editing – Page 11

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!

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.

The Benefits of Taking an Editing Class

If you’re getting tired of your daily routine job, it may be time to switch things up, and if you have a penchant for grammar, language, and organization, you might consider taking an editing class. Not convinced that editing is the best step for you? Read on to discover the many types of editing you can do and the benefits of this flexible job.

Editing class flexibility

If you think it’s time for you to stop working around someone else’s schedule, an editing class online could suit your needs perfectly. With an online course, you can work according to your own schedule and at your own pace. If you want to get the course completed as quickly as possible, you can. If you need to go a little slower, you can do that as well. Better still, you can access the course from any computer at any time, so you aren’t tied down to your home desktop.

Flexible opportunities

Flexibility doesn’t end when your editing class does. Once you have the skills and training to become an editor, you have a wide range of career opportunities. In fact, you have the same choices you would have as a writer. For every writing style and genre, there needs to be an editor. Like a writer, you can pick the style and genre you would like to work with.

Editors also have considerable mobility. Any city that has writers needs editors. Depending on the company you’re working for, you may also have the option to telecommute. This means you don’t need to live in the same city in which the company is located. Instead, you can complete all of your duties online.

Another option is deciding between freelance editing and working in-house. Most times, this will determine if you can telecommute. Freelancing is a great way to become your own boss and choose your own hours, clients, and markets. However, it is less stable than a job in-house. When taking your editing class, you’ll find out about the different pros and cons of both to help you make the best decision for your lifestyle.

Independence

If you choose editing as a career, you will gain a high level of independence. This means not only choosing your own office (even if that means a coffee shop) but also making decisions in the editing process. While this responsibility can be intimidating for some, others will find it thrilling and exciting after working under direction from a boss.

Become part of the creative process

As an editor, you get to become part of the process of creating culture and artistic production. Every written form contributes to the richness of culture, and when you edit, you ensure that these contributions appear in their finest form.

If you already have a passion for editing, you’ll understand the thought that goes into ensuring each sentence is in its most well-crafted state.

Low up-front costs

Taking an editing class isn’t costly and will certainly generate larger returns in the long run. Most online editing classes don’t require the purchase of extra workbooks. It’s an affordable way to begin making money doing what you love to do.

A few things to remember

Despite the flexibility and independence, you’ll still be working on a deadline. Editors need to be able to handle the pressures of dealing with tight deadlines and working through corrections with writers. Make sure you can work with people regardless of pressure. A good editing class will ensure you have all the tools you need to get the job done efficiently and well.

Ready to begin your new career with an editing class? Don’t wait; sign up today.