Aspiring to Steer a Publication's Tone and Direction: What's the Next Step?
Editing is a rewarding career that requires a keen eye for detail, a solid understanding of language, and a passion for quality content. Here's a guide to help you embark on the journey to becoming a professional editor.
Formal Education and Gaining Experience
To set the foundation for your editing career, consider earning a bachelor's degree in a field such as English, journalism, communications, or a related subject. This will provide you with essential skills in writing, grammar, editing, and content management [1][5].
During your studies, seek opportunities to gain practical experience by working on school newspapers, college publications, or through internships at publishing houses, news organizations, or online media. This hands-on experience will help build your editing skills and establish professional connections [1][5].
Developing Supplemental Skills
Beyond editing, it's beneficial to develop additional skills such as proficiency with content management systems, computer software, and possibly graphic design or television production, depending on your editing niche [1].
Starting in Entry-Level Positions
Begin your career in entry-level positions such as editorial assistant or copy editor and gradually progress to senior editorial roles over time. Building a professional portfolio and possibly earning professional credentials or memberships (e.g., Editorial Freelancers Association or Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading) can enhance your credibility [1][3].
Freelancing as an Editor
If you're considering freelancing as an editor on platforms like Elance (now Upwork), there are a few key steps to follow:
- Build a strong portfolio showcasing your editing work, including samples and testimonials from past gigs or internships [2].
- Choose a niche or specialty to differentiate yourself, such as academic editing, fiction, web content, or technical editing [2].
- Set competitive rates by researching market standards on freelancing platforms and adjusting as you gain experience [2].
- Create detailed and professional profiles on freelancing platforms like Elance/Upwork highlighting your skills, education, and experience [2].
- Network and market yourself through social media, blogging, or personal websites to attract clients outside of the freelancing sites [2][4].
- Stay organized and maintain good communication skills with clients, delivering quality work on time to build a strong reputation [2].
Key Tips for Editors
- Working on smaller editing projects can provide valuable training for new editors [6].
- Starting with a job site like Elance is recommended for beginners in editing [7].
- Researching and getting training on freelancing is important for editors [2].
- Becoming intimately acquainted with the writer's style is necessary for editors [3].
- Becoming a professional editor is a complex and challenging path [8].
- Identifying which type of editing you are best at is essential [4].
- Working with demanding clients can help editors learn quickly [9].
- Keeping an eye out for consistency errors is important for editors [10].
- The Chicago Manual of Style is a useful reference material for editors [11].
- Identifying when to look something up in a reference book is part of being an editor [11].
- Understanding the different types of editing is important [12].
- Knowing proper grammar is essential for being an editor [13].
- A lot of editing isn't black and white [14].
In summary, becoming a professional editor involves formal education, gaining editorial experience, building a portfolio, and developing additional relevant skills. Transitioning into freelancing on Elance requires clear specialization, competitive pricing, strong marketing, and client relationship management to succeed [1][2][3].
Building a career in editing can complement your passion for quality content, intertwining with lucrative fields like business, finance, and lifestyle, where crisp content is paramount. Being a versatile editor with expertise in various niches can offer potential opportunities in the form of careers, freelance gigs, or self-employment within these industries.
A robust portfolio, backed by a solid educational foundation in related subjects such as English, journalism, or communications, can lead to prestigious roles in financial publications, upscale lifestyle magazines, or prominent business journals. Networking and professional development, encompassing memberships from organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association or Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading, can also open doors in this dynamic arena.
