Becoming a freelance book proofreader, book copy editor or book writer
Over the years many aspiring and working freelancers have approached me for advice on how to build their business. I've given presentations, written columns, answered email enquiries and chatted to freelancers on the phone. I've used my experiences in setting up and growing my freelance business to help others work out whether freelancing is for them, and if so how to succeed.
You may be wondering why a freelance book writer, book editor and book proofreader would offer help to others who want to go freelance – after all, in doing so I help potential competitors of my business. The answer is simple: I believe that only the committed and talented few make it in this business, and that there's plenty of work to go round for those good freelancers.
What do you need to succeed in freelancing?
Freelancing suits a very particular type of person. Before taking the plunge as a freelance book proofreader, book copy editor or book writer, then, you need to give some careful thought to whether this style of work will suit you. Here's a brief snapshot of what a successful freelancer book copy editor, book writer or book proofreader is like.
Skills: You must be a writer at heart to be a book proofreader, book copy editor or book writer, and you need to be very well read. Excellent grammar should be instinctive for you, and you need to be one of those people who spots inaccuracies in written material and just itches to correct them. You need to be IT literate and highly competent in Word and researching on the internet.
Experience: This is a tricky one. Ideally, you've worked for at least one publisher or company (and hopefully more) in an editorial capacity – as a book proofreader, book copy editor or book writer. If you need to expand your experience, be prepared to do voluntary or low-paid projects so you can build your client base and portfolio. You may have undertaken a proofreading, copy-editing or writing course. If you have, great; if not, don't worry: actual experience counts for more than qualifications in this business.
Attributes: You need to be one hell of a grafter to succeed at freelancing. You'll work incredibly hard to build and sustain your business, putting in a lot of time and energy. You have to be tenacious and keep working towards your targets, picking yourself up and carrying on when misfortune knocks. You need to be self-motivated, organised, meticulous and something of a perfectionist in your approach. You must have a logical, business-oriented mind but also the ability to think creatively and innovatively. You need to get on well with people so that you keep your clients happy. Finally, you need to like your own company and be perfectly happy working alone.
Attitude: You need to exude passion for books, writing, publishing and freelancing. That passion will inspire your work and sustain you through the highs and lows of freelancing – particularly the difficult days of setting up in business and the inevitable dry spells when work is elusive. Positivity will be your middle name: you need to set your sights high and keep pushing forwards regardless of setbacks.
Advice from my Freelance Glance column
For some years I have written a column for the Society of Young Publisher's InPrint magazine, sharing my experiences and pearls of wisdom on being a freelance book copy editor, book writer and book proofreader.
Here are links to some of the columns published in the magazine:
Why go freelance? I explore my reasons for becoming a freelance book proofreader, book copy editor and book writer.
Setting up: I look at the admin side of setting yourself up as a publishing freelancer.
Getting work: I consider different ways to get proofreading, copy-editing and writing work.
Working from home: I look at the highs and lows of working from home as a freelance book proofreader and copy editor.
Working with publishers: I explain how a book proofreader and book copy editor works with publishers.
Copy editor and proofreader: What's the difference? I lay down how a book copy editor and a book proofreader differ.
Life as a copy editor and proofreader: I let you in on some insider secrets on life as a book copy editor and proofreader.
Understanding tax for freelancers: I show freelancers how to take care of their taxes.
Setting terms and conditions: I encourage freelancers to get professional and lay down terms and conditions of work.
New book: How to Succeed as a Freelancer in Publishing
I'm currently co-authoring a book with Emma Murray called How to Succeed as a Freelancer in Publishing, which will be published autumn 2010 by How To Books. The book offers advice on how to build a freelancing business in your chosen publishing field – from proofreader to copy editor, ghostwriter to author, typesetter to graphic designer. So watch this space for plenty more top advice on making it in publishing.