- Joined
- Oct 16, 2016
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
Hello from Japan!
I am an American working abroad as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in English.
I've been writing since I was 6 years old but only recently have started working on a serious-to-publish novel.
My main reason for joining this community is I am actually looking to change careers.
I've been volunteering as an editor and proofreader and would like to start freelancing.
I already do this unofficially (but don't charge).
For example, I recently helped a colleague with his upwards of 300 page manuscript, both via proofreading, substance/story/continuity editing and general critiquing.
He said I seriously would have made at least $2000 off of him if he'd known I'd be so thorough.
My problem is, well, not knowing the proper words for what I'm doing, as well as how to go about it professionally.
My current method is using MSWord Review or Google Docs as well as writing a critique.
I make a list of abbreviations for what I'm checking (PC for pacing, for example).
Still, if there's a "right" way to do this, I'd like to learn.
Since I live abroad I would be working mostly through the internet.
My main questions are:
What would I call myself?
What would I charge? What shouldn't I charge?
How would I charge it?
What shiny pieces of paper do I need, if any?
What can I do by skill alone?
What is the best, most affordable place to hone skills that need honing?
How would I pay taxes? (I assume I'll still be paying US taxes, or would they be Japanese taxes?)
I know some Japanese and also work with native Japanese teachers, correcting their English for lesson and exam materials, correspondence with sister schools and essays for school and seminars so I'd like to put myself out as a last-check editor for ESL writers as well.
This seems like such a great site. I honestly don't know where to start looking. I've come here a few times to read the forums but only now am joining as a member.
I am an American working abroad as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in English.
I've been writing since I was 6 years old but only recently have started working on a serious-to-publish novel.
My main reason for joining this community is I am actually looking to change careers.
I've been volunteering as an editor and proofreader and would like to start freelancing.
I already do this unofficially (but don't charge).
For example, I recently helped a colleague with his upwards of 300 page manuscript, both via proofreading, substance/story/continuity editing and general critiquing.
He said I seriously would have made at least $2000 off of him if he'd known I'd be so thorough.
My problem is, well, not knowing the proper words for what I'm doing, as well as how to go about it professionally.
My current method is using MSWord Review or Google Docs as well as writing a critique.
I make a list of abbreviations for what I'm checking (PC for pacing, for example).
Still, if there's a "right" way to do this, I'd like to learn.
Since I live abroad I would be working mostly through the internet.
My main questions are:
What would I call myself?
What would I charge? What shouldn't I charge?
How would I charge it?
What shiny pieces of paper do I need, if any?
What can I do by skill alone?
What is the best, most affordable place to hone skills that need honing?
How would I pay taxes? (I assume I'll still be paying US taxes, or would they be Japanese taxes?)
I know some Japanese and also work with native Japanese teachers, correcting their English for lesson and exam materials, correspondence with sister schools and essays for school and seminars so I'd like to put myself out as a last-check editor for ESL writers as well.
This seems like such a great site. I honestly don't know where to start looking. I've come here a few times to read the forums but only now am joining as a member.