editing business

by Sue A. Fairchild

“Would you be willing to look over my manuscript quickly—it only has a hundred thousand words—and let me know if there is anything I’d need to fix?”

These are the words editors cringe to hear from their writing friends. Yet, all too often we’re faced with this dilemma. After all, our circles tend to include many writers and most of them could claim to be “friends.” How do we decide who is a friend that deserves free services and how do we establish friends who pay full price?

Certainly, every editor needs to determine their own comfort level with this topic, but here are a few ways I decide.

How much time will it take me? A novel with a hundred thousand words would take me quite a bit of time—even just to read through “quickly.” My time is money, so I would not do this work for free. But I might offer a bargain or discount. (I’ll discuss that later in this article.) However, if we’re talking about a short poem, or even a concise blog post, I might be willing to bend my rules for payment.
Are we really friends? What is the actual level of friendship? Have I known this person for years? If not providing the free service would harm an otherwise long-term and dear friendship, determine how you could bargain or exchange services in order to maintain a good relationship.
Have they provided a service to me previously for free? Obviously, if I’m responding in kind, I would provide my service at the same level their service had been provided to me. But ensure that the levels are compatible. Editing a hundred-thousand-word manuscript is not comparable to being given a ride home once. (Unless that ride was several hours long.)

If, by using the above guidelines, you determine the work should not be done for free, how then should you diplomatically engage a “friend” into a business arrangement?

Ask your friend for clarification. Do they want you to read their story and give simple feedback or do they intend for you to provide your editing services? If they’re only looking for feedback, perhaps you could agree to read the manuscript—at your leisure. This helps a friend to understand that you are a busy professional and that paying customers will come first. If it truly is editing services they demand, check out number two.
Advise your friend of your current rate and then offer to give a discount of some amount. This way they understand your time is money, but you are willing to provide them a bit of a break for your friendship. You could offer a discounted rate, an exchange of services, or to edit only a small portion of their book. If they will be paying you for your services, make sure you outline how that will happen in clear, concise terms. I still use a contract, even for my friends. This avoids any misunderstandings.

What happens if the friend seems put off by your professional leanings?

Simple. Retain a friendly, professional manner and move on. At that point, the decision truly rests on the friend’s shoulders—not your own. You have conveyed how you handle business arrangements, even between friends. If they choose not to utilize your services, you can move onto other business without guilt. Hopefully, the friend—if they truly are one—will understand your position and work with you to achieve the results best for each person. If not, maybe they were not a friend after all.

Sue started out as a devotion writer, but now also claims the titles of editor, proofreader, webmistress, and blogger. She has written and self-published three books as well as helped a variety of authors get their manuscripts into readers’ hands. Sue loves working with clients who are working toward the greater good of sharing God’s message in this world. Email sueafairchild74@gmail.com to discuss a free sample edit. Check out her website for testimonials: suessimplesnippets.wordpress.com

So You Want to Be a Freelance Editor? (Part Two)

by Rebecca Florence Miller

In my previous post, I shared some important preparatory work you need to do as you begin your new career as a freelance editor. In this post, I plan to share more about how to develop your business after you have put those foundational pieces in place.

Once you have adjusted your expectations, educated yourself, and begun to zero in on the best genres that match your skill and the market’s need, you will need to start finding clients. How on earth do you do this?

First, build client testimonials that demonstrate your abilities. Do you have a friend who would be willing to write a testimonial for free or discounted editing work? Better yet if you have three such friends!

Second, think of organizations, groups, and companies that need editors. How about doing some research work in a department of a university or college? How about reaching out to a local nonprofit that is doing great work but has typos in their materials? Is there a community blog you could offer editorial skills to? Does someone you know need compelling website copy or a résumé revision? All this adds to your experience and gives you more authority.

Third, network, network, network. Most of my work has come from networking. It is not instant. It takes years to build up a good network. But the good news is, I’ve done almost all my networking online. Brainstorm deeply about who you know and who you could connect with to get a few opportunities to shine. Also, consider reaching out to publishers with whom you may have some affinity or relationship. After you study your stylebooks, contact some publishers and ask if they are looking for proofreaders. There will likely be a proofreading test. It’s not sexy work, but it’s great experience.

Fourth, set up a simple, elegant website. You do not need anything flashy, although a professional headshot helps. Just make sure your website contains no typos, is organized thoughtfully, clearly communicates your experience and expertise, gives a sense of the services you offer, and provides a way to contact you. Ask your friends to share your website. Put it in your saved email signature, add it to your social media profiles, and include it in your bio every time you write something online.

Fifth, find some sort of regular gig, if you can. For me, this has taken the form of writing and editing a business’s blog posts every month, editing a website devotional for a friend, connecting with publishers who send me work regularly, moving up to a regular editing position at a Christian organization for pastors, and doing regular writing and editing for a Christian ministry. Having at least one gig that provides some reliable income is extremely helpful.

Sixth, once you have more experience, join the Christian Editor Connection. You must do professional editing work for a couple of years first, take tests to qualify in specific genres, and pay a membership fee. If you are accepted, the CEC will forward you referrals to bid on, based on the kind of material you are qualified to edit. I’ve gotten two publishing house referrals through the CEC, as well as several private clients. The CEC charges editors a referral fee of fifteen percent (for the first year of working with the specific client)—but because they expect you to charge the clients healthy fees, not pennies, you still end up with a good sum.

Best wishes to you as you begin to explore a rewarding and challenging new career!

Rebecca Florence Miller is the content editor for Ministry Pass and edits for many clients, including Redemption Press, Baker/Brazos, InterVarsity Press, and Truth for Life radio.

Working For Free … Should You Do It?

So You Want to Be a Freelance Editor? (Part Two)

Receive every blog article in your inbox.