Seven tips for starting out as an editorial freelancer

One of our past Basic Proofreading by Distance Learning students, Natalie Cutting, has put together some helpful tips for proofreaders and editors at the start of their freelancing careers. Natalie is currently doing the Copy-Editing by Distance Learning course.

1. Join the SfEP. After a year I have managed to become an ordinary member, and I am about to take out an entry in the SfEP directory, which is apparently a good source of work. I intend to become an advanced member and have a highlighted entry in the directory within my second year of self-employment.
2. Approach publishers that offer tests to assess your ability, rather than those who insist on experience. I have recently passed tests for OUP and Taylor & Francis, and have been offered positions in their pool of freelancers.
3. Network! Get yourself a website and some professional-looking business cards and join a local networking group so you can meet other businesspeople and offer your services to them and people they may know.
4. Sign up to LinkedIn and join some relevant groups (including SfEPLine) so you feel connected with other freelancers and can benefit from their discussions and advice. I get lots of local businesses requesting to Link In with me – so this can be a very good source of leads.
5. Also consider working for copy-editing and copywriting agencies. This will not be well paid, but will bring you work and experience, and so is a good place to start.
6. Get testimonials from happy clients whenever possible, and use them to get more clients.
7. There is a lot of work out there, but you have you go out and find it! Be prepared to work very hard at low rates of pay to start with, just to get the experience and build up the confidence in your skills. Once you have convinced yourself you're good at what you do, it's easier to convince others and put your rates up.

Natalie Cutting

Editor & Proofreader

Visit Natalie's website at http://youreyefordetail.co.uk/, or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .