Life Cycle of a Freelance Editor

I was recently asked to give advice to someone interested in getting into copyediting. I thought I would share it here.

As an copy editor, what really helped you to hone your skills in copyediting?

Failing miserably at writing papers! No, this is not entirely accurate. Actually it began in high school. I took AP English and Lit classes in addition to core English classes because I wanted a challenge. I never received a clean copy back--my papers were always filled with red marks and comments, but I would always opt to rewrite them until eventually in University I began to receive papers back without grammatical, structural, citation etc. errors. 

What really helped to engage my skills was being open to criticism and being corrected and proceeding to actively learn from and address remarks or marks. Consequently, I look over everything including my own writing with the eye of improvement. Especially after stepping back for a few weeks or months, one can always find areas that can be improved.

Additionally, exposure to new areas of editing and writing. For example, British or American; Christian or academic; prose or poetry.

What advice would you give an aspiring editor?

Choose clients wisely. Editing can be frustrating. Some people are receptive, others aren't, while some rest somewhere in between. Don't take it personally. Unless, you have been given free reign or work for a publishing house or publication where a work will not be published without the final consent of the editor, all an editor can do is make suggestions. 

Additionally, humility goes a long way. My way does not mean the only way. Each author has their own voice. I find it helps to read a text at least once before editing. Upon reading again, initial judgments that are merely a matter of preference often dissipate while those judgments that can truly help an author hone their talent and polish their writing remain.

Take on a few low paying jobs as an opportunity to gain experience (at one time, I looked for freelance opportunities on Elance and Upwork), but don't stay there and devalue your skill, diligence and passion. Editing takes a lot of hours to properly execute. I once spent a couple days fact checking a few articles on British history for, I believe it was $40 (if even that).

Familiarize yourself with major style guidelines (e.g. Chicago, AP, APA, MLA etc.) and the difference between Canadian/British and American. In addition to spelling and citation, the placement of punctuation marks changes and I have learned that there are certain nuances with the written English language that we as native speakers and writers overlook in everyday life.

How much should I charge?

I struggled with this for awhile. I always had excuses as to why I could not charge more: the client will not be able to afford it, I am new to this, I didn't study journalism or English at university etc. etc.

The fact is, it is okay when starting out to take low paying jobs--but there is a limit and it often comes quickly, if you are someone who learns quickly. However, avoid taking any job where people do not value what you do and thus you as a person. It is not fun or productive to spend hours on a job, spending more money on electricity editing or writing a work than you actually earn.

The truth of the matter is, if you are good at what you do and you strive for excellence even in the midst of the mistakes we all will inevitably make, set a proper rate (check out #EFA) to begin with and increase over time. Don't let someone devalue your services and skills by accepting something below market value for your time, energy and let's face it, taking into consideration being able to pay your bills, the cost of living. Trust me, you don't want to spend 20-30 hours working on a website for free (not having the strength to say, "Umm..this is awkward, but you know I am going to charge you for this right? #Friends pay :-D") or spend two days fact checking articles and look back on the time you could have spent doing paid work to pay your bills. It is great wanting to help people, to volunteer your services or do things for free. But its great to want to take care of yourself as well.

What are some of the pros and cons of being a freelance copyeditor?

Pros: Self-employment, using skills and life experiences to help others, always learning and growing.

Cons: Acquiring new clients, learning to set rates, dry periods.

If an aspiring copy editor desired to sharpen or enlighten himself as to the field of copyediting, to what resources you would refer him or her?

There are a lot of online resources that you can just #Google. Grammar Girl, Purdue Owl are a couple. Additionally, pick up a latest book detailing how to use the style guidelines and info on punctuation and grammar (sometimes there are really obscure or ambivalent rules). Read. Also, take a course at a university or a free one in English or similar from sites such as #Lynda or #EDx. o

How did you begin copyediting?

As I said, it started in high school when I learned how to be more vigilant and look over texts with a critical and questioning eye. Eventually, people just began asking me to look over papers, emails or resumes for them at home or work. I fell into it more formally a few years ago when a friend passed on an editing assignment to me and later asked if I wanted to edit for #LiliesintheCity.