Writing Prompts – Page 444

Freelance Editing

A brief guide to freelance editing

Ah, the wonderful world of editing! So many options, so many possibilities! As an editor, you can work in a variety of industries—from the publishing field, to the broadcasting field, the engineering field, the medical field, and beyond—and hold a variety of editing jobs, including copy editor, sound or video editor, photo editor, managing editor, or technical editor.

Although there are many great things about being an editor, one stand-out advantage is the possibility of working as a freelance editor. The advantages of freelance editing include being your own boss, enjoying the convenience of working from home (or elsewhere), and having a peaceful work environment (i.e., no office politics). If you are interested in this type of work, there are a number of qualities you must possess. Freelance editing requires an editor to be:

Organized
Detail-oriented
Decisive
Diplomatic
Ambitious
Self-motivated
Enthusiastic
A good multitasker
A good networker
A good negotiator
Fastidious
Responsible
Reliable
Resourceful
Flexible
Savvy about money

To be a freelance editor, you must also have:

The ability to plan
The ability to manage your time efficiently
The ability to manage your career like a business
Marketing skills
A strong work ethic
A support network

Getting started as a freelance editor

There are a number of things you must do to get started in freelance editing. The first is to gain experience or acquire more experience. When first freelancing as an editor, stick to editing pieces on topics with which you are familiar and for clients with whom you already have a relationship. If you are well versed in medical topics, for example, stick with that subject matter until you have established a foothold. Build your portfolio. Subject matter experts are always in demand, and you will have less difficulty finding work.

This leads to the second thing you must do, which is to build your brand in freelance editing. Create a web site, print and distribute brochures and business cards, start a blog, create (or update) a professional profile on networking sites, and promote yourself by word of mouth.

The third thing is to stay abreast of what is happening in the editing field as a whole. To be good at freelance editing, you must be familiar with—nay, knowledgeable about—the world of editing and writing and all sorts of other things. Professional development is necessary, no matter what field you work in.

The fourth thing you must do when freelance editing is to become very familiar with publishing tools, search engine optimization tools, and research tools. An in-depth understanding of these things will be an immense benefit to your freelance editing business.

This leads to the fifth thing you must do as a freelance editor, which is to become business savvy. You might be a great editor, but if you don’t know the first thing about business or money, you could well find yourself upstream without a paddle! It is critical to develop a business strategy and do some financial planning. Keep careful track of your income and expenses, and keep your business and personal finances separate. Look into tax regulations and options for payment. Open a work-only bank account, and pay for work-related expenses only from that account. Also, make sure you have some savings for times when no freelance editing work is available. Have an invoicing policy in place, and be sure you communicate it clearly to your clients. Keep clear and detailed records of all transactions. It is also critical to ensure you have a well-written contract so both you and your clients are on the same page.

Getting freelance editing jobs

There are a number of ways to find freelance editing jobs: word of mouth, networking with friends and colleagues, advertising (web site, brochures, etc.), and online job sites. In terms of the latter, check out Elance, an online site for freelance editing and writing jobs, and dozens of other sites.

When looking for freelance editing jobs, don’t forget to join an association, such as the Editorial Freelancers Association and the Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders and Indexers (AFEPI). Check out the web sites of these and other editing associations as they often offer useful information, tips and tricks, and even leads. They’re useful for networking, too! Also, consider writing articles about editing for article directories, such as Ezine. This could well result in some freelance editing jobs!

What to charge?

Determining what to charge clients for freelance editing jobs can be challenging as there are many variables involved, such as your experience and speed, the deadline/turnaround time, and the complexity of a particular job. Consider also that the price of freelance editing jobs can change according to the client. Let’s face it; some clients can afford and are willing to pay more than others.

Freelance editing: a dream job

So, what’s stopping you? Use this basic guide to help you. Go forth and start freelancing as an editor. You will find opportunities that you might not have thought about before, as well as an outlet for that dreaded editors’ affliction, OECD—obsessive editing compulsion disorder!

Over the Hills and Far Away: 10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time Studying Abroad

Whether you’re a Canadian studying in Paris or a German studying in New York City, it’s imperative to make the most of your time studying abroad. It is, after all, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so why not make it the best it can be?

Regardless of whether you’re in high school, college, or university, there are things you can do to enhance your experience and make the most out of your voyage overseas. Vacationing in a foreign land is one thing, but totally immersing yourself in the culture? That’s another.

But don’t worry! We’ve compiled this list of the top 10 ways to make the most of your study-abroad experience so you can enjoy every moment to the fullest. Safe travels!

1. Know before you go.

First, this means doing your research. You don’t want to get to your new country without knowing that its residents drive on the opposite side of the road, or that they eat with chopsticks instead of knives and forks. Really get to know the place before you arrive.

Learn the language, familiarize yourself with the culture, and try to imagine yourself as a local. Read books, watch shows, and ask questions about this new country where you’ll be spending a good chunk of time. The more you know about where you’re going and the culture of the people who live there, the more you’ll feel at home, and you’ll be able to adapt much more easily.

Second, find comfort in the fact that, while you will not find all the answers, you will learn a lot about yourself along the way. Many people travel with the sole purpose of finding answers to questions like these: What should I do with my life? What does it all mean? Why is German toilet paper like cardboard?

Well, it takes more than a semester abroad to figure it all out, but as you journey along in your study-abroad experience, you will learn a great deal about yourself, the world, and what truly makes you happy. Just remember that, while distance does bring insight, insight is not something that can be rushed. So take your time, live in the moment, and know that just by doing what you’re doing, you’re accomplishing a whole lot more than you think.

2. Buy experiences, not things.

You’ve probably heard it before, but I’ll say it again here: buy experiences, not things. By spending your money on intangible experiences and immaterial memories, you’ll have something much more fulfilling than the fleeting happiness an “I ♥ New York” mug or a tacky T-shirt might provide.

Make sure you’re spending your hard-earned cash on experiences that will stay with you forever. Souvenirs can get lost, broken, even stolen, but experiences give you something no one will be able to take away: anticipation, excitement, edification, culture, pleasure, nostalgia, memories, and, ultimately, real happiness. By their very nature, material possessions cannot provide you with these things; nor can they provide you with such long-lasting experiential pleasure.

In fact, research shows that anticipating an experience creates more happiness than anticipating something material, such as a new couch. The takeaway message here is simple: while it’s important to stick to a budget, it’s also important to spend your money on the right things (think quality).

After all, the feelings and memories of standing atop the Eiffel Tower will be with you forever. That plastic Eiffel Tower keychain? It doesn’t pack quite the same punch.

3. Don’t worry, be happy.

Know that you will experience emotional highs and lows; we all do. Whether you’re a homebody or a travel buff, you will have ups and downs during your time studying abroad, and this is normal. But don’t let the inevitable low moods and difficult experiences ruin all the great things that are happening.

Your trip will be what you make of it. If you choose to feel bummed out about things not always going according to plan, then you’re bound to have a less-than-awesome time. Yes, there will be times when you’re lonely, scared, and homesick. These feelings are normal, but they will pass.

Get out and sightsee. Check out a new farmer’s market. Meet other yogis at a yoga class. Whatever you do, acknowledge your negative feelings, but always know that there are lots of other people just like you in the exact same position. Learn and grow from the experience; keep calm and carry on!

4. Carpe diem.

If you truly want to make the most of this experience, step outside your comfort zone. (It’s cliché but true).

How many times in your life will you have this amazing opportunity to meet such diverse groups of people and immerse yourself in another culture? They say life begins the moment you step out of your comfort zone, and there’s no better time to do this than while studying abroad. After all, it’s when you’re out of your element that you really discover who you are.

It can be scary, challenging, and even chaotic at times, but I guarantee that you won’t regret one second of it; in fact, you’ll regret staying in your safe little bubble. So say yes, try new things, and open yourself to new experiences—you never know where they will lead!

5. Study.

This may come as a surprise, but . . . you’re going to have to do a little bit of studying while you’re abroad. (I know! How unfortunate!)

Remember, your studies are what brought you here in the first place. Just as you would back home, stay organized, keep up with your homework, and make friends with the people in your classes. Consider joining a study group; it’s a fun and valuable way to learn about a subject while getting to know your classmates better, and study groups can take some of the monotony out of studying alone.

Since your grades abroad still count toward your degree or diploma, it’s important to put in just as much (if not more!) effort as you would at home. Keep it up, and you won’t have to spend your time worrying about getting poor grades or failing a class.

6. Document your travels.

Keep a journal, write a blog, make notes on a napkin. Whatever medium you choose, take this study-abroad opportunity to document your experiences. You’ll be doing so much that it will be hard to remember all the details, so why not write them down?

Record your adventures so you’ll be able to share them with your friends and family. Writing about your experiences creates a lasting memento for when you return home and are feeling nostalgic. It also sparks your creativity and allows you to practice your writing while you’re away. (You can even practice writing in the language of your study-abroad country!)

7. Expect the unexpected.

As with all things in life, plans don’t always work out the way you intend. But that’s okay, because sometimes having no plan actually turns out better than having one. Try not to worry when something doesn’t go exactly the way you thought it would. Things usually work themselves out in the end. As long as you keep a level head and trust that events will unfold as they’re supposed to, you’ll be okay.

A change in plans can teach you to be flexible and resilient, which will only help you in the future. Welcome the unforeseen. Embrace the unexpected. Celebrate the serendipitous.

8. Feel the love.

Socialize! Get excited about meeting new people!

One of the most exhilarating aspects of studying abroad is all the interesting people you meet along the way. Meeting people during such a pivotal life experience means that these new friends will likely stick around a while, and the memories you create together will only bring you closer.

While you’ll want to interact with people in other study-abroad groups, it’s also extremely important—and fun!—to meet the locals and do as they do. Have them teach you how things are done in their culture. You’ll find that people usually love to talk about their culture, their country, and themselves. It’s a two-way street, though, so be ready to teach them about your culture and country as well. If you ask me, it’s a win-win!

9. Be a tourist.

If there are sights you’ve always wanted to see or things you’ve always wanted to experience in your study-abroad country, check them off your list early so you won’t run the risk of missing them.

It’s okay to be a tourist! Don’t be ashamed of doing all the touristy things. The Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty are tourist attractions for a reason. Experience the sights for yourself, and don’t make apologies for being a tourist. (Be a polite tourist, of course, not an obnoxious one. If you are an obnoxious tourist, well, do be ashamed, at least a little bit.)

When your friends come to visit, they can be the tourists and you can be the tour guide. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it!

10. Stay safe!

Above all, stay safe. Make sure you know whom to call in case of an emergency, where to go if you get sick, and how to handle any health and safety issues that may pop up.

When it comes to your personal health and safety, you can’t have too much knowledge, so make a point of learning how to stay safe in your study-abroad country. From being wary of pickpockets to being cautious of public transportation to having an unlocked cell phone, there are many things you can learn and do before you get there that will help keep you safe during your travels.

It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and to be street smart. Never assume that safety won’t be an issue for you, even (and especially) if you’re going to a popular tourist destination. Invest in a travel guide for your travel-abroad country, and meet people you can trust. Better to be safe than sorry!

Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed our top 10 tips for how to make the most of your travel-abroad experience.

Bon voyage, and safe travels to you as you embark on your journey and make the most of your study-abroad experience!

You’re Hired: Freelance Writing and Editing Jobs

All you need to know about freelance writing and editing jobs

One of the most appealing qualities of the writing profession is the ability to work from anywhere in the world. With advances in technology, it is now possible to read material written or edited by individuals from across the globe. Another tempting aspect of a career in writing or editing is the opportunity to work on a freelance basis, setting your own hours and employing yourself. In fact, according to the 2012 Freelance Industry Report, nearly half of all freelancers across North America operate in the field of content writing.

However, freelance work is not all fun and games. It requires dedication, discipline, and motivation to tackle an assignment through your own initiative. As well, freelancers often have other full-time careers, depending on the amount of freelance work available.

But what do freelance writing and editing jobs entail, and what are the differences between the two?

Becoming a freelance writer or editor

To begin a career in the writing or editing industry, freelance or not, an education is likely required. Often, freelancers in the field will possess a university degree specializing in English or linguistics. Other freelancers have similar backgrounds, with degrees in such disciplines as journalism, communications, or marketing. You must have a strong grasp of the mechanics of English and the skills required to communicate effectively.

Important traits for the field include clarity in writing, good judgment, initiative, and leadership. It takes more than articulation to thrive in this line of work. Writing and editing require unique personality characteristics, particularly creativity, which is not always needed in other industries but is critical to success in this field.

What to expect

Freelance writing and editing jobs are not for everyone. While creating your own schedule may sound easy, freelancing requires you to take on additional roles. For example, freelance writers and editors also become accountants during tax season. Without a personal payroll department, this responsibility falls on the employer: you. You will need to maintain detailed records and develop a good knowledge of tax laws and the deductions for which you qualify.

Despite the added accountability, freelance writing and editing jobs can be very rewarding. Another benefit of freelance work is the chance to write your own contracts and set your own rates. Keeping an up-to-date portfolio of your best work will show employers that you are knowledgeable, professional, in demand, and capable of setting your own working parameters.

There are some drawbacks to freelance writing and editing jobs, including financial insecurity. Steady work is not always guaranteed. There may be times when you are behind on bills and times when you can’t plan that dream vacation. In the freelance industry, situations can change quickly and without warning.

Most important, when taking on freelance writing or editing jobs, stay passionate and involved in your field. Otherwise, your drive may dwindle, and you may struggle in your work. Keep yourself informed about changes in the industry, and never end your educational journey in your discipline. Constant learning will keep you engaged and prevent burnout on the job.

What’s the difference?

Freelance writing and editing jobs might sound similar, but the nature of the work differs greatly. Freelance writers, for example, are not necessarily limited to the opportunities that appear on job boards and freelance sites. Writers can create pieces out of thin air and sell their work to publishers, producers, or businesses, even when they might not be looking for such material. They can closely watch the market and anticipate what material will sell, which means the freelance writer takes on a much more sales-focused role than an editor does. For the freelance editor, market demand, when low, can be limiting; if no one requires editing services, your workload may suffer.

While the two positions are different, freelance writing and editing jobs do share some similarities. Often, while working on a piece, a freelance editor may take on the role of a writer in revising unclear wording or replacing awkward phrasing. Writers, however, can certainly edit their work, but as the old adage goes, two pairs of eyes are better than one.

Freelance writing and editing jobs are both in demand at companies that employ medical and scientific professionals, as they tend to avoid the softer arts of writing and communication. In addition, with the expansion of English as a second language programs, editors can find ample work handling papers, essays, and documents from ESL learners.

Finding freelance writing and editing jobs

Taking the plunge into the freelancing world can be daunting. It is always useful to look to others who have made the same career choice. How did they overcome the obstacles? What were the biggest challenges? How can you avoid making common mistakes? The Internet, and even blogs, can be particularly useful as resources when you’re looking to follow the lead of others. In the end, though, becoming a freelance writer or editor is as simple as changing your job title on your LinkedIn profile. Getting the word out about your expertise? Now, that’s another article.