Retraining as Proofreader/Copy-editor - Any advice?

[Pleiades45]

After 6 years out of the work situation I am finally wanting to return to work.

I've plenty of courses under my belt but the most obvious thing on my CV is Call Centre work and I definitely don't want to do this.

Friends have suggested that I retrain and look at going into Proofreading or Copy-Editing.

Does anyone have any advice about this. Is it a hard market to get into? Would I find that I've done the courses and have no work?

I'm not sure what there is locally as I'm new to the area but I believe it's the type of job that lends itself to working from home. How practical is this?

I work in publishing and my company and others I've worked for (all educational/academic publishers) use lots of freelance copy editors, proofreaders and project managers. Most of them have worked in house previously though, and have built up contacts and knowledge of working methodology. I would think that it would be difficult to establish yourself as a freelance copy editor/proofreader without having some kind of in-house contacts, although you might be more in demand if you had specialist knowledge - technical/medical/law/languages. Check out the Society of Editors and Proofreaders who run courses and give a realistic assessment of the chances of obtaining work. They have a useful section of FAQs. Avoid, avoid, avoid the companies that advertise in the back of magazines who claim that if you can spot six mistakes you can set yourself up as a proofreader and earn loads. Sorry to be a bit negative ...

Thanks for the reply, I've actually been in touch with SfEP and I've got a plan of action regarding courses. I realise that I would have to work in a company before I stand any chance at freelancing. I have a combined degree in languages and history and whilst I wouldn't feel comfortable proof reading in another language, I think the history would be an option. I have also worked in the IT industry so could probably look at this as an area.

I don't think you're being negative. My understanding is that it's a career that requires more skill than people think. I also think it's highly competitive and at the moment have a hard time visualizing how to get from having done the coursework to becoming a recognised and employable proofreader/copy-editor.

I'm doing a proofreading course with ICS but then intend on doing further courses with SfE&P. Might be good idea once you've done the course to offer proofreading for free, to put on your cv/portfolio - just for a bit though and with people you already know. Maybe also try writing content for web/articles - pick up as many skills as you can (obviously try and do well at all of them). This is my goal - now, let's see if it works...

Sounds like you've thought it through very carefully, Pleiades. SfEP courses are excellent and usually led by very experienced freelancers - you could also consider their mentoring scheme to gain some practical experience. They also run a course on finding work with non-traditional publishers I think? I don't think you necessarily have to have worked in house to get work, but it helps to develop some network of contacts. Good luck with it all.