Your progress is amazing to see! I’m a book editor that’s just starting out but I don’t have a degree in the relevant field. I’m volunteering to edit books in my community but I haven’t charged anything so far. How did you get started in the industry and what advice would you give if you were in my shoes?
Hi! I'll tell you the same things my editing mentor told me: explore the Editorial Freelancer's Association website, they offer courses to get you started that aren't expensive. Also, spend some time reading craft books about writing and editing (feel free to message me and I'll give you some recs!!), and finally: start small and be transparent. Communicate with potential clients that you are just starting out. You'd be surprised how many people are happy to work and grow with someone new! Message me anytime if you have more questions! :)
Hey Mallory! This sounds amazing! Congratulations! As an author I always wonder: How do you manage to go through a manuscript that fast? Any hacks you can share?
How much time would it usually take for you to work on a manuscript of about 80,000 words?
Hi! This is a great question! It definitely varies a lot depending on several factors: total word count, the quality and extent of self-editing already performed on it, and what the major issues for that particular manuscript are. For example, for an extremely thoroughly edited manuscript around 80,000, I am just polishing it up and making it shine as bright as it can by making minor changes and suggestions. That will take me much less time to go through than an 80,000 word manuscript that as not been heavily edited yet and therefore I am offering rewrites and revision suggestions on every other sentence. So, giving an estimate for how long 80k could take really depends, but I would say a thoroughly edited one would likely take me a week to complete with several read throughs and the editorial letter included in that time. Of course, that is assuming I am working solely on that project and putting everything else on hold which doesn't mirror reality. Typically my contracted project lengths for a full manuscript edit (dev or line) run about 4-6 weeks. This ensures I have plenty of time to devote to the project and produce the highest quality work. Thank you for your kind words! :)
This is super interesting! Thank you for your lengthy answer! How many projects do you usually work on simultaneously?
I used to jump from task to task before (it was just the structure of my previous job) and would be so exhausted by the end of the day. Since I am freelancing I try to stick to one major focus per day (or half a day). I find this is much more valuable as I can dive deeper into one project. Not switching so much doesn‘t exhaust as much.
I am the same way! I definitely prefer to dive deeper into one at a time either per day or two per day so over the course of a month I probably have about four-six projects going on! Depends on the length of the projects on my slate as I'm booking :)
Congrats on your success so far! 👏 I've been a freelance editor myself for about four years, and I absolutely love it! (Website design is also not my fav either! Haha.)
Hi Mallory, this all sounds so exciting! And a huge well done... freelancing is not easy when you're responsible for everything yourself, so big respect for taking the plunge. Must have been a big decision to go for it, so congratulations, it sounds like you're doing brilliantly! I've found you on Instagram, and absolutely love your website. They are tricky things, and I especially love the photos you've chosen! My only frustration is that I don't need an editor right now 😂 But as you said before, you're now firmly on my radar for the future.... Maybe we'll work together one day!
Hi Mallory!
Your progress is amazing to see! I’m a book editor that’s just starting out but I don’t have a degree in the relevant field. I’m volunteering to edit books in my community but I haven’t charged anything so far. How did you get started in the industry and what advice would you give if you were in my shoes?
Thank you!
- Mel
Hi! I'll tell you the same things my editing mentor told me: explore the Editorial Freelancer's Association website, they offer courses to get you started that aren't expensive. Also, spend some time reading craft books about writing and editing (feel free to message me and I'll give you some recs!!), and finally: start small and be transparent. Communicate with potential clients that you are just starting out. You'd be surprised how many people are happy to work and grow with someone new! Message me anytime if you have more questions! :)
Thanks Mallory!
I’ve looked into the EFA courses a while back but didn’t know if they were worth it, but now I’ll definitely consider it!
I would also appreciate craft book recommendations from you!
Thanks again for the advice :3
- Mel
Of course!! Self-education is widely accepted too, again the most important thing is transparency with your clients and fair pricing ☺️
Hey Mallory! This sounds amazing! Congratulations! As an author I always wonder: How do you manage to go through a manuscript that fast? Any hacks you can share?
How much time would it usually take for you to work on a manuscript of about 80,000 words?
Keep up the great spirit! :-) Love it!!!
Hi! This is a great question! It definitely varies a lot depending on several factors: total word count, the quality and extent of self-editing already performed on it, and what the major issues for that particular manuscript are. For example, for an extremely thoroughly edited manuscript around 80,000, I am just polishing it up and making it shine as bright as it can by making minor changes and suggestions. That will take me much less time to go through than an 80,000 word manuscript that as not been heavily edited yet and therefore I am offering rewrites and revision suggestions on every other sentence. So, giving an estimate for how long 80k could take really depends, but I would say a thoroughly edited one would likely take me a week to complete with several read throughs and the editorial letter included in that time. Of course, that is assuming I am working solely on that project and putting everything else on hold which doesn't mirror reality. Typically my contracted project lengths for a full manuscript edit (dev or line) run about 4-6 weeks. This ensures I have plenty of time to devote to the project and produce the highest quality work. Thank you for your kind words! :)
This is super interesting! Thank you for your lengthy answer! How many projects do you usually work on simultaneously?
I used to jump from task to task before (it was just the structure of my previous job) and would be so exhausted by the end of the day. Since I am freelancing I try to stick to one major focus per day (or half a day). I find this is much more valuable as I can dive deeper into one project. Not switching so much doesn‘t exhaust as much.
I am the same way! I definitely prefer to dive deeper into one at a time either per day or two per day so over the course of a month I probably have about four-six projects going on! Depends on the length of the projects on my slate as I'm booking :)
Congrats on your success so far! 👏 I've been a freelance editor myself for about four years, and I absolutely love it! (Website design is also not my fav either! Haha.)
Thank you!! Yeah, it serves its purpose for now lol maybe someday I'll spruce it up
Hi Mallory, this all sounds so exciting! And a huge well done... freelancing is not easy when you're responsible for everything yourself, so big respect for taking the plunge. Must have been a big decision to go for it, so congratulations, it sounds like you're doing brilliantly! I've found you on Instagram, and absolutely love your website. They are tricky things, and I especially love the photos you've chosen! My only frustration is that I don't need an editor right now 😂 But as you said before, you're now firmly on my radar for the future.... Maybe we'll work together one day!
Thank you so much for your kind words! <3