Copywriting/Editing Qualifications

[Susiewho]

I'd like to give it a go as a freelance copywriter/editor/proofreader, but I'm not sure where to start.

I left work (marketing and fundraising) 2.5 years ago when I had DD, and have done copywriting and proofreading for the same company on a freelance basis every now and then.

In order to set-up properly I'll need to look for cold clients and will need some 'real', specific credentials. Does anyone know what 'the' qualifications for a new copywriter are, please?

Thanks very much. :)

I'd have a look at the Publishing Training Centre at www.train4publishing.co.uk. They have some great courses. A couple of the publishers I used to work for before I went freelance sent employees on their courses. Good luck!

Thanks Wordweaver, I'll have a good look at that site.

Are you a freelance writer?

Yes. I also work as an editor and proofreader. It's good to be able to diversify.

I second that - the basic copyediting course is a cracker.

Ask them what grants are available - you may be lucky.

I have experience in the sector but did a course right at the start through the now called London College of Communication (it was an evening class).

It's a tough business at the moments as there are heaps of freelancers. So use any contacts you might have from your past work experience. There are professionals with several years' experience who struggle to find work.

If proofing is your thing, I'd try the Society for Proofreaders, at least you get an introduction, rather than just doing a course that gives you nothing in term of work contacts.

Hi all,

Thanks very much for all of the advice. I'll have a good look at all of those sites.

I just noticed [[http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/feb/12/eaten-only-crisps-for-ten-years
this]] article, which might be of interest to you.

Ah, I think the link failed. Sorry! www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/feb/11/lost-art-editing-books-publishing

Sorry, one more question! Is there a website with a forum, that I could/should join as someone starting out in the field? I don't want to bombard with you my multitude of questions all the time!

Thanks again. :)

Hi Susie, just came across your thread as l am thinking of doing the same, how did you get on?
Clare x

Check out the SFEP website, it is pretty helpful (although the advertised rates are rather optimistic, so take them with a pinch of salt).

www.sfep.org.uk/

On no account do a dodgy distance learning course of the sort advertised in newspapers - they are widely seen as second rate.

For copywriting you don't 'need' qualifications, you do need credentials, ie work that you can show prospective clients. I'm not saying qualifications will do you any harm, but if you have relevant experience, good contacts and clippings, you don't need to shell out for a course.

Proofing and editing is a little bit outside my experience, I do get 'can you proof this or edit that' from my exisiting clients but they are copywriting clients in the first place iyswim.

This is a very useful discussion. I'd like to get started as a freelance editor/writer/proofreader, which is how I came across this thread.

It's the kind of work which I could do from home and which won't stress me enough mentally or physically to set off my fits. (I have epilepsy).

I do, however, have some problems: I've been on longterm incapacity benefit, mainly because of epilepsy. I have always been afraid to let go of it without being sure I could make it on my own ie earn enough to replace it. With benefits being slashed left right and centre and my partner being forced into early retirement on a tiny pension, I don't have much choice.

I thought I'd enquire about the government's Step Ahead 50+ programme ie will the DWP pay for updating my computer skills and some courses in working with digital media? Not only will this bring me into the 21st century, media-wise, but it will give me a bit of paper to wave in front of prospective employers / clients in lieu of a long work record.

If anyone out there has experience of or advice to offer on the Step Ahead 50+ programme, please let me know.

Thank you.