A completely non-authoritative and non-exhaustive list of my favorite resources for freelance/independent editors and proofreaders.
If you’re interested in learning more about the editing and proofreading profession, here are some great resources. This list is completely subjective, from a non-fiction editor’s perspective, and non-authoritative.
Web resources on be(com)ing an editor or proofreader
- Copyeditors’ Knowledge Base: A rich source of information and guidance, cultivated since 2004 by Katharine O’Moore-Klopf. Start here.
- Louise Harnby’s resource library: So many of us learned from Louise Harnby about building a proofreading and editing business.
… And some individual articles …
- Business of Editing: What to Charge (An American Editor): A series of articles by Rich Adin on how to set our rates. We need to know our effective hourly rate and use that to determine what to charge.
- Create Systems to Build a Sustainable Freelance Business: Systems let you better run your business. They free up your mind and time from repetitive processes and help you be consistent. Systems don’t have to be big and complicated.
- Six Practices to Overcome Fear and Put Yourself Out There: Amel Derragui shares six ways we can get over our fear of “selling” ourselves. We have to be visible so the people who need us can find us.
Podcasts
- The Editing Podcast: A fun and informative podcast hosted by experienced editors Louise Harnby (fiction) and Denise Cowle (non-fiction). I just enjoy listening to these two banter with each other!
- Amel Derragui: The Time is Now: Business and marketing coach Amel Derragui’s podcast is not to miss if you are a women entrepreneur, especially a globally mobile one. Her podcast (formerly Tandem Nomads) was a pillar of inspiration for me when I was starting out as an independent editor. It made me see myself as a business owner. (Two or three years later, I was thrilled to be invited as a guest on her podcast!)
I don’t listen to too many podcasts, but here are individual episodes that were so helpful that I had to go back and take notes!
- Becoming Comfortable and Knowledgeable with Contracts and Other Legalese, with Lawyer Brionna Ned (Deliberate Freelancer, hosted by Melanie Padgett Powers): Brionna Ned explains what freelancers need to look out for in contracts, including indemnification clauses and non-compete clauses.
Social media
If you are on Facebook, there are some groups you might try out:
- Editor’s Backroom: Affiliated with the huge (but public) Editor’s Association of Earth.
- Scholarly and academic editors
- Editpreneurs: A somewhat smaller (and gentler) group created by editor Jessica Brown.
If you are on Bluesky, check out the starter packs by Tanya Gold: “Edibuddies” Starter Pack 1 and Starter Pack 2 to connect with other editors and proofreaders.
A lot of editors and proofreaders are also on LinkedIn, myself included. Do find us!
Professional associations
Professional associations are fantastic sources of support and learning. Membership can also signal to potential clients that you are a serious and qualified professional. Many also offer a directory service.
Which one you join may depend on where your clients are based, what offerings you seek, and your budget. If you hope to join live events, do consider time zones. Also, many of these have partnership agreements where membership in organization means you can access another’s resources at a discount.
Some major English-language professional associations for editors and proofreaders:
- ACES: The Society for Editing: US-based. Members get free access to their library of webinars.
- Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP): UK-based. Has online local “clubs” for editors in other regions to meet up virtually. Annual hybrid conference, webinars, courses. No accreditation but has assessed tiers (entry, intermedia, professional, advanced professional).
- Editorial Freelancers Association: US-based. Online training courses.
- Editors/Réviseurs Canada: Offers professional certification. Training courses and webinars.
- Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd): For Australian and New Zealand editors. Offers accreditation. Hosts conference and other professional development events.
- Professional Editors Guild: For language practitioners who operate in the South Africa. Offers accreditation. Hosts events and webinars.
Any other recommendations? Please share in the comments.
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