How To Become A Freelance Medical Writer?

Does anyone know how to become a freelance writer in the United Kingdom?

• I have always worked in editorial. But have just been given a commission by a UK company to do a number of freelance copy-writing jobs. However, I have never done freelance work before. Does anyone what I have to do here? Do I have to declare myself self-employed? Set up an umbrella company? Is there a set of standard invoices? What do I do about tax? A lot of questions, I know. But then I'm a real dumbass! Sorry about that...

• Answer:

  First of all, congratulations on getting a freelance commission. You need to tell the HMRC (Inland Revenue) that you are self-employed and they will sort out sending you tax returns at the end of the year. There is not really a set of standard invoices, as long as you have your name and contact details, the clients name, what the charge is for and the value of the invoice you should be ok - oh and possibly a purchase order reference to help the accounts department at the client work out who asked for the work. I have put a link below to the section on the HMRC site about starting a business, it's a good introduction. Good luck :)