Are you considering launching a freelance editing career?
Whether you’re tired of the 9-5 grind or are just ready to start doing what you’ve always loved, freelance editing can be an incredibly rewarding career. Yet, if you’re used to regular paychecks, you might wonder how to set yourself up for success. How can you ensure you get new projects and make enough money to keep yourself afloat?
Fortunately, many people have gone before you, and successful career of setting your own hours and personal goals may not be as far out of your reach as you think.
Keep reading to learn our top 5 tips for starting your freelance editing career!
1. Set Up Your Freelance Editing Website
Want to make sure you’re prepared to get clients and start making an income doing projects you love?
Start by setting up a website for your services. Many people find the services they need on the internet, so having a professional, nice-looking website that explains what you offer will help you gain clients.
Unless you’re familiar with web design, rely on a content management system, such as WordPress or Blogger, to help you create your website. Choose templates that appeal to you and match your brand, which is the overall style, tone, and impression you want to leave on your clients.
2. Make Your Portfolio Available
If you have a portfolio that showcases some of your best work, make it available for your potential clients to view online.
You can do this by copy and pasting relevant projects you’ve worked on into a Microsoft Word document. Then, export it into a PDF and upload it to Google Drive. Change the sharing options to “Anyone with the link can view,” and then copy and paste the link somewhere on your website.
That way, anyone who’s curious about your work can take a look at it, but you don’t run the risk of anyone being able to copy it and claim it as their own.
Before posting any of your clients’ work publicly, though, make sure they’re okay with being featured in your portfolio.
3. Make Accounts on Upwork and Fiverr
Did you know there are specific websites just dedicated to matching freelancers with potential employers?
Spaces such as Upwork and Fiverr allow freelancers to make profiles on their sites that describe the types of products they produce. Then, when potential employers go on there to search for a service, they find those profiles and choose one to hire!
They also allow your clients to leave reviews of your work.
4. Generate Pay Stubs
When you’re a freelancer, you’re in charge of all aspects of your business, including accounting.
Now, if you’re the type of freelance editor who’s better at words than numbers, this might make you sweat. It doesn’t need to, though. In fact, you can even use online, such as a pay stub generator for freelancers, to accomplish some of your financial work.
You may also want to work with an account to determine how much you will need when it’s time to do your taxes.
5. Define What You Do
When you first start out, it’s important to define what you do as clearly as possible, both to yourself and on your website.
Now, if you’re thinking “I’m a freelance editor. Shouldn’t I just say I edit?” we understand. But there are many different kinds of editing, and you should determine which types you’re going to specialize in.
For instance, someone who edits copy for webpages might do entirely different work than someone editing research papers, essays, or even non-fiction books and novels. Define what you want to do as clearly as possible so that both you and your clients know what your business is all about.
Ready to Start Freelance Editing?
Freelance work can be an incredibly rewarding experience. If you’re thinking about freelance editing, we highly encourage you to pursue it with your whole heart.
Still, finding online editorial work can be difficult. If you follow the steps above, though, you’ll increase your chances of finding clients and launching a successful career!
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