How to Start an Editing Business Online
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008How to Start an Editing Business Online
Do you have a detailed eye? Do you constantly catch the mistakes in other people’s writing? Does it just get under your skin when someone writes a simple sentence or article sprinkled with spelling and grammar errors? Do you buy the Elements of Writing each time a new edition comes out? Then this idea may be for you.
I do believe that the Elements of Style books are a writer’s and editor’s bible. Everyone should own the newest dictionary and thesaurus. Geez, why wouldn’t they?
So, if you are like me, and share these personality traits as questioned above, you already have a great starting base to create your own editing business!
However, there are a variety of things that can contribute well to your business, and help you bring in more clients. This doesn’t mean that if you don’t already have them that you can’t have your own editing business. It simply means that it would help to bring in more clients for you, because when anyone spends their hard-earned cash on anything, they want to make sure they are going to get what they expect. Seeing some of these things listed on your website could help ease their minds and get them to press that “buy now” button easier and faster. Just having the pure skill is very important, and that’s a lot better than having to learn how to edit manuscripts. You’re already there! You will, however, want to learn as much as you can about the business itself and how to serve your clients to the best of your ability.
Here are some things that will help bring in more clients:
1. An educational background in English or Literature
2. You are already an established writer or editor
3. Have worked as an editor
You should also have great knowledge of programs such as Microsoft Word. It is the most popular word program people use to write with. Get to know this program inside and out! You could also get WordPerfect, but Microsoft Word should do just fine.
Remember, none of this is absolutely necessary in starting an online editing business. But it may be something you want to plan on doing in the future. You could take a class at your local college or online. Some helpful books that I highly recommend are: The Elements of Style Illustrated, the most recent dictionary (several versions if you can get them), and a recent thesaurus. Take a stroll through your local library for books on editing.
Now all you need to do is create a solid business plan, create a website, draw in clients, and get testimonials from your clients! There is a lot of planning ahead, but that is just the beginning!
Resources:
http://www.indianchild.com/writing/proofreading-jobs.htm
http://www.jobster.com/find/US/jobs/for/proofreading
http://ezinearticles.com/?Online-Proofreading-Jobs&id=101283
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Proofreading-Jobs—How-To-Find-Online-Proofreading-Jobs/930938

