Jobs In Editing And Proofreading - Editor Job Description FAQ
Jobs In Editing And Proofreading - Editor Job Description FAQ
In this article I want to give you advice on how to get jobs in editing and proofreading because the questions comes up a lot in my email inbox.
WARNING: As it is such a varied industry the tips included here may not work with your situation at all. This is my own personal experience and I'd be happy to discuss this stuff further at my website below.
There is no hard and fast way to become an editor or proofreader. You just need to do a lot of editing and then one day you will realise that you have made it.
If you are looking for a clear path to becoming an editor you could try and find a website hiring entry level people and learn from the editor there. But for most people it does not work like that.
A few steps to becoming a editor:
1. You either have it or you don't...
A great editor is a great reader and as you read you will be constantly noticing shifts in the language. Misplaced commas and grammatical errors will stick out like a sore thumb.
2. You don't need a degree...
Most of the editors I have ever met have not been near a university and there is no requirement to have a degree in any of the jobs I have seen.
The main thing is that you can do the work and that you can convince your clients that you can.
3. Be an avid learner...
You should be constantly working on your editing and proofreading skills even thought you may not have work at the moment.
4. Training courses...
There are a few good courses on editing and proofreading that you might like to look at as they will impress potential clients.
5. Find a mentor...
This is the most important step in getting this kind of work. You need to find someone who is already successful and learn from them. Not just their editing ability but the way they conduct themselves and their business.
6. Get an internship...
This is one of the best ways to learn if you can afford to do it. You might have to work for three months with no pay before ever being offered a job. But this is the way a lot of people get into the industry.
Final thoughts.
Jobs in editing and proofreading are fun and have a lot of responsibility. It's hard to find the work so visit the links below for even more information on where to find the best websites and job boards.