How To Become A Freelance Editor With No Experience In 2023 [From An Experienced Freelance Editor]

Three years ago, I wanted to learn how to become a freelance editor with no experience, as the idea of working from any location in the world from my laptop really appealed to me.

I had heard about freelance editors and how they got paid to correct grammar errors in written text, but I had no idea how to get started.

I didn’t have any experience in the editing industry (I worked in a bank for 8 years), and when I googled editing jobs, they all required experience.

Do not worry, I am here to share how to become a freelance editor with no experience. I did it, so you can too.

What Is Editing?

An editor refines and corrects the text of written material to ensure it is refined and polished.

The corrections may include amending the grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure and to ensure the written text flows properly and corresponds within in-house style guidelines.

Essentially, you spot typos and errors, correct them and then get paid for it!

This type of job requires you to be a bit of a grammar lover, have great attention to detail, as well as an ability to focus on written text for long periods.

What’s The Difference Between A Proofreader And An Editor?

This may be a question you may have when you are learning how to become a freelance editor with no experience.

A proofreader identifies more basic and surface-level errors such as misspellings, incorrect punctuation, etc.

An editor tackles more in-depth issues such as language, tone clarity, and sentence constructions.

Both are normally used interchangeably but you can charge more for editing work as it takes more time.

What Is A FREELANCE Editor?

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A freelance editor does the same work but instead of being hired as an employee of a company and getting a monthly salary at the end, you can pick and choose editing projects and decide what to charge.

I started my remote working journey, as a freelance editor as I wanted to pick and choose WHEN I worked, from any location in the world.

How To Become A Freelance Editor With No Experience

1. Use Grammarly

I started learning how to become a freelance editor with no experience, without Grammarly. But I wished it existed when I started!

It’s a lifesaver!

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Grammarly is a FREE editing tool that does light proofreading on any written text. It will spot the spelling errors and grammar mistakes, amazing eh!

Nowadays, whenever I write an article or I am commissioned for an editing job, I ALWAYS submit the text to Grammarly.

It’s FREE and will save you lots of time spotting errors.

2. Sign Up To A Freelance Editing Course

I always say the best investment you can make is in your brain.

The fastest way to learn how to become a freelance editor with no experience is to do a course,

The Proofread Anywhere course helps you transition into a full-time proofreader/editor and run it as a well-paid business.

The Proofread Anywhere course begins with proofreading basics and then goes on to share advanced proofreading methods, how and where to find jobs, what rate to set and common mistakes to avoid.

Caitlin is the lady who runs the course and she has been a proofreader since 2007. She turned her love for proofreading into a full-time job and now helps others do the same.

The Proofread Anywhere course is packed with 40+ lessons in 8 modules, grammar-specific worksheets, and real-life example jobs.

After passing with 90% or higher on the final exam you will receive a Certificate of Completion and access to the Self-Publishing School Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex.

Ps; Caitlin is offering a FREE Proofreading workshop that will help you learn the basic skills and decide on whether freelance editing is for you.

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3. Get Some Work Samples

When you apply for jobs, many will specify that they need some work samples.

But how can you have work samples when you have never worked as an editor? It’s like the chicken before the egg argument!

Here is the solution:

Create free or discounted samples

When I started learning how to become a freelance editor with no experience, I offered to edit the documents of friends and family for free.

CVs, university theses, work reports, you name it. Just read through, and edit, then save it as a sample.

Tip- You need at least 3 samples before you apply for editing jobs

4.Use Microsoft Tracker And Comments

Here is an essential tip I learned when I wanted to know how to become a freelance editor with no experience.

When you start creating a work sample, MAKE SURE you use Microsoft Tracker and comments to show HOW you edit and the before and after result.

Microsoft Tracker allows you to show all the changes you have made to an edited document.

Here is a great video on how to use Microsoft tracker and comments.

5. Set Up A Portfolio Website

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Once you have some work samples, now it’s time to look professional.

6. Niche Down

Providing an editing service in a specific area will make it easier to find clients and you will get paid more (the same way a surgeon is paid more than a doctor).

Potential clients will google search terms like ‘book/ novel editing’, or ‘thesis/essay editing’, not general terms like ‘editing services’.

Focus on being an expert in one area.

But you may be thinking… I have no experience, I don’t know which area to specialize in!

That’s fine, what do you enjoy editing, and what are your work samples related to, start with that, you can always change your niche later.

So, as an example, you could niche down into academic editing, book editing, web editing, newspaper and magazine editing.

It’s the best way you can earn more when you are learning how to become a freelance editor with no experience.

7.Join Editing And Writing Facebook Groups

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Facebook groups are a great way to learn from experts and search for other opportunities.

Here are some examples below but a simple search for ‘editing groups’, in your FB groups will share loads.

8. Join Freelance Work Platforms

You should join professional organizations to network with the editor community. For instance, Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). More contacts, means more quality referrals. Make hay while the sun shines.

By now, you should know how to become a freelance editor with no experience, so it’s time to start applying for jobs.

There are lots of freelance work platforms out there where you can input ‘editing jobs’, in the search term.

You can reach out to self-publishing groups to meet writers who may need an editor to review their work before getting it published.

9. Apply For Editing Jobs On Job Boards

Specific editing job boards will advertise editing jobs for you to apply to. Below are some editing job boards:

10. Apply for Editing Jobs On Editing Websites

A really good way of finding jobs when you want to know how to become a freelance editor with no experience, is to apply for jobs on editing websites.

You can also apply to specific editing websites below:

Alternatively, you can also check out this article which shares 15 more editing sites you can apply to.

11. Join Editing Societies

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Having a group of likeminded people, you can learn from and share problems with is crucial on your journey of how to become a freelance editor with no experience.

TheACES Society for Editingcosts $75/year, and it provides you with a fantastic community of fellow editors and tips on how to improve your work.

You can also join theEditorial Freelancers Association(EFA) which costs much more ($180 annually), but you get additional perks such as group health insurance.

Well there you have it, hopefully you have learned how to become a freelance editor with no experience.

If you want a more in-depth detailed guide on what to charge and how to deal with common issues, please read:

How To Become An Editor in 8 Simple Steps

22 Essential Gadgets, Tech and Tools For Freelance Editors That You Must Have

1. Notebook

2. Computer Reading Glasses

3. Laptop

4. Portable Wireless Router

5. External Hard Drive

6. Powerbank

7. Noise-cancelling Wireless Headphones

8. Portable Speaker

9. Desk Lamp

10. Standing Desk [Recommended!]

11. Laptop Desk Stand

12. Ergonomic Chair

13. Tea Strainer With Lid

14. Mug

Love Mug: World’s Best Boss Mug (I personally love this mug!)
YETI Rambler 20 oz Travel Mug, Vacuum Insulated with Stronghold Lid
Lysenn Iridescent Glass Coffee Mug with Lid

15. Desk Cable Clips

16. Wrist Tainer

17. Large Water Bottle

18. Wrist Rest

19. Neck Pillow

20. Laptop Bag

21. Neck Massager

22. Travel Extension Cord

FAQs on How To Become A Freelance Editor With No Experience

How Do I Start Freelancing As An Editor?

10 Steps On How To Become A Successful Freelance Editor.

Read more to gain more knowledge.
Build editing experience on freelance editing gigs on freelancing platforms.

Determine what type of editor you want to be and decide on your niche.
Provides editing services to writers that you know.
Practice your editing skills to level up.

How Much Do Beginner Freelance Editors Make?

Beginner freelance editors usually earn on the average between USD0.015 to USD0.028 per word based on Reedsy’s 2022 marketplace data. The more skilled the editors are, the faster they get the job done so they charge per word. Their freelance editing rates depend on the types of editing and genre of the writing.

How Do I Get Into Editing With No Experience?

How To Become An Editor In 6 Steps

Choose your type and style of editing.
Get a degree or editing certificate.
Gain experience through internships and freelancing.
Apply for entry-level publishing and editorial positions.
Network with clients and publishing professionals.
Earn promotion to senior editor.

What Skills Does An Editor Need?

You’ll need:

knowledge of English language.
knowledge of media production and communication.
the ability to read English.
excellent verbal communication skills.
to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
excellent written communication skills.
the ability to work well with others.
to be flexible and open to change.

DISCLAIMER

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Related articles on Proofreading:

Related articles on extra ways you can make money:

How To Become a Freelance Editor with No Experience in 2023 [From an Experienced Freelance Editor]

As a seasoned freelance editor with years of experience, I understand the challenges of breaking into the industry, especially when you lack prior experience. My journey began in a completely different field, having spent 8 years in banking before transitioning to freelance editing. Today, I not only work remotely from any location in the world but also relish the freedom to choose projects that align with my interests.

The article you've provided offers valuable insights for individuals looking to become freelance editors with no prior experience. Let me break down the key concepts discussed in the article:

Definition of Editing:
- An editor refines and corrects written material, ensuring it is polished and adheres to in-house style guidelines.
- Corrections include grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and overall flow.
Difference Between Proofreading and Editing:
- A proofreader focuses on basic errors like misspellings and punctuation.
- An editor addresses deeper issues such as language, tone, clarity, and sentence construction.
What Is a Freelance Editor:
- Similar to an editor but works independently, choosing projects and setting rates.
- Offers flexibility to work from any location.
Steps to Become a Freelance Editor With No Experience:
- Use Grammarly: A free editing tool for proofreading written text.
- Take a Freelance Editing Course: Consider courses like Proofread Anywhere to learn the basics and advanced techniques.
- Create Work Samples: Offer to edit documents for friends and family to build a portfolio.
- Use Microsoft Tracker and Comments: Demonstrate editing skills by utilizing Microsoft Tracker to show changes made to a document.
- Set Up a Portfolio Website: Showcase your work samples professionally to attract potential clients.
- Niche Down: Specialize in a specific area of editing to stand out and command higher rates.
- Join Editing and Writing Facebook Groups: Network with experts and explore opportunities.
- Join Freelance Work Platforms: Utilize platforms like Upwork to find editing jobs.
- Apply for Editing Jobs on Job Boards: Explore job boards like The Guardian, MediaBistro, and Upwork for editing opportunities.
- Apply for Editing Jobs on Editing Websites: Look for jobs on platforms like Kibin, Scribendi, and Proofreading Services.
- Join Editing Societies: Connect with fellow editors through organizations like ACES and Editorial Freelancers Association.
Tools and Gadgets for Freelance Editors:
- The article lists various tools and gadgets essential for freelance editors, including a laptop, portable wireless router, external hard drive, power bank, noise-canceling headphones, desk lamp, standing desk, laptop stand, ergonomic chair, tea strainer, mug, desk cable clips, wrist trainer, large water bottle, wrist rest, neck pillow, laptop bag, neck massager, and travel extension cord.
FAQs on Becoming a Freelance Editor:
- Common questions answered, including how to start freelancing as an editor, steps to become successful, and the earnings of beginner freelance editors.

This comprehensive guide provides aspiring freelance editors with practical steps, tools, and resources to kickstart their careers, even with no prior experience.

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