Editors' Association of Earth discussion

Hi,

I'm a writer but I'm also currently studying to become an editor as well. I'm applying to the Editing Certificate program at SFU in Vancouver. I'm at the point where I'm just starting out and wouldn't mind doing some free editing for the experience and rep-building.

Do you have any advice on how to get started with finding work? And getting your name out there?

Thanks in advance! :)

I started by working for the low-paying self-publishing companies, simultaneously taking all the editing tests I could get my hands on for bigger, better publishing houses to get on their freelancer lists. IMO, working of peanuts is better than working for nothing. Another option is to join the various editors lists and forums and volunteer to help someone who's established and has a big workload and trade labor for some mentoring.

I agree with Caroline. Networking with other editors first is a good idea. It's better to hold off on editing anything solo until you've gotten some training behind you. You won't know what you don't know until you've gotten feedback, and that may well save authors the downsides of getting free editing from someone who's figuring it out. You don't mention what kind of editing you're aiming for, but given that you're a writer, you likely have a good sense of what makes a good story, so offering beta reading might be a good way to transition toward an editor role and get your name around.