The term freelance has lots of possibilities embedded in it. And when we talk of freelance editors, we mean those who do not belong to any company but they undertake freelance editing jobs independently and work according to their own schedule. With the arrival of the internet, freelance editing opportunities have grown for those who possess a special skill with languages and have a keen sense of accuracy of information. That is why freelance editors are taken in only when they have proven track records of freelance editing either offline or online. You can set your own pace and schedule, but require sticking to deadlines.
What’s the most common job for freelance editing?
Among the most common job of freelance editing is proofreading or copy editing. Anybody with a very good knowledge of grammar can be a copy editor. But the copy editor has to possess not only great grammar skills, but also have a choice of words, style for both fiction and non-fiction writing. Then company that takes the services of freelance editors requires them to stick to their editorial standards and policies including the kind of information that should pass for publication. Freelance editing can be both part time and full time depending on the amount of time you can spare for working on your own.
You could do copy writing that requires similar skills of proficiency in English and a grasp of the vocabulary in all its usages. You don’t need to have a degree or a doctorate in languages to be a proficient freelance editor. What freelance editing requires are horse sense and a keen eye for details that may elude you even if you possess the highest qualifications.
What would you do?
You would need horse sense to spot any inaccuracy or plagiarism beforehand and not after you pass it on for publication. You should develop the trust of the company you work for so that they can depend on you. While applying for a freelance editing job, you sell yourself as you would for any other job. But for being a freelance editor, you have to take some tests on editing on sample pieces to prove your credibility as an editor.
The company you would work for may have a senior editor to monitor the work of freelance editors. You would have to liaise with him or her and make sure your work meets all the parameters set by the company. You would be paid per hour for the freelance editing that you have to do and it usually ranges from $10-15 an hour. It is better if you develop a niche as companies always look for specific services like theses editing, freelance editing of manuscripts, essays and also proofreading.
