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
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 is sensitive to my work and does a great job to maintain the integrity of my writing and my voice!
Phuong Pham Uzoff
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 has helped me become a better writer. I always look forward to seeing her email pop into my inbox. As I open the email and double click on the Microsoft Word file, I look forward with anticipation to reviewing her edits. Like a used target at a shooting range there are red marks riddled throughout the page. And the right column is full of thoughtful comments. I appreciate her precision and thoroughness. Because I know every word she cuts, every crooked sentence she straightens, and every p… Read more
Brian Gitt, Entrepreneur, Writer, BrianGitt.com
Tammy Ditmore is an excellent editor. My writing improved grammatically, in structure, and clarity under her skilled eye.
Hannah Parmelee, Relationship IQ Program Director
I highly recommend Tammy Ditmore to you. She has edited three of my books in the past two years. Each time, I have been impressed with her professionalism, and pleased with her ability to provide a polished text.
J. Stephen YuillePastorGrace Community Church
Personally, I feel the editing process is the most important aspect of writing–it can be a nightmare if the editor and the writer are not on the same page. … Tammy knows what she is doing, she is easy to work with, and she delivers on time.
Phil Ward, Author, Raiding Forces Series
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
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