AMWA Member Spotlight - Erin Hackett
Where can we find you online?
1. Brief description of what you do
I am a freelance content and SEO copywriter specialising in corporate, technical, and medical communications. I also work with an SEO agency to create website content and blog articles for the health and professional services sectors.
I’m an active committee member of AMWA, IPEd (Institute of Professional Editors) Awards & Prizes, and—on behalf of my toddler son—the Woodend Playgroup. Outside of writing, I’m a budding floriculturist, propagating and selling cottage garden flowers through my e-commerce store.
2. What led you to become a medical writer?
My background is in nursing, with experience in government and clinical research requiring high-level healthcare communications writing. In my spare time, I pursued my passion for creative writing, exploring fiction and attending workshops on everything from point of view to narrative non-fiction to refine my writing skills.
Curious about copywriting, I began to dabble in it but initially lacked the confidence to pursue it as a side business. During maternity leave in 2022, I enrolled in Copy School’s ‘Guest Client Experience’, where I worked on a mock client project from brief to delivery. This experience was the turning point that gave me the confidence to put myself out there as a copywriter.
Since then, most of my clients have come through referrals. My work has included policy writing for a multisite primary health service, SEO content and copywriting for fertility, dental, and optometry clinic websites, as well as corporate content for the tech and finance sectors.
3. What do you enjoy most about being a medical writer?
What I enjoy most about being a medical writer is the opportunity to bring truth and accuracy to the forefront of my work. Critical thinking
is the foundation of high-quality medical writing, and we have a responsibility to present facts clearly in plain language, avoiding
ambiguity, fear, or misinformation. With my clinical research background, ensuring that information is backed by solid evidence is always my
top priority. Even better, freelance medical writing offers a diverse and dynamic workload, mainly because your skillset naturally attracts
clients from other technical industries. This, in turn, helps to diversify your writing portfolio even further.
4. What has been one of your career highlights as a medical writer and why?
A standout career highlight for me was landing my first large-scope project. I was tasked with revising and updating clinical policies for a
primary health service, focusing on Indigenous Health—an area I had experienced firsthand as a nurse. It was incredibly rewarding to apply
my nursing knowledge to such a meaningful project. That job reinforced to me that there are viable career pathways for nurses in
professional writing—opportunities rarely discussed or promoted within the nursing profession.
5. What has been one of the greatest challenges for you as a medical writer and how have you addressed this?
One of my greatest challenges as a medical writer has been building confidence and learning to sell myself. Writing is my strength and passion, but engaging with people—whether in meetings or networking—has always been difficult for me. I struggle with anxiety, and managing it has been crucial to ensure it doesn’t hold me back.
There are moments when my mind says, ‘You need to do this,’ but my body says, ‘Run.’ Walking into a conference room or even getting on that first call with a client can feel daunting. However, I’ve learned to take that step forward despite the discomfort because I know it’s the right thing to do for my growth and career.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, start with a simple smile and a friendly hello. It’s often enough to spark a rewarding
conversation. Remember, deep down, most people are feeling a little out of their comfort zone, too.
6. What advice would you give fellow writers or people considering a career in medical writing?
My advice to fellow writers or those considering a career in medical writing is to focus on your visibility and self-promotion. There’s a saying in the academic research world: ‘publish or perish.’ The same concept applies to writers—you need people to know you exist and ensure they understand your value.
This can be challenging for staff writers, but make sure to include everything in your portfolio—whether you were the lead author, a contributing writer, or even part of a guidelines working group. Every piece of work matters, and it all adds up.
Don’t underestimate your experience or hold back because you think you’re not ‘ready’ enough. Whether freelancing or pursuing a staff role,
every step you take builds toward your career in medical writing.
7. What led you to join AMWA?
I joined AMWA because professional associations are an excellent way to become more engaged in the industry. They provide opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and serve as a platform to reinforce your credibility and commitment.
Membership demonstrates to potential clients and employers that you’re serious about your work and adhere to a certain set of standards. It’s a clear signal that you’re professional and mean business.
My final words: Good luck with your medical writing journey. There is no right or wrong path to becoming a medical writer. Every medical writer has a unique story, so don’t be afraid to pursue yours.