If you’re dreaming about becoming a freelance editor, you must know that there are a few musts in this profession.
Every editor should be strong with grammar, but there is more to that. Editing is not just about making everything grammatically perfect, on the contrary, that is just a basic work. But there is so much more.
It is a dynamic but also stressful job, considering you must meet deadlines, and sometimes that is hard to achieve with the amount of work in front of you.
If you are interested in finding out what it takes to become an editor, read this guideline.
Besides work itself, the editor must have a good environment and a peaceful place for his work. That allows him to be more creative and efficient.
How To Become A Freelance Editor
1. Creative Workspace
The editors’ job is very delicate because they have to be focused on so many details and their job is to avoid mistakes, not to make them. That is why it is so important for every editor to have a good workspace.
What does it mean ’a good workspace’? Well, in this case, the most important thing is privacy. This work can be done in the most efficient way if no one disturbs or interrupts you while you are working.
You don’t need to rent an office. You can make your workspace at your home. The important thing is just to have your comfort and peace while working.
Well-organized workspace also boosts creativity, which is one more reason why it matters where you work from.
You should make space in a way that makes you feel completely relaxed when you walk in and feels nice to spend more hours inside. Because you probably will.
2. Essential Tools
First, you need a computer with some programs required for the job, like Word and Excel, editing software, etc. A dual monitor should be useful as well.
If you’re thinking about the space, the most important object is a comfortable chair. If you’re gonna spend hours sitting, make sure that your seat is ergonomic.
Good lighting is also important. Looking at a monitor screen is already hard for the eyes, and bad lighting can eventually affect your vision. So make sure you have a good lamp or chandelier.
If you can manage to have a lot of daylight through the window, that is great.
Make sure that your main equipment is quality, because if you work on a slow computer that is opening one page for five minutes, you gonna lose so much time on that. It’s completely unnecessary, so it’s better to invest at the beginning in a good machine, and then you don’t have to worry about that for a while.
3. What It Takes To Become An Editor
Cutting to the chase, these are five essential qualities that you must have if you’re wondering how to become an editor:
- Strong language skills
- Attention to detail
- Knowing how to work with editing software
- Understanding of SEO and digital content
- Experience with niche content
The first and second points are a question of talent, not just education, but proper education is always a plus. If you don’t have a master’s degree in English or similar, you can always work on your knowledge and attend some courses for writing and editing.
Knowing how to work with editing software and understanding SEO and niche content is something you can also learn in many ways.
4. Dealing With Stress
Editing any content is stressful because expectations are that you will make it perfect no matter what. Of course, that is not always possible, but your job is to make the best version of it.
Second, but not least, is deadlines. Sometimes, you’re gonna work for multiple clients or on a big project and have to meet deadlines. When you know that the clock is ticking, it feels like time is going much faster.
But, besides a few stress factors, editing is dynamic, creative, and a very interesting work.
5. Choose Your Genre
If you want to become an editor, you should think about what you want to edit in the first place. If you are a book lover, choose your favorite genre or a field where you have the best knowledge of the subject, style, and tone. That will help you a lot.
For example, if you’re interested in news editing, also think about what topics you are interested in the most: social, economic, entertainment, or something else.
Conclusion
Becoming a freelance editor is a process, but if you’re willing to learn and prosper, you will accomplish that. Keep in mind that strong language skills and attention to detail are the main qualities you must have, and the rest is hard work.
Prepare yourself for a dynamic, time-consuming job, and make yourself a cozy workspace to feel comfortable while editing.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo