writing and Editing Certificate Program
• University of Chicago Editing Certificate Program
• Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) Certification Program

These programs usually require more time and investment, but they can help you stand out.

The key is to choose learning opportunities that help you produce real work. That’s what turns learning into experience—and experience into something you can show clients.

Membership communities

Membership communities usually give you both informal and formal learning. They provide access to networking, resources, and expertise. Being part of membership communities gives you a sense of belonging and helps you deal with challenges and grow your freelance business.

5. Develop Spec Samples 

Spec (or speculative) samples are one of the fastest ways to build experience when you don’t have client work (or enough client work) yet.  A spec sample is a fictional piece that reflects the kind of project you want clients to hire you to work on. It shows clients that you understand the format, audience, and expectations—even if you haven’t done that exact work for a paying client.

Here’s a simple way to create one:

• Review work from a client you’d like to work for
• Study their topics, tone, and structure
• Choose a similar topic
• Create your own sample piece,

For example, if you want to write blog posts for organizations focused on health and disease prevention, you might:

• Read several blog posts on their website
• Pick a topic that fits their audience
• Write your own version in a similar style

When you publish your sample, label it clearly. Add a note at the top such as:
“Sample blog post for a disease-focused health organization.”

If the type of work you want to do is large or complex, create a sample of just one section. For example, a portion of a white paper, a patient education handout, or part of a CME activity.

If you’re an editor, you can take a similar approach:

• Create or find a short piece of writing
• Add realistic errors
• Edit the piece
• Show both versions: before and after

Make sure your edited version is clearly labeled so clients can see your process and the value you add.

Spec samples give you something concrete to share. They help clients see what you can do—and help you practice the kind of work you want to get.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Freelance Writing or Editing Experience

How can I get freelance experience if I have never had a client?

Start with any decent project that gives you relevant work, a sample, or a referral.

What counts as relevant experience for new freelancers?

School assignments, volunteer work, and work from past jobs can all support your freelance business if they match the kind of client work you want.

Should I take work outside the exact niche I want?

Yes, when you’re starting out. Take work that pays fairly, has a reasonable deadline, and helps you build useful experience.

How do I build credibility without a large portfolio?

Spec samples, coursework, and trusted referrals can help fill that gap.

What is the best way to get referrals as a new freelancer?

Build trust through professional associations, especially by volunteering, and building real relationships with colleagues.