Any editors out there?

[Fruitflylady]

I've been doing some editing in a voluntary capacity and some paid work (scientific editing and proof reading) over the last few years and want to bring in a bit more work. My question is, do you find it helpful to belong to a society or organisation of editors? And have you done any of their courses? Are they worthwhile?

[RandomlyOrganized]

Sorry you haven't had a reply until now. I'm probably not going to be much help. I've been an editor (environmental field mainly) for a long time. You'll have found SfEP. Someone on here has mentioned another organization, but I can't remember the name. I had a dip in work flow and looked into whether joining SfEP might increase exposure. I wasn't clear whether my experience would allow me to skip some of the training. If it didn't, I'd have to cover a lot that I don't need - subject areas to some extent, but also hard-copy editing and proofing, which I haven't needed (thank goodness) for decades. But if I were allowed to skip the training, being one of their listed editors might give the impression that I have a wider competence than I actually have. I let the idea drop. I have no doubt that the training would have improved my competence in useful areas, but there was too much that I simply didn't want to be bothered with. I would have liked to do their organizational course, but was too disorganized to get around to it! For you, I'd say nothing beats experience (=I've made most mistakes there are to be made), so if you're confident that you know what professional editing and proofing entail, and that you are doing a good job, I would keep on as you are. I've generally got work by word of mouth. When I've applied formally I've often, to my surprise, been snapped up - but not always. If you do join an organization, I'd love to hear if it brings in more work!

[eelbecomingforyou]

The UK's professional organisation for editors is the Society for
Editors and Proofreaders - //www.sfep.org.uk

There are loads of benefits to joining - editors' forums, local groups, discounts on training, CPD, etc. Browse their website to find out more, and PM me. I'm a member, and find it invaluable.

You join as an entry-level member and are encouraged to upgrade - there are various routes. When you are a professional member, you qualify for an entry in their Directory of Editorial Services - where I get most of my clients.

If you have never done any formal editing/proofreading training then I'd recommend you do - you wouldn't start out as a plumber or engineer without training, would you? Editing is just the same.

I'm not aware of another organisation for editors in the UK - what is it called?

And SfEP's courses are constantly being upgraded to reflect the move from hard copy to online editing and proofing.

[bigbadbarry]

SfEP is the only one although I confess I have never got around to joining! It's been on the to do list for years.
There are a couple of Facebook editors' groups that are really good - try editors association of earth.

[eelbecomingforyou]

Yes, I belong to EAE and another few FB editors' groups, but I don't find them a replacement for sfep membership.