Anyone a copy-editor/proof reader ?

[NamelessGem]

I would love to work from home doing this kind of work, and wondering if anyone has tips or tricks to get into it?

I am looking at doing a course, but is there anything else that may help me get my inexperienced foot on the ladder?

I can research most of it, but I would love to hear from anyone personally doing it - if you would be so kind as to share.

Many thanks :)

Anyone?

Would also be interested to know all about this. I'm only at the thinking stage, but just wondered if you'd found a good course @NamelessGem?

Hi @kennebunkport

I have been looking at various courses, including on the SERF.com website, but have no idea what is worth paying for.

I only have a small budget so don’t want to pay out for a course only to learn things I already know!

If I hear anything elsewhere I will let you know :) x

To be honest, I think that most people who do this from home have gone freelance from employed jobs doing this, and brought contacts 'home' with them. It was very popular a few years back but to make money from it is tough.

When I was doing work of this nature, proofing commanded about £9/hr, as I recall.

I have a friend who does this on the side from her full time work. She did a few courses by SFEP I think. I remember her saying you need to have a "niche", for example she proofreads dissertations. Obviously there is a clause that unis must approve, she won't mark or rewrite etc. Anyway, it isn't enough to sustain full time employment apparently

I'm a SAHM mum, so not looking for big bucks or full time employment. Very interesting about the niche - makes sense. I used to work in marketing, so proof reading was a big part of my job, across various formats. I've always been eagle-eyed, so have been thinking it's an area that could suit me/ something I could well. More research required!

Yes sorry @kennebunkport I mean SFEP 🙈 I was feeding my dc at the same time as replying !

Copy-editor here.

Courses: SfEP or the Publishing Centre. They’re the best. And you do need training - until you start training, you don’t know how much you don’t know!

Having a USP is good too.

Many qualified editors make a very good living! SfEP suggested minimum rate is £26 per hour for proofreading, iirc, and SfEP is applying to become a chartered organisation, which will help to raise the profile of editors and proofreaders.

There is a LOT of competition out there.

You need to be able to do the work, run your own business, market yourself... it takes about 2 years to establish your business, on average.

It’s not a quick, easy way to make money but there is plenty of work out there if you have the qualifications and experience.

And it’s a fabulous career. No two days are the same, and I learn something new on every job. I’ve been editing for 20 years...

.

@thelastgoldeneagle that's really interesting. It certainly is the 'getting started' bit which is daunting. Timing isn't right yet, but will take a look at the courses as an initial step.

Have a look at www.sfep.org.uk/about/faqs/ for more info, or feel free to PM me.

To make it pay, you need to work for publishers who pay well. That sounds obvious, but it took me a while to decide that I valued myself at more rather a lot more than the £9 an hour that was mentioned upthread. £30 an hour is more my current benchmark and preferably a bit higher.

I do sometimes take on poorly paid books if I like the subject area. I'm regretting the current one as I type. By the time it's anywhere near publishable, I'll be doing it for charitable reasons rather than income.

I work in educational publishing as a freelancer (writer, editor, project-manager (not proofreading)). I had an in-house job and had been in the industry for a number of years, so had a lot of contacts when I decided to go freelance. I love it and I make decent money. The flexible hours are the best and the fact that I can take the kids to somewhere hot in the summer and work from there while they enjoy the pool/beach.

I have to say though, most people like me have previous experience working directly for a publisher or similar organisation. I'm not sure how else you'd get a foot in the door. Most of my work I get from repeat clients, or people mentioning me in meetings, etc.

Rates where I am are between £25 and £40 per hour, depending on project, level of responsibility, client, etc.

Hello Nameless Gem, i am new to MumsNet. I have done some work recently with a company called Accuro (think they are manchester based - but you work from home). They are offering editing jobs at the mo, i think.

Hi MPH, I had a quick google. If it's the site that claims 'the upmost attention to accuracy' I think they may need better proofreaders!