I'm a copy-editor - ask me anything

[copyeditorAMA]

I'm an editor. I work on fiction (for kids, adults and YA), non-fiction, academic texts, websites, and material for businesses.

If anyone's interested, AMA!

@HollowTalk -

How many hours do you work each day/week?

@MorrisDancingViv - 7-8 on average. Not all editing - I update my website, do marketing, invoice clients, read editing blogs/books, do CPD, etc.

But I also take at least 10 weeks’ holiday per year, and only work part-time all school summer hols.

Thanks, I'm looking to move into proofreading in the future (it somewhat relates to my previous career and I'm not planning on going down the fiction route) so this is interesting to read.

@MorrisDamcingViv - if you have an amazing USP - you’re a lawyer, you have specialist knowledge of knitting/gymnastics/quantum physics/whatever - use that when you promote yourself!

Genuinely pleased to see this AMA thread! 😁

Do you have any advice for someone starting out?

I’ve been a proofreader for 11 years but it’s been ad hoc freelance or part of my employment. I want to do it as my ‘big girl’ job. I’m a member of SfEP and have done their training. I’ve got a training plan including progressing into copy editing in about a year. I’ve been doing lots of research on the business side of things (Louise Hornby’s website is awesome as are SfEP forums), and I’m working on my website.

Is there anything else you think would be beneficial please?

Just seen this, @lemony! Sounds like you're doing all the right things! Are you going to the SfEP conference? And how much training have you done?

What area do you want to specialise in? Think of some potential clients and contact them. Also, think about upgrading to PM ASAP as then you get a Directory entry, which is v useful - my best source of clients.

Mruphy's Law has come into play OP. ;)

Do you take on work from would-be authors? I'm writing a novel at the moment and would like it edited/proof-read before I pitch it to anyone.