So, You Want to Be an Editor?
When I started drafting this, I thought I could fit everything I wanted to say about working as an editor into a single blog post. LOL, the joke is on me.
This post is going to be about the technical side of being an editor (common tools, training, resources, and more). Next week’s post will focus on the business side of editing.
Disclaimers
Let’s start this off with all the warnings and disclaimers.
I am not a life coach, attorney, job coach, counselor, accountant, therapist, or anything other than an editor.
I am sharing my personal experiences and what has worked for me. YMMV*
The information provided in this blog post does not, and is not intended to, constitute advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
*Your mileage may vary.
Now we have that out of the way, let’s get into it.
Becoming an Editor
The thing that many editors (and authors) like to ignore is that no regulating authority oversees editors. Any person can start up a website and social media account proclaiming themself an editor and start booking clients. While there are numerous professional editing associations (ACES, EFA, etc.), none of them provide standards or regulations for who can become an editor and what it means to call yourself one.
The downside to this is that anyone (regardless of knowledge or experience) can call themself an editor.
The upside is that there’s a lower barrier to entry for anyone looking to become an editor.
Common Types of Editing
Please note that the following lists are not comprehensive.
Developmental Editing
Developmental editing is the process of identifying inconsistencies, weak points, and places for improvement within the big-picture content of a manuscript. Developmental editing typically reviews characterization, plot, pacing, structure, worldbuilding, and other large-scale aspects of a story.
Copy editing
Copy editing is the practice of reviewing and correcting spelling, grammar, term consistency, and punctuation. Copy and line editing may be performed in conjunction with each other or developmental editing.
Line editing
Though line editing corrects grammar errors like copy editing, it is primarily focused on improving the language and style of a manuscript. Copy and line editing may be performed in conjunction with each other or developmental editing.
Proofreading
Proofreading is the final stage of professional editing before a manuscript’s submission/release and it checks for any lingering typos, errors, or formatting issues.
Editing-Adjacent Services
The following practices often fall into the pre-release preparation of a manuscript but aren’t conventionally considered professional editing.
Sensitivity Reading
Sensitivity reading is the practice of reviewing a manuscript for claims, portrayals, or perspectives that might offend, upset, or misrepresent people from a given group. Sensitivity/Authenticity reads are typically performed by members of the community referenced within the manuscript.
Beta Reading
Beta reading is the practice of reviewing an early draft of a manuscript for flow and major plot holes. Beta reading allows authors to gain a reader’s perspective on their work before publishing. While beta readers may make note of typos and errors in a manuscript, they are typically avid readers, friends of the author or fellow authors, and should not be relied upon in place of a professional.
ARC Reading
ARC reading is the practice of sharing finalized copies of a manuscript immediately before release to generate attention, ratings, and reviews. While ARC readers can serve a vital role in the successful marketing of a new release, they are primarily readers and should not be relied upon to provide content or grammar-based edits.
Okay, what next?
If you’re still interested in becoming an editor, here are the two most important things you need:
Training
Experience
Training
EFA, ACES, and other professional editing associations offer online training courses for various types of editing. Several universities also offer online courses. Once you decide what type of editing you’re interested in, look for a course that fits your needs, interests, and (hopefully) budget.
While you may benefit from discounted tuition (at least in EFA’s case), you typically do not need to join an association to take their courses.
When looking for a training course, we recommend selecting one provided by either a university or professional association rather than a private individual’s homemade training program.
It’s important to note that even after completing your editing course, it may be several months before you recoup the investment you put into your course. Be prepared for this!
Experience
Start editing as soon as possible!
Re-read the line above and carefully notice what I wrote. I did not say that you should start an editing business before you know what you’re doing. I did not say to accept paid, professional jobs before you understand the industry and standards.
I said, Start editing as soon as possible.
So, how to start if you’re not ready?
Ask any editors you know if they need interns
Volunteer to beta read for author friends
If you’re a writer, study the edits that your editor has made on your manuscript(s)
Read, research, and practice
Look into common tools, programs, and guides used by professional editors
Industry Standards
Here are just a few of the industry standards and practices.
For fiction, Chicago Manual of Style is the standard style guide.
Merriam-Webster is the standard dictionary.
Though not an official standard, most professional editors offer free sample edits of 500-5,000 words. Sample edits are important for both editors and writers to find a complementary match. Not offering sample edits is a red flag.
Programs and Tools
The preferred tools and programs vary between editors, but at EJL Editing we use the following in addition to CMoS and M-W:
Microsoft Word
ProWriting Aid
PerfectIt
Getting Hired
You have your shiny, new editing course certificate. You subscribed to your favorite online programs, tools, and memberships. You’re ready to start work! Now what?
If you haven’t already, start separate social media accounts for your editing business. If you don’t want a separate account, make sure that you’re publicly posting about accepting editing clients.
Have an email address dedicated to editing work. The last thing you want to do is accidentally email a prospective client a message meant for your mother!
Start a professional website! You don’t need to hire someone to design the website—most website builders come with professional and clean templates ready to customize.
Have a plan for onboarding new clients, billing, and scheduling. The plan doesn’t need to be extensive but you don’t want to be scrambling for answers when a client asks how to pay you!
Determine whether you want to specialize (fiction vs. nonfiction, genres, target audience, etc.) and tailor your social media, website, and marketing toward the right audience.
Let any author friends/acquaintances know that you’re accepting editing projects. If you’ve had luck beta reading for them, they may be more likely to hire you for editing.
Consider starting with lower-than-average rates. Editing rates are very personal and can vary widely however when you’re a new editor, you’re more likely to gain clients if your rates reflect your experience. As your business and experience grow, your rates can grow too.
Prioritize client referrals and author friendships! (If authors have a good or bad experience with you, they will tell their friends.)
Next week’s post will focus on the business side of working as a freelance editor. If there’s any topics or questions you want addressed, feel free to drop them below!
