Tips for Freelancing Editors
Freelance jobs can be a lucrative and satisfying way of making a living while working independently. However, although many clients have parameters established for editing jobs, some will want that information presented to them by the freelancer.
To avoid confusion, freelance editors should have guidelines in mind for level of editing, pay rates, format, and timeline.
Type of Freelance Copy Editing
Before deciding to take on an editing job, freelancers should make sure they understand what the job entails. First, make sure the client makes explicit what style they are using (MLA, Chicago, APA, or a unique house style). Also, inquire as to the level of effort expected. There are several types of editing a client can request.
- Substantive editing requires more time and expertise, as it usually involves some rewriting for form, organization, and content. Some clients may appreciate this level of involvement, while others might find it too heavy-handed.
- Line editing usually addresses only grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues. This leaves the writer’s voice largely intact and the content untouched.
- Proofreading checks for errors in a formatted document. No other changes are welcome.
Rates for Freelancers
Establishing a pay rate for a project might be one of the most important elements a client will consider when choosing an editor. Clients must be comfortable that they will receive the services they require for a rate they find reasonable. Rates can be charged per word, per page, or per hour.
- Charging per word provides a uniform way of judging quantity without being dependant on the format of the piece or the pace of the editor.
- Charging per page is the most common, but if an editor chooses this option they should specify what they consider a “page” (i.e., see formatting parameters below).
- Charging per hour is the least common as editors may work at different speeds, but it usually can be considered if the editor can provide the client with an estimate of how many pages he/she can edit an hour.
Format of Edited Document and Job Timeline
Freelance editors always should inquire as to the format of the document before accepting a job. In some cases, the document may already be in print-ready form as a brochure, article, or book. Hopefully, only proofreading should be required at this point.
However, if substantive editing or substantial line editing is expected, editors should request that documents conform to a standard manuscript page
- Double-spaced type
- 1" margins on all sides of the page
- 12-point font
Timelines are equally as important because clients often work under deadlines with other departments as well as printers. So, they need to be confident that an editor will have completed their part of the project on time in order to stay on schedule.
n the other hand, freelancers often have to work on several jobs at the same time, so they must make sure they are aware of these deadlines when scheduling their own workload.
Keeping Both Client and Freelancer Happy
Clients can be private individuals or larger companies. Whether the job is a marketing brochure or a grandmother’s memoirs, it is important that both parties have their expectations made explicit to avoid complications down the road.
Freelance copy editors should establish the type of job, the pay rate, the document format, and the timeline before accepting a job.