Becoming an Editor: What's Next?
For those interested in a career in editing, this comprehensive guide outlines the steps to becoming a professional editor.
Education
Obtain a bachelor's degree in fields like English, journalism, communications, or a related area. These programs cover important topics such as grammar, sentence structure, composition, and editing techniques.
Gaining Experience
Gain practical experience by working on school newspapers, internships, or entry-level positions such as editorial assistant or copyeditor. Internships help build skills, provide networking opportunities, and exposure to different publishing formats.
Supplemental Skills
Enhance your qualifications by learning additional skills, for example, content management systems, certain software (like Adobe or editing tools), or industry-specific knowledge. These skills make you more attractive to employers and clients.
Build a Portfolio
Create a strong portfolio including writing and editing samples. This is crucial, especially when starting as a freelance editor, to demonstrate your skills to potential clients.
Start Small on Freelance Platforms
Use freelance job sites like Elance (now merged with Upwork), where you can start by taking small editing projects. Set up your profile with clear descriptions of your skills, submit proposals tailored to each job, and build a reputation gradually by delivering quality work.
Professional Experience
Progress by taking on larger and more complex editing roles as you gain experience, possibly moving into managing editor or senior editor roles over time.
Continuous Learning
Participating in professional editing groups can provide valuable insights and learning opportunities. Working with demanding clients and tight deadlines can help in honing editing skills. Familiarising yourself with style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook, and grammar and usage references, is essential.
Identifying Your Niche
Identifying which type of editing you are best at is crucial for a career in editing. Understanding different types of editing, such as copyediting, substantive editing, and proofreading, can help you specialise and provide high-quality work for clients who pay more.
Starting Small
Starting with small, low-paying editing jobs can provide good training and allow for skill development. As you improve, you can take on more challenging projects and increase your rates.
In summary, becoming a professional editor involves formal education, accumulating varied editing experience, building a portfolio, supplementing with technical skills, and starting with smaller freelance projects on platforms like Elance to establish yourself in the field. The process of editing isn't always black and white, but with dedication, patience, and continuous learning, you can become a successful professional editor.
To broaden horizons and supplement one's career in editing, pursuing education and self-development in finance, business, and lifestyle can be advantageous. These areas provide a comprehensive understanding of various industries, helping an editor better collaborate with clients, grasp diverse content, and make informed decisions in managing editing projects.
In addition, seeking opportunities in careers related to business, content creation, and education can further enhance an editor's skills and versatility. This could include positions like marketing manager, content strategist, or even teacher, offering a unique perspective and expanding one's expertise as a professional editor.
