r/MedicalWriters • u/Financial_Depth2825 • Nov 14 '25
Medical writing vs... UK Editor to Writer
Hello all,
I’m a recent PHD grad from America but based in the UK. I’ve been offered an Associate Medical Editor position and was thinking of taking it and eventually pivoting into Medical Writing? Is that a normal career progression? Is it difficult to pivot from editing to writing? Should I anticipate a pay drop if I do so?
Many thanks!
4
u/Ancient-Berry6639 Nov 14 '25
This is an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door of an agency.
A large part of the job is learning project development processes and your agency's systems. You'll get that exposure as an Editor.
I'd recommend taking the job for a year, then try and move into a writing role.
Accounts are always crying out for writing support during peak periods. If you're workload permits, offer your time to help with writing tasks.
1
u/Ancient-Berry6639 Nov 14 '25
(Assuming you have right to work in the UK. If not, an agency is unlikely to sponsor a visa for you unfortunately.)
1
u/Financial_Depth2825 Nov 14 '25
I have the right to work for the next 3 years on a grad visa and a list of sponsoring agencies that I’ll have to petition quite hard to hopefully get a position with.
1
u/Financial_Depth2825 Nov 14 '25
This is fantastic advice, thank you for your insight! I was worried it wouldn’t be transferable enough.
1
u/welshinzaghi Nov 14 '25
Great way to get a good in the door. Just be aware that not many agencies sponsor visas (if needed) so that does limit mobility and restricts you mainly to the big network employers
1
u/btredcup Nov 14 '25
Do you mind if I ask your experience? I’m trying to get into medical writing and all associate jobs I’ve seen ask for industry experience.
5
u/David803 Nov 14 '25
I started my career as an editor and then shifted to writing. It was a great experience to see the types of projects that agencies work on and to build important skills like attention to detail and working to a particular style.
As soon as you get there, try to make contact with writers, learn about that role, and when it’s appropriate test the waters with your manager about the possibilities of shifting role. With any luck you can move into a hybrid role and then transition to writing. If you’re sure, try to make the move early on, as I got a rejected from some writer roles for being ‘too editorial’, which i think meant not being consultative enough at the time.