Every so often, I answer the following question -- again -- because it is the most oft-asked question that I get. A reader writes:
QUESTION: My son works for Spellmount, a publisher of history, and several years ago he suggested I should take up a job at home using the Internet to edit copy for books etc. I used to work with horses which was a very energetic job, but now that I am in my 50's I would like to do something that I can fit in at home.
Do you know of any outlets for this? I have not had any editing experience, but have O level English, Pitmans Elementary Typing, and (apart from the odd typists error which I always spot and correct!), I have always been considered very good at spelling. Don't worry if you can't help, but I would be very glad of any suggestions.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Marion
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ANSWER: Marion:
Thanks for writing in. Copyediting from home is not as easy as most people think. The work itself is not hard; it's the MARKETING for the work that takes persistence. Most employers, eg, publishers, want to see first-hand experience.
My best advice without being too longwinded is to start looking for jobs locally -- target local businesses, do a good job and ask for referrals. That's the best way to start with no experience.
Our Wednesday, February 01, 2006 blog post was entitled, "How to Effectively Target Neighborhood Businesses with Your Editorial Services." See this link: http://inkwelleditorial.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-effectively-target-neighborhood.html. This is a good place to start researching and learning how to go about getting business.
Also, see our Freelance Writers' series, "Freelance Success Stories." Click here: http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/CareerCenter/success/intro.htm. Here freelancers tell how they got started and what works for them. Lots of first-hand insight from which to learn. This is why we started this series.
There is a ton of information on the Internet on this subject -- start by going through the InkwellEditorial.com blog. Our blog is all about the BUSINESS of freelancing, so you will be able to glean lots of information there.
Finally, know that it won't be easy, but with persistence, you can build up a steady clientele. This is a profession that will probably never make you rich, but can provide a nice comfortable living.
UPDATE TO THIS POST: I should have told the writer to visit the following page on our website: http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/SmallBizCntr/articles-small-biz.htm. The section offers advice on marketing your freelance services. Most of the advice is free and/or low-cost and is easy to implement.
Sincerely,
Y. Black, Moderator
InkwellEditorial.com
InkwellEditorial.blogspot.com
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P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!
Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
How to Freelance from Home Using the Internet
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
First-hand Account: "A Day in the Life of . . . A Freelance Writer"
A new "Day in the Life of . . ." account was added to InkwellEditorial.com today. Periodically, we publish these accounts to give you an inside peek at various positions in the editorial industry -- in hopes of helping you decide if a position will really suit you BEFORE you pursue it. We hope you find the information insightful and useful.
E X C E R P T
At 11 a.m., I rise leisurely from bed. While I’m waiting for my coffee, I go online to check my e- mail. There are three new assignments from editors/clients. The mailman delivers my mail promptly at noon. Today’s delivery includes a brown envelope with a large check inside as payment for one of my writing assignments.
After lunch, I spend a couple of hours writing on my latest project. I shut down my laptop and I’m done working for the day.
Click the following link to see the schedule for this freelance series & read this account: http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/CareerCenter/day-in-life/intro.htm.
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EDITORIAL JOB OPENINGS
PLEASE NOTE: The following are full-time, on-site positions. DO NOT submit your resume if you are seeking temporary, contract and/or off-site work.
Position: Communications Manager
Location: New York, NY (Manhattan)
Company: Food Bank for New York City (nonprofit)
The primary purpose of this position is to manage the creation and production of all written publications and marketing materials; write speeches and remarks for senior staff and board members; create ongoing and existing communications materials, including quarterly newsletter, annual report, fact sheets, internal messaging guide, etc; work with all Food Bank departments to produce public education materials, including research reports, agency newsletter and brochures.
Qualifications: A minimum of five years experience in communications, writing or related field; excellent writing, research and proofreading skills; administrative skills to coordinate multiple projects and supervise; computer proficiency including familiarity with the Internet and MS Office, PowerPoint, Publisher, QuarkExpress. B.A. or B.S. Degree.
Contact: Please forward resume and cover letter with salary history to George Flanagan, Director of Administration & Personnel, gflanagan@foodbanknyc.org. No Phone Calls Please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
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Position: Online Communications Specialist
Location: New York, NY (Manhattan)
Company: Food Bank for New York City
The primary purpose of this position is to manage all aspects of the Food Bank's online communications - including the organization's website, Agency Intranet and web-based fundraising and marketing efforts. Major responsibilities include managing development and updating of Web site content; Developing, designing and distributing e- newsletter; Marketing online communications to increase traffic and user base; Collaborating with Agency Services to develop and manage Agency Intranet content and design; Reporting on all online marketing and fundraising efforts to senior staff members.
Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. Degree required; a minimum of three years work experience, with at least two years direct Web site management experience; Work experience in communications, marketing or public relations preferred; Ability to coordinate projects with multiple departments and consultants; Advanced experience working and troubleshooting in CMS; Ability to work and troubleshoot in basic html; Experience working in Macromedia Cold Fusion website architecture a plus; Experience in image editing for website and publications using Adobe Photoshop; Experience in Fireworks MX web design publishing; Knowledge in computer software including Microsoft Office Suite and PhotoShop 7. Ability to troubleshoot.
Contact: Please forward resume and cover letter with salary history to George Flanagan, Director of Administration & Personnel, gflanagan@foodbanknyc.org. No Phone Calls Please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
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P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How?
Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95! Save $47.70!
Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
From Cheating Husband to Financial Independence: A freelance success story!
by Kris Williams
E X C E R P T from 3/16/06 Inkwell Editorial Freelance Success Story
I have been working via the Internet since 1999 and have basically taught myself the skills with creative ambition and strong determination following in suit. While this is not a bragging response to how I got started in writing, let me tell you why I first began my writing career.
Back in 1999, I was happily married to what I thought was a terrific man. Lo and behold, he ended up cheating on me 3 times, and he is still with the last woman since they had a baby about two years ago. Basically I have had to pick up the pieces in my life and re-arrange them back together after the divorce, but before you say, oh what a sad sob story and leave it at that, let me explain more…
I began my writing ... by creating two online magazines out of the necessity of struggle to create an income after my husband cheated on me the first time, as I had planned for the possibility that it might happen again.
Read the entire post at http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/CareerCenter/success/3-16-06.htm.
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P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How? Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95!
Save $47.70! Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Medical Editing/Copyediting Workshop: Freelancer Query
A reader wrote in with the following query. As I get these from time to time, I decided to post it here. If anyone knows of other workshops of this nature, feel free to send the information to us and we'll post it here and on our website seminar page. Thanks!
Y. Black, Moderator
InkwellEditorial.com
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QUESTION: Do you know anyone in the New York area that teaches medical editing and proofreading? This is an area into which I've wanted to expand for some time now, but I've had a difficult time finding information on the Internet (beyond just job listings or freelancers' Web sites).
I'm planning to study through the AMA stylebook, but I'm hoping I don't have to get a medical degree. I recently heard of one editor who does seminars on this type of thing, but I don't remember her name. Thanks for your help.
Marc
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Have you ever wondered how to break into medical editing/copyediting; how much you can expect ot make; what skills are needed; what a typical day is like; etc. ? Order the Inkwell Editorial e-book on the subject and find out! Editors & Copy Editors with 5-15+ years of experience contributed. Read an excerpt online at http://www.inkwelleditorial.com/bizguides.htm, then order today!
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ANSWER: You might try the Editorial Freelancers Association. They're located in the city and are online at http://www.the-efa.org/.
This organization used to give these types of seminars. If not, they may be able to put you in touch with someone who does. Inkwell Editorial used to give them, of course, but the interest was never there on a steady basis to keep it up.
Good luck!
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3/8/05 UPDATE TO ABOVE QUERY -- FREELANCER RESPONDS:
You may also want to mention on the blog that the EFA kindly put me in touch with the instructor of its "intermediate" medical editing course beginning April 22 [2006]. He told me that no previous experience was required, so it looks like I've found what I'm looking for.
MODERATOR NOTE: If you have questions about the class, contact the EFA (Editorial Freelancers Association). They can be found online at http://www.the-efa.org/.
Good luck to all!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Position: Writer/Editor, Public Relations
Full-time, TEMPORARY, Staff Opening
College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL
Position: Writer/Editor, Public Relations (Temporary Assignment – 6 months)
Description:Under the supervision of the Director of Public Relations, the Writer/Editor creates and/or edits a wide variety of publications for the College including brochures, direct mail pieces, and advertising. Overall, the position requires strong writing skills and precise attention to detail.
Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or related field.-Experience in writing and editing promotional copy such as brochures, direct mail pieces, or advertising.
Salary/Hours:The starting salary for this position is $15.58 per hour. It is preferred that the incumbent work a fulltime schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., during the course of the temporary assignment. Work hours may vary in accordance with the needs of the College.
The College: The College of Lake County is a progressive two-year community college located in a growing metropolitan area in northeastern Illinois, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, with a student enrollment of nearly 16,000. Dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, the College provides access to higher education, supports outreach to the community, and ensures accountability and continuous improvement.
Application Procedures and Deadline: Applicants must submit a completed application form, resume, letter of interest, and writing samples to the Human Resources Office to ensure full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt. This position will remain open until filled.
access this link to go directly to listing on college website to download application form: http://www.clcillinois.edu/aboutclc/jobs.asp?id=256
For a printed application form: contact the Human Resources office via any of the following: College of Lake County; Human Resources Office; 19351 W. Washington St.; Grayslake, IL 60030-1198 (mail); (847) 543-2065 (voice); (847) 223-5615 (TTY); (847) 223-0824 (fax) and personnel@clcillinois.edu (email). We are an Equal Opportunity and an Affirmative Action Employer, dedicated to diversity, which encourages the application of Women, People of Color, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans.
**************************************
P.S.: Learn everything you need to know to work from home as a Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, etc. How? Get Our Entire Library of Work-at-Home Ebooks for only $19.95!
Save $47.70!
Get 7 EBooks in All, Which Include the Following:
Medical Editing/Copyediting: An Overview (Reg. $4.95);
The Truth about Participating in Surveys & Focus Groups (Reg. $3.95);
How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer (Reg. $9.95);
Advice from Successful Editorial Freelancers (Reg. $9.95);
The Small Business Owner's Complete Marketing Kit! (Reg. 24.95);
and more!
P.P.S.: Place Your Order Now for Immediate Delivery via Email!
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