freelance copy-editing/proof reading

[Biscuitbreaker]

Hi,

My first child is due in Nov/Dec and I really don't think I want to go back to my job (teaching).

I have previously worked in publishing, journalism and as an editorial assistant/editor.

I would really like to do this again, freelance/part-time/at home... whatever. Having been teaching for a while, I have no idea how to get back in the game. I have freelanced before but no longer have these contacts.

I know there are a couple of people on here (Staranise, Beckybendylegs...) who do similar things, so I am really after advice from anyone on how to approach this when I have had my baby.

Thanks in advance!
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I'm an editor & receive a lot of applications from freelance proofreaders. If it helps I can tell you what impresses us / what would make us run a mile, & apologies in advance if I'm telling you stuff that's all too obvious...

We know when a certain academy's proofreading course has just ended because we receive a massive number of nearly identical formula emails beginning "I am writing to introduce myself as a professional proofreader and copy editor available for additional assignments." We ignore these.

A scary number of applications have mistakes, and some will come as attachments with no subject heading or covering email. We ignore these too.

We look at applications with correct spelling & punctuation, where the writer has done their own letter & not just copied & pasted, but a lot of people do that too. It makes a difference if people have at least looked at our websites (or even just our entry in the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook!) & can personalise their application a bit. You probably already know about the W&A but it's a terrific source. I got my job through it.

The one that impressed me most was from someone who had been to their local library, looked at a couple of our books and sent us a list of corrections.

HTH & doesn't sound patronising

Rafi - thanks for your response! Don't worry about patronising me; it is good to know that I am, in fact, going about things the right way!

I have often considered including corrections of existing publications with my application - but have always chickened out! It's interesting to hear that the strategy may go down better than I thought! :-)
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I can only talk for our place, Biscuitbreaker, but it was confirmation that they'd really taken some trouble & also that they could do the job!

Good luck.

I have found it hard to get proofreading work despite several years of experience.

I moderate a forum that is offering far less freelance editing work since the crunch, yet the number of members is sky high.

There are heaps of people out there looking. I ended up writing about parenting.

I'd try educational publishers first as your teaching experience gives you an edge.

Good idea goldenpeach - any suggestions? Can you name your forum on here?
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Hey Biscuitbreaker, I am an ex-teacher who didn't return after baby number 2. I now have 3 kids and put my teaching skills to good use by taking on a babysigning franchise. I have been running for 7yrs now and love it. Even better you can set your own hours/term times and can take you baby with you to classes. Try doing a websearch.

Tinytalker - that sounds interesting, I will look into it. Thank you.

It's a forum for subeditors, email me at [email protected] and I will invite you. It's mostly inhouse, though.

Cambridge University Press does plenty of educational books, do google it to pick up contact details.