So You Want to be an Editor?
- Jul
- 27
- 2012
- Posted by Tammy Ditmore
- Posted in Editing
Recently, I have seen questions on several editor forums and email discussion groups from people who want to break into editing or proofreading. Most of the questions are along the lines of “where do I find clients?” or “how do I get started as an editor?”
I would never claim to have all the answers, but I have learned a few things over the years, and I’m happy to share some of that. Here are my top five tips for anyone who’s trying to get started as a freelance editor or proofreader.
- Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses honestly. If you are a new editor, don’t expect to get work from a top publisher right away. If you don’t have a lot of experience, take some editing or proofreading courses and read about editing. Also, gather and read information about running a business; tips about marketing and how to cultivate clients can be helpful for all types of businesses.
- Use your imagination when looking for clients. Publishers are not the only ones who need editors. Join local writers groups to meet writers who may need an editor someday. Contact high schools or colleges; lots of students—particularly those whose first language is not English—need editors. Approach local businesses, churches, and organizations and offer to edit or proofread fliers, newsletters, or websites. You may even offer to do some work for free if you need to build a client base or a portfolio.
- Join professional organizations such as the Editorial Freelancers Association (http://www.the-efa.org/) and interest groups on LinkedIn or other social media sites. Monitor editing websites and blogs and join editing discussion groups.
- Build a website that gives details about your services and experience and showcases what kind of work you can do. Include the web address on all your emails and other correspondence. Be persistent and tell everyone you know that you are looking for editing or proofreading work and ask them to pass your name along.
- Be an outstanding editor. It may take a while to build a steady client base, but if you’re good at what you do, you can get work.
In my next post, I will provide some links to sources I have found invaluable as I’ve been building my editing business.
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Testimonials
I appreciate Tammy’s willingness to ask questions when appropriate, flex on deadlines, offer sound advice, and rewrite sentences or sections as needed. Her command of substantive and copy editing make Tammy an asset to any project.
Patricia Ryan, International Council on Active Aging
She worked with me chapter-by-chapter over the course of nearly a year to hone my writing through attention to style, organization, and mechanics. Her close reading and keen eye have been invaluable during my revision process. I learned important guidelines about preparing my manuscript for its final review through this pleasant experience of working with her.
Dewey W. Hall, California State Polytechnic University
Tammy is just amazing. Before my book made it over to Tammy, I had used two editors — one a well-known author in NYC. I was unhappy with the editing, and basically Tammy was my last try before I just set my book to the side. Not only did she totally understand my “voice,” but she reconstructed, added, and melded in ways I would have never considered. Use her, trust her. She’s the best!
Christina Stanton, author, Out of the Shadow of 9/11
I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your wonderful work. I marvel at your eye for detail and your ability to make a written text so much better.
Patrick Allen, Professor, George Fox University
I can’t believe my good fortune to have found Tammy to edit my nonfiction book. I had narrowed down my editor search to ten; then I took advantage of their free sample offers. Nine of the editors were okay. Tammy’s edit, however, really showed her strength for detail and content development. I was absolutely wowed. She suggested, for example, how to improve the Introduction’s hook, added sentences that clarified a paragraph’s thought better, and deleted unnecessary words. She also mentio… Read more
Janis Hutchinson, Author, The Joshua Project: Three Biblical Strategies To Strengthen Your Children and Grandchildren’s Faith Using Your Personal Testimonies
I had a book manuscript that had a thorough edit by a copy editor, but there were many changes made and I wanted another set of eyes to look at it carefully. So I hired Tammy Ditmore to do a “final” proofread and flag anything that she found awkward, confusing or ill-fitting. That is a difficult job—to look both for errors and to comment, but that is what I needed. Tammy took it on and did a great job. Tammy also understands a schedule and finished the work on time—even ahead of time. Thank … Read more
Tim Stanley, 2 Timothy Publishing
Tammy Ditmore’s timely, thorough, detailed and accurate proofreading made my book print ready. She delivers high quality work on schedule and is a pleasure to work with.
Todd ArnoldManaging PrincipalSmart Customer Insights
This book has been a major effort for me over the past 15 years—both emotionally and in time commitment. Your feedback helped me give it structure. Your insightful questions encouraged me to go deeper in my understanding and intentions, which provided enhanced clarity. Your recommendations provided a professional perspective that I needed towards getting it published. Thank you so much! When entertaining any future writing projects, you will be the first person I contact.
Janene Heldman, author, From Hell to Holy Places
Tammy’s approach to editing was like telling a story to someone who listens very well and offers suggestions only when something is confusing or grammatically incorrect (or embarrassing).
Charles Renee JohnsonAuthor, "AppBLACKation Rejected: A Writer's Report of How 'The New Racists' Run Hollywood"
Tammy Ditmore was the consummate professional. She was very humble in dealing with me and tailored her editing style to fit my specific needs. She was prompt and punctual with deadlines and was very open to communicating with me. I would hire her again in a heartbeat.”
Malik WadeAuthor of "Pressure: From FBI Fugitive to Freedom"