Health Writer Job at Wellness Letter in New York

Health Writing Opportunity (Global) — $300 to $800 per article

A serious opening for experienced health and medical writers looking to step into high-level, evidence-based journalism.
Wellness Letter — in collaboration with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health — is expanding its contributor bench for its long-running monthly consumer health publication.
This is not wellness fluff. It is science-first health reporting built for an educated audience that expects precision, not hype.
They are actively seeking freelance health journalists who can translate peer-reviewed research into clear, practical, and responsible guidance on nutrition, sleep, exercise, and preventive health.
What You’ll Write

In-depth feature articles (1,000–1,200 words)
News briefs breaking down new studies
“Ask the Expert” evidence-based Q&A pieces
Research-driven health explainers for general readers
What Matters Most

Ability to read full peer-reviewed studies
Strong understanding of study design & limitations
Clear distinction between correlation vs causation
Writing that is accessible without dumbing things down
Comfort with uncertainty and scientific nuance
This publication rewards writers who ask: “How strong is the evidence?” — and then answer it honestly.
Workflow

Assignments are editor-led
Writers independently source and evaluate research
Features typically take 3–4 weeks
News briefs: 1–2 weeks
New writers start with shorter assignments before scaling up
Compensation

Short pieces: $300–$400
Ask the Expert: $350–$400
Features: $600–$800 per article
Long-term contributors may receive regular monthly assignments.
Who Should Apply

Write for educated, detail-oriented audiences
Understand biomedical research interpretation
Can produce clean, publication-ready drafts
Thrive in rigorous editorial environments
Opportunity Overview

The Wellness Letter, a long-running monthly consumer health publication produced in collaboration with the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, is expanding its roster of contributing health writers.
The publication is actively recruiting experienced freelance health journalists and medical writers for ongoing assignments. This is not lifestyle wellness content. It is evidence-driven health journalism focused on translating peer-reviewed science into practical, readable guidance for an educated adult audience.
Writers selected will join a small, recurring contributor bench for consistent assignments.
What the Publication Covers

Nutrition and dietary science
Physical activity and exercise physiology
Sleep research and behavioral health
Preventive medicine and everyday health practices
Clinical research interpretation for general audiences
The readership is highly educated and expects precise, evidence-based reporting with no oversimplification or hype.
Editorial Positioning & Writing Style

Writers are expected to operate at a high editorial standard grounded in scientific literacy and disciplined reporting.
Clear interpretation of peer-reviewed medical research
Strong ability to assess study design and limitations
Distinction between correlation, causation, and speculation
Balanced reporting of evidence strength and uncertainty
Translation of complex biomedical concepts into accessible language
Tone is authoritative but restrained—closer to clinical explanation than lifestyle commentary.
This is not trend-driven wellness writing. It is structured, research-led health journalism.
Types of Assignments

Feature Articles (1,000–1,200 words)

Deep research-driven health stories based on scientific literature.
Wellness News Briefs

Short analysis of new studies or guidelines contextualized within existing research.
Ask the Expert Pieces (600–800 words)

Evidence-based responses to reader-style health questions.
Workflow & Editorial Process

Features typically require

3–4 weeks

from assignment to first draft
News briefs:

1–2 weeks

turnaround
Editors may request multiple revision rounds, especially for new contributors
Writers must be comfortable with rigorous editorial feedback and scientific recalibration
New contributors usually begin with shorter assignments before advancing to features
Key Requirements

Proven experience in

health journalism, medical writing, or science reporting
Ability to read and interpret full peer-reviewed journal articles
Understanding of epidemiology, clinical study design, and evidence hierarchies
Strong editorial discipline and clean drafting ability
Experience writing for educated, non-specialist audiences
Editorial Signature Requirement

Every major feature ends with a structured ‘Bottom Line’ section that must:
Clearly summarize the strength and limitations of the evidence
Provide actionable, science-aligned guidance
Reflect nuance rather than oversimplified conclusions
Compensation

Shorter pieces:

$300–$400
Ask the Expert:

$350–$400
Researched features:

$600–$800 per article
Writers who demonstrate consistency may receive recurring monthly assignments.

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