Tuesday, January 30, 2018

How To Start Freelance Editing Services

By Ryan Wallace


There is always work for a professional editor today. This is because more people are not paying attention to quality of writing yet they need to submit documents that meet particular standards. In this light, professional freelance editing services are in high demand with very lucrative returns. How then do you start such a business and make it work in the long run? Consider the following professional tips.

Though you are trained as an editor, admit that you do not know everything. Try to see things from the perspective of the writer. Remember that your intention is to help the writer to tell his story in his perspective and not your own. This is an invitation not to be overconfident about your work. Take every project as an opportunity to learn and work with the writer.

Do not expect to enjoy everything you read. There are projects that will challenge your skills and view of life. Seek to understand the view and idea of the writer instead of imposing your own. Over time, you will learn new perspectives that create diversity in the industry. Such experiences will also help you explore your strengths and weaknesses as well as areas interest.

Be honest in all your dealings. It is always fair to open the envelope when it lands on your table. Though you might not take up the project, you will understand what the writer needs and recommend him or her to a team mate or another editor. Keep away from projects that you are not passionate about. This ensures that your clients get honest opinions about their projects. They will appreciate the referral if you cannot handle it.

Treat your clients as people deserving dignity and prone to mistakes. The best treatment is to build strong relationships and show concern about their goals. Be keen to see things in their perspective and help in polishing ideas. Encourage them with your words and listen to their ideas and preferences.

Corrections must be regarded as difference in ideas and not necessarily mistakes. You are not playing the role of a savior who is coming to rescue an author who is helpless. Yours is to be a partner to help him accomplish a particular goal. Recognize that the author put a lot of effort towards completion of the book or paper. This means that you are assisting him to become better at his work. The criticism should be positive.

Work on the project now instead of waiting for tomorrow or next week. Freelancers must be good at time management because of overlapping deadlines. You must be ready to meet the deadlines set by your client because they are important to him. Honesty on time and delivering as expected will make you a much-sort-after editor.

Networking is the secret to establishing a successful freelancing career. Your client will lead you to your next one. Polish on your quality in order to attract the next best client. Manage your finances well to ensure that it does not affect your work environment. Even as a freelancer, you must endeavor to sharpen your skills from time to time.




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