Getting Started in Editing

jhmattern said:

I'm interested in getting started in editing, and was wondering if anyone had some ideas to get some experience under my belt.

I currently run a music webzine, where I write regular articles and reviews, in addition to editing work submitted by the site's freelance writers. I ran and edited an About.com site for a few months, and currently run a Consulting and Freelance site on another network (mostly my own work, but the occasional guest submission too).

My primary business is in publicity. I run a small firm from home. For the last year I focused my attention on music publicity, but recently decided to open things up to take on publicity work for writers and small businesses. In addition to basic publicity work, I'd like to offer editing services (mostly myself for now, but I have a few contractors willing to take on extra projects through me if I need them). Since most of my writing and editing experience is web-based (I did some print editing work in college, but nothing too substantial), I'm guessing that would be the best way to start. I've thought about contacting sites that I think could use editing work, and either offering my services for free (just for a few sites to build a portfolio) or sending proposals to them. However, I just don't feel right approaching someone and essentially saying "Hey! I noticed you have tons of errors on your website, and I'd like you to hire me to fix them." While I'd like to start with web-based editing, I wouldn't mind picking up a few smaller print projects as well (again for free if needs be) just to add them to my experience. I'm dying to get busy with promoting the new services (considering promotion is primarily what I do), but I don't want to jump into it without enough background first.

Does anyone have any suggestions for finding these kinds of projects? Heck, does anyone have an article or web site or other small print or web-based work that they'd like to have me edit for free? I'd love some advice from people who have been there. Thanks!

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jhmattern said:

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately though, I run my own business from home, and would be completely unable to take on-site work with a publisher. Editing isn't my primary service, and I need to be available in my office to take client calls and to work with my own set of freelance writers when they need me.

What I'm looking for isn't to work with publishers at all. I'm interested in editing web sites for small businesses and such, as well as doing proofreading and editing work for freelance and creative writers before they submit their work to publishers - essentially being that "extra set of eyes" to help them make sure their work is ready to submit. I mostly work with people who have a very DIY attitude

Thanks again!

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