When you tell people you’re a freelance dental writer, aside from the odd scratch of the head and confused look, those who do get it will probably imagine a life of flexible hours, endless creativity, and the freedom to work from anywhere. I won’t lie, those perks exist. But the real story? Running a freelance business is hard work – One that involves a lot more than just writing.
Take this week as an example. I found myself chasing overdue invoices, drafting an email to tackle scope creep with a longtime client, mentoring a new dental writer on pricing, launching the brand-new Dental Writers Club Resource Centre, engaging on LinkedIn, and speaking to a potential client about website content. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
If you’re dreaming of this freelance life, or if you’re already living it and wondering how to keep all of your plates spinning, I hope this honest look behind the scenes helps. Here’s what it really means to juggle the hats of a freelance dental writer and why embracing them might be the secret to thriving in this business.
The Writer: The Heart of It All
Let’s start with the obvious: writing is why we started, right? Crafting clear, trustworthy dental content that educates patients and supports dental professionals is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s blog posts, website copy, or product descriptions, this is the work that gives me a sense of purpose and a great deal of satisfaction, and one that puts food on my table and keeps a roof over my head.
But here’s the thing… client-focused writing is only the tip of the iceberg. It’s only 20-30% of what I do in my day-to-day business. Here’s what other roles you can expect to be carrying out.
The Administrator:Chasing Invoices (And getting comfortable with doing it)
In an ideal world, every client you have pays on time, every time. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world, and while some clients do, others don’t. Chasing up overdue payments is something I spend quite a bit of time doing, and I’ve eventually learned to get comfortable with it.
Just this week, for example, I had to send two polite reminders to clients with overdue payments. It’s uncomfortable, but absolutely necessary. I’ve found that being professional but direct helps keep relationships intact and cash flow steady.
Tip: Keep a template email ready for invoice reminders. Something like:
“Hi [client name], just following up on invoice #[number] due [date]. Please let me know if you need anything from me to process payment. Thanks!”
Or, if I’m really in a hurry, I’ll say something like..
“Hi (client name)
I’m just floating this email to the top of your inbox once again for your attention. Thanks”
It can feel awkward at first, but trust me, once you’ve done it a few times, and you will, it becomes second nature!
The Account Manager: Setting Boundaries Around Scope Creep
If you’ve ever done freelance work, you know scope creep can sneak in slowly, turning what was supposed to be a 500-word blog post into a full website rewrite.
Just this week, I had to address this very problem. I won’t go into too many details out of respect for my client, but here’s a snippet of what I wrote to them in an email.
“Hi (client name), we’re starting to move beyond the original scope of our agreement, with new content ideas and strategic discussions coming into play. If you’d like ongoing access to my input, whether for future pages, campaign ideas, or general messaging support, it might be worth exploring a retainer-style arrangement. That way, you’ll have flexible access to my expertise as and when you need it.”
While it can be a difficult conversation to have, it protects your boundaries and time, but most importantly, it prevents burnout. And like anything in life, it gets easier with practice.
The Marketeer: Showing Up Consistently
If you know anything about me, you’ll know I’m not a great marketeer and in all honesty, I have a love/hate relationship with social media. That said, one key thing I have learned over the years is that marketing isn’t just about flashy ads or chasing clients constantly. It’s about showing up regularly, telling your story, and building quality relationships.
So, this week, I posted updates and insights on LinkedIn, replied to DMs, and from that, had a discovery chat with a potential new client interested in website content.
Here’s my marketing mantra for what it’s worth:
Consistency beats intensity.
Scheduling just two LinkedIn posts a week, responding thoughtfully to comments, and being open to conversations slowly builds trust and opens up new opportunities.
If you are struggling to master marketing, why not check out my blog on 5 LinkedIn Marketing Strategies That Get You Clients
Alternatively, you can head over to the marketing section on my website, where you’ll find a ton of useful information.
The Mentor: Sharing What You’ve Learned
Okay, so you probably won’t be doing much mentoring if you’re experiencing life as a freelance dental writer for the first time, but once you’ve been in the trenches for a while and ‘earned your spurs’, you’ll undoubtedly have a few pearls of wisdom you’ll want to share. And guess what? Passing on your experience can be incredibly rewarding and is the main reason why I started the Dental Writers Club.
Just this week, I spent time advising a newer dental writer on pricing strategies, and in the past, I’ve advised many people on various aspects of running their own freelancing writing business, something I wish I’d nailed earlier in my career.
For me, helping others refine their approach not only feels good but also helps me to sharpen my own thinking.
Talking of helping others…
Building Your Brand
This week, I finally launched a new addition to my website, the Dental Writers Club Resource Centre. It’s a place packed with guides and insider tips designed to help dental writers level up their businesses. This is something I’ll be consistently adding to, so do check back regularly.
So why am I telling you this?
Well, aside from the shameless plug, making time to build your own brand is crucial. Just like client projects, investing time in yourself is investing in your future.
Pro tip: Treat your projects with deadlines and respect because your brand is your long game!
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Why Wearing Many Hats Isn’t Just Physical
Freelancing isn’t just about juggling tasks; it’s an emotional journey that has its fair share of ups and downs. Even after 15+ years of running my own freelance business, some days are exhilarating while others are quite frankly exhausting. I’ve felt lonely, overwhelmed, and unsure, but also proud, inspired, and motivated – sometimes all in the same day!
Managing those feelings means setting boundaries, building support networks, and sometimes, simply stepping away to recharge.
Why Wearing Many Hats Matters
Wearing many hats isn’t a distraction; it’s your writing business in a nutshell.
You’re not just writing words; you’re managing clients, marketing yourself, mentoring others, balancing finances, and steering your own ship.
That’s demanding, sure, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. You’re creating something that’s yours, on your terms.
A Gentle Reminder for Fellow Freelancers
If your week feels messy or stretched thin, you’re not failing; that’s normal!
Life as a freelance dental writer is a balancing act, but it’s also a path to freedom, growth, and meaningful work. And while my business problems and distractions as a 15-year freelance veteran may differ from yours, I’ve now learned to accept them as ‘par for the course’ and maybe, that’s the key – acceptance!
Ready to Take Your Freelance Life to the Next Level?
If you want support, tools, and a community tailored just for dental writers, check out the Dental Writers Club, where you’ll find a ton of free and paid resources to help you in your freelance journey.
And don’t miss our brand-new monthly newsletter, delivering fresh advice, industry insights, and inspiration straight to your inbox. Oh, and if you need advice or help in any aspect of life as a freelance dental writer, you can always drop me a line at dale@dentalwritersclub.com
Here’s to your success!