The Club Ed Guide to Starting and Running a Profitable Freelance Editing Business

Use what experience you do have to make logical bridges to related areas. You can find ways to connect where you are (A) to where you want to be (E) but it requires time and planning, not shortcuts.

If you have experience copyediting user manuals, it’s not much of a stretch to also copyedit how-to books. But it’s another thing entirely to agree to, say, coach a novelist on figuring out the narrative arc of her work-in-progress. In other words, A to B makes sense. A to E does not.

Although it may not seem possible at first glance, your current employer may be your best bet for gaining relevant experience before you start working full-time at your business.

Editing for free just because you want the experience devalues your work. Instead, offer your services in exchange for something else, not necessarily money.

Always think in terms of exchange. Even if you’re not the most experienced editor in the world, your time is worth something.

Every few months, go through your accomplishments list and update your resume/bio sheet as appropriate.

bio sheet consists of several descriptive paragraphs about who you are and what you do. The bio sheet can reflect more of your personality, interests, and aspirations, whereas a resume primarily communicates career facts.

Ask for letters of recommendation or testimonials when appropriate. Get permission to give names of current clients to prospective clients.

keep the relevant supporting information readily available.