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That was...unhelpful.
@resource mgr: copywriters learn new about new products, target audiences and product categories for our projects: THAT'S what we do. Every project requires research. Finding sites/blogs relevant to the target audience, product category, and the product we're writing for. That means onboarding quickly for oncology is the same as for wealth management or deep tech products (and other specialty categories). Copywriters are the bridge between the brand and the target audience (really we create work FOR the target from the brand.). @OP. On second thought, do t take a penny less than $950.
Perspective from my side of the desk:
The expectations of someone at $75/hr is very much different than someone for $118/hr.
Pharma is a different animal. Anyone who says otherwise hasn’t worked in Pharma. I’ve done both. It’s miserable and they don’t pay very well. Avoid if you can. Tough to come back
Double it
Why charge them differently?
OP is a copywriter, based on the question & rate, I take it you’re a Jr level copywriter with no pharma experience.
If offered the gig, charge the same rate and use it as an opportunity to be paid while learning a whole new skill set.
Gain the appropriate skills to command a higher rate.
Don’t position yourself as being more senior by charging a higher rate, you may be setting yourself up for failing to meet expectations
50% upcharge
OP, if you are experienced in "regular" you can do pharma. Don't let anybody tell you it's different. Same skills apply: concepting big ideas+executions...though you have to ask more questions as the writer, "can we say that?" Whenever AEs just throw in claims during the briefing. Make them be super clear about what you have to say and what you need to communicate. Pharma doesn't pay double anymore. The market is saturated. Ask for $850 and see what happens.
@Copywriter 1
I agree, the primary functions of the role are the same, and the pharma nuances can be learned; Given time.
Bringing in a freelance copywriter is usually for a short term need on a specific project.
I need them to start tomorrow at 9:00, brief is at 11:00, here’s some initial reads, it’s an Immuno-Oncology drug.
The learning curve is 2:00hrs
*don't
Hey all.
I’m not a junior. I’m comfortably mid level. Perhaps I’m undercharging for my normal rate, which is a whole other question.
I agree with CW1, though. I’ve known nothing about most products I’ve written for, initially. I’ve had to learn the intricacies of sports I’ve never played or watched, tech companies whose products I’ve never used, and yes, even over the counter medical supplements with specific scientific claims behind them.
Pharma isn’t a huge jump in difficulty. It is a different business environment, though, with different norms for compensation. That’s all I wanted to know about.
@CW2 If you get into the right group pharma can be better than some of the crappier "regular" stuff. I've been non pharma for 23 years. Pharma for six months. If you get the right ECD it's not a bad way to full the gaps.
*fill
@OP let us know what you get.
Thanks all. I’m definitely not looking to switch full time. I’m freelancing right now, though, and it seems like a good time to try everything. Haven’t even started looking at any pharma yet but if I do I’ll let you know what happens.
Everyone says charge more, but in my experience pharma pays less. At a regular agency with a mix of accounts it may pay the same, but "healthcare" agencies pay shit.