Editors

Own your business and your learning opportunities.

Tip #1: If you’re ever stuck for a book on a topic, go to an institution that teaches writing and/or editing and look at the required reading section of the online syllabus for the course.

Tip #2: Need help starting somewhere? Take a course in editing before you begin getting clients. There may be fewer traditional programs for editing in Bachelors or Masters, but there is a growing number of online accredited extension programs attached to prestigious institutions that teach the skills you need to be a successful freelance editor. These include UCSD Extension Copyediting Certificate; UCLA Extension Courses in Editing; UC Berkeley Extension Professional Sequence in Editing; or NYU Continuing Education Certificate in Professional Copyediting, Proofreading, and Fact-Checking.

Tip #3: Take a professional headshot.

Tip #4: Get a business card with your name, services, and website.

Tip #5: Join an organization. There’s lots to choose from: ACES, Editorial Freelancers Association, CIEP, PEN America, Editors Canada.