The Freelance Editor's Guide

Financial security hits different when you're your own boss 🔥

editorscircle

It's an honor to bring the color! 🎨🌈

Jumping on this trend...

I've been absent on social media lately while I deal with real life. Real life stuff rarely makes it onto social media...

As hard as it is, I wouldn't change my career. Freelancing has changed my life and I'm so grateful 🧡

Not all heroes wear capes 🦸‍♀️📝

Justice for editors who post online! ✊

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How to set boundaries as a freelance editor 🙅‍👇

Here's the thing...

When you tell fam and friends that you're freelance editing, it's only a matter of time before someone asks you to "take a peek" at their thesis/memoir/fan fiction/resume... 👀

And of course you can help out if you want to. But I have a pretty short list of people who I'll do free work for 🤷‍♀️

I also don't ENJOY those types of projects. My zone of genius is technical and academic editing. So it would be a chore...😩

And do I want to give Aunt Susan feedback on her memoir? Or call out my college friend for plagiarism? Absolutely effing not. Talk about awkward 😳

So here's how I say no to family and friends without sounding like a jerk:

1️⃣ Set boundaries, gently:

Politely explain that while you'd love to help, you've already hit your limit for free work this month/year. Try: "I wish I could help but I already have some pro bono work on my plate right now." It's a gentle reminder that your time and expertise are worthy of a little cha-ching! 💸

2️⃣ Offer alternatives:

Still want to be helpful? Recommend a friend! Try: "I'm sorry [essays/fiction/poetry/etc.] is not my area of expertise but if you like I can recommend another editor who is great at this. Just so you know, they have a price list for this type of work." Helpful and getting that referral fee - win win! 👭

3️⃣ Consider different compensation:

Does Aunt Susan have a writing group that she could recommend you to? Or maybe your pal is a website designer and can help you set up landing pages in exchange for your time. Think outside the box if you're ok with working with fam and friends 💱

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Yes, we shall 🪱

No one comes between me and my shortkeys 💕

What MS Word hacks do you use every day?
🤘 Let me know in the comments 👇

❤️ Don't forget to follow
for tips on launching and growing your freelance editing business ❤️🙌

Which kind are you? 👀

Here's why this happens 👇

Most freelance editors start off taking low-paid contracts to get their feet wet 👣

And then they take one more contract... 🙂
Then another... 😐
Then another... 🙁

And before they know it, they're working three times as hard as they did in their full-time job for less than half the pay 😰

And waking up every morning thinking about pouring your heart and soul into underpaid work does NOT result in high self worth and a great income 🚫

So do this instead:

Take a HANDFUL of small gigs to get great testimonials ⭐
Then start charging for your time and expertise and don't look back 💸

❤️ Don't forget to follow
for tips on launching and growing your freelance editing business ❤️🙌

These books changed my freelance editing business...even though they have absolutely nothing to do with editing 🤷‍♀️

What book helped you in your freelance editing career?
🤘 Let me know in the comments 👇

❤️ Don't forget to follow
for tips on launching and growing your freelance editing business ❤️🙌