Consider this: You’ve got a new project (woo!) and you’re wondering whether to work with a freelance scientific writer or a science writing agency? There are strengths on both sides and costs are a key consideration, but you’re still stuck.
Breathe a sigh of relief, because 42group is here to help.
In this article, we’re going to looking at the benefits and challenges of working with a freelance scientific writer and a science writing agency. We’re not going to tell you what to do, but by the end you should have a good idea of whether you want to work with a science copywriting agency (and if you do, how you can contact 42group…).
Freelance science writer v science copywriting agency
We’re going to put freelance science writers and science writing agencies in battle (not really). What we are going to do is to compare them against a set of key factors to see how they match up.
We’re going to explore
- Flexibility and availability
- Expertise and specialisation
- Cost and value
- Quality and reliability
- Communication and collaboration
- Scalability and long-term partnerships
You may have noticed that 42group is a science copywriting and science content agency.
Does that mean we have skin in the game? Yes, of course we do – but we’re also open, honest and fair. In some cases, freelancers are going to give you better value for money and a higher quality output than an agency (but not always). In this guide, we’re going to be open, honest and transparent – because pretty much all of us here were freelancers at some point in the past.
Flexibility and availability
Freelance Scientific Writer: A freelance writer will often be able (and willing) to offer greater flexibility in terms of working hours and availability. They’re not stuck to the 8-6 working day that an agency is and can adapt quickly to urgent projects or changing deadlines. This flexibility can be attractive – and in some cases, essential – if you’re dealing with pressing deadlines. However, availability is likely to be limited by the freelancer’s workload and commitments to other clients. Also, applying too much pressure to a freelancer can lead to burnout, which isn’t good for you or them.
Science Writing Agency: Agencies will have a team of writers, which means they can handle multiple projects simultaneously. Of course, they may have other clients and may not be able to provide consistent availability but they’re likely to have access to freelancers that can add capacity and additional skills. This can be an advantage for large projects or those with specific content requirements. The structured nature of an agency and the processes they have can manage the pressure, understanding the impact of deadlines and the resource implications.
Expertise and specialisation
Freelance Scientific Writer: Many freelance writers specialise in specific scientific fields. They can bring deep expertise, subject matter knowledge and a focused perspective to projects. You’ll find that many freelance science writers have advanced degrees and significant experience in their areas of expertise. This means that the freelance science writer can often produce content with greater authority, insight and relevance than even the best, specialist science copywriting agencies.
Science Writing Agency: what they lack in specialisation, they can make up in scale. Agencies can offer a broader range of expertise, with writers from various scientific backgrounds and expertise. Alongside long-from content experts, science copywriting agencies will have specialist web copywriters, social media teams and digital marketing experts. This diversity allows agencies to tackle a wide array of topics and projects that a freelancer couldn’t hope to manage. Also, agencies (like 42group) will have a roster of freelance science writers that they can call upon to work on specific projects. (At 42group, we’re proud members of the Association of British Science Writers and use their database to find experts.)
Cost and value
Freelance Scientific Writer: Freelancers often have lower overhead costs which can translate into lower day rates (when compared to agencies). However, the difference may be minimal. Freelance copywriters can have greater flexibility in charging structure, offering to charge by the hour, by the project or even per word. As you’d expect, costs vary widely and are based on the freelancer’s experience and expertise, as well as how in demand she may be.
Science Writing Agency: Agencies typically charge higher rates due to their larger overheads and the comprehensive services they offer. While at 42group we don’t have a swanky office, we do have overheads – including comprehensive insurance and protection, salaries, pensions and a lot of expensive pens, that all need to be paid for. While initially a freelancer may be cheaper, agencies will often offer fixed prices for long-term contracts or multiple projects, which can provide better value for money in the long run. In many cases, clients prefer the security, protection and confidence of working with an agency. Additional costs can be justified by the quality assurance, editing, and project management services that agencies provide.
Quality and reliability
Freelance Scientific Writer: The quality of work from a freelance writer can be exceptional, especially if they have strong expertise and a good track record in the field. In some cases, where the freelancer has specialist subject matter knowledge, quality can be higher than science copywriting agencies. However, reliability can be an issue, especially if the freelancer takes on too many projects or encounters problems during the project. This can be avoided through clear project planning, ongoing communication and relationship with a reliable freelancer.
Science Writing Agency: Agencies like 42group will have established quality control processes in place, including professional and peer reviews and editing services to ensure a consistent level of quality. The structured environment of an agency can also provide more reliability in meeting deadlines and producing consistently high-quality content. Agencies will often be able to share references and samples of their work to demonstrate quality and connect with you past clients who can give you confidence in their reliability.
Communication and collaboration
Freelance Scientific Writer: Direct communication with a freelance writer can streamline the process and help you establish a strong and productive working relationship. Having a single point of contact with an individual can result in a more personalised service and a better understanding of your specific needs. On the flip side, communication can sometimes be less predictable – especially if the freelancer is juggling multiple clients. If they’re away, unable to connect or unwilling to chat, you’re on your own.
Science Writing Agency: Agencies usually have dedicated project managers – or established processes – to manage project communication. This can ensure that your requirements are clearly understood and met. While working, this can result in more efficient collaboration and a smoother overall process which can increase the likely success of your project. Agencies provide resilience, with your project shared across a team. If one individual drops out (for some reason) the intelligence is inside the agency and it can be quickly continued. You’ll also find that science copywriting agencies can reduce the burden of coordination from the client, allowing them (you!) to focus on other priorities.
Scalability and long–term partnerships
Freelance Scientific Writer: Freelancers can be ideal for smaller projects or when you need a genuine specialist knowledge. However, scaling up can be challenging if your content needs suddenly increase. Does the freelance science writer have the capacity to deliver? A freelancer’s availability and capacity might become limiting factors as you start to scale. In time, your freelancer can become less a contractor and more a part of the team – which is a risk for your relationship and their future.
Science Writing Agency: Agencies should be well-equipped to scale services to meet growing content and copywriting requirements. demands. When required, they should be able to quickly and confidently allocate additional resources to your projects as required. (In many cases, they’ll call the freelance science writer, so you get the best of both worlds…) For long-term partnerships, agencies can provide continuity and confidence that whatever you require, it’ll get done.
Freelance science writer or science copywriting agency?
Choosing between a freelance scientific writer and a science writing agency depends on your specific needs, budget, and project requirements. The list above should help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each option and help you choose.
You’ll want to ensure that your freelancer or agency understands you, your audience, your project and your expected outcomes. Carefully consider these factors to make the best decision for your organisation’s scientific writing requirements. Or just contact 42group.
