What Is a White Paper in Biotech & Pharma: Why Are Freelancers Writing Them?

If you’re a STEM freelancer or science entrepreneur trying to break into the high-paying, high-impact world of biotech and pharma writing, you need to know about white papers.

White papers are powerful marketing and communication tools for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical device that sit at the intersection of science, strategy, and storytelling. 

In this article:

• What Is a White Paper?
• Who Reads White Papers?
• Why Biotech and Pharma Companies Love White Papers
• Who Writes White Papers and How Can You Get Hired?
• How to Structure a Strong White Paper
• Common Mistakes to Avoid

What Is a White Paper?

A white paper is an authoritative, data-driven document that helps a target audience understand a problem, explore a solution, or evaluate a decision. In biotech and pharma, it’s typically used to:

• Showcase a novel technology, therapy, or diagnostic tool
• Explain the science behind a product
• Build trust with regulators, clinicians, investors, or stakeholders
• Establish the company as a thought leader

While the tone is professional and evidence-based, white papers still need to be engaging and tell strategic stories.

Blending components of scientific articles, persuasive essays, and marketing assets, white papers often range from 1,500 to 5,000 words and include:

• A clearly defined problem or opportunity
• A deep dive into the science, tech, or method
• Supporting evidence (data, references, case studies)
• Visuals (diagrams, tables, charts)
• A subtle call to action or next step

Who Reads White Papers?

In the life sciences, white papers aren’t for the general public. They are usually aimed at one or more of these audiences:

• Regulatory professionals (e.g., Health Canada, FDA)
• Clinical researchers
• Key opinion leaders (KOLs)
• Procurement decision-makers
• Investors and strategic partners

Accuracy, clarity, and credibility are non-negotiable because this audience has no time for fluff.

Why Biotech and Pharma Companies Love White Papers

Pharma and biotech brands are in a unique position. They’re often launching complex, highly regulated products that need to be communicated in a way that’s both scientifically robust and strategically clear.

Here’s why companies invest in white papers:

1. Education → Trust → Conversion
White papers build trust with technical audiences by showcasing the company’s depth of knowledge and innovation.

2. Lead Generation
Many companies gate white papers behind email opt-ins. That means these documents also serve as lead magnets for high-quality, interested prospects.

3. Investor Relations
Startups use white papers to explain their platform tech or pipeline to attract venture capital funding or secure partnerships.

4. Thought Leadership & Brand Positioning
Publishing well-written white papers can elevate a brand to a respected innovator.

Who Writes White Papers and How Can You Get Hired?

Traditionally, white papers were written in-house by R&D or regulatory teams. But honestly, those folks are often too busy juggling product development and approvals. That’s where freelance medical writers and science communicators come in.

Here’s what companies are looking for when outsourcing white paper writing:

• Scientific literacy (writing clearly trumps advanced degrees)
• B2B or technical writing skills
• Experience in the relevant therapeutic area or product type
• Professionalism and project management skills

If you’ve ever written a thesis, literature review, or journal article and thought, “I wish I could get paid $1/word for this,” white papers might be your zone of genius.

How to Structure a Strong White Paper

While there’s no one-size-fits-all format, here’s how white papers are generally structured:

1. Title

Clear, benefit-driven, and not too salesy.

2. Executive Summary

A one-paragraph snapshot of the paper’s purpose and key takeaways.

3. The Problem

What challenge is the audience facing? Why does it matter now?

4. The Science

Break down the technology, mechanism of action, or clinical approach. Include visuals where relevant.

5. Supporting Evidence

Use peer-reviewed studies, clinical trial data, or case studies to back up the claims.

6. The Solution or Perspective

What is the company offering? How does it fit into the broader industry landscape?

7. Conclusion or Next Steps

A soft call to action like book a demo, contact the team, or explore more resources.

8. References

Cite credible sources!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced science writers can mess up when they approach white papers like blog posts or academic essays. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Too much jargon – Aim for clarity without dumbing down. You’re writing for experts, not as one.
• No logical flow – Don’t assume your reader knows why the topic matters. Build the case from the ground up.
• No call to action – Guide the reader toward the next step in the marketing funnel.

If you are a medical writer and/or science freelancer who can master the format of this lucrative deliverable, white papers are an opportunity to flex your scientific expertise and create a gateway to bigger projects, better clients, and stronger authority in your field.