How I Became a Freelance Editor

How and why I started my own freelance editing business...and how you can too. :-)
~ ~ MY BOOKS ~ ~
ROMANOV (May 2019)
~ GR: / romanov
~ Pre-Order Here: amzn.to/2ux9EAa
FAWKES
~ GR: / fawkes
~ Order Here: nadinebrandes....
OUT OF TIME SERIES
~ GR: / a-time-to-die
~ Amzn: amzn.to/2vQGexz
NADINE ONLINE:
IG: / nadinebrandes
GR: / nadinebrandes
Twitter: / nadinebrandes
FB: / nadinebrandesauthor
nadinebrandes.com
*note: this video & description may use affiliate links

[@theeristicwriter8280]

I just want to say how much I appreciate this video. I'm looking to leave the culinary industry and would love to become an editor but unlike the first 20 "How I Did It" videos I've watched today, I'm a single father and don't have the luxury of moving to New York for a one year internship. This restored a bit of hope that there is still a way to make the jump and not fall flat on my face.

[@cameronayers2414]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been doing some informal editing for a friend and I loved it so much that now I'm thinking about going pro, but I didn't know how or where to begin. I feel like the info you gave in this video provided a helpful starting point. Much gratitude! 🥰

[@LA-es8wo]

So practical, straightforward, and helpful in general!! Thank you so much!

[@AshleyFables]

This was actually very helpful. Thank you for keeping it short and sweet and giving me some great ideas for how to get started as an editor myself!

[@lahahahaha12]

I'm starting Romanov as my next read, and I'm very excited! I've heard lots and lots of great things about your books from reader friends, but I never knew what an amazing personality you had as well! I'll definitely be watching more of your videos!

[@crystalashishchalakkel2857]

Hi Nadine! First of all i would like to say that your smile is really pretty and contagious :) I am 17 and this idea of book editing just suddenly popped into my head. I am passionate about reading but haven't been part of any critique team or anything of that sort. I have actually taken up science but kind of regret it. I feel I could have done better in literature. After doing some research I have noted down that I could still take up literature. I want to become a book editor (proofreader to be precise) but don't know how to go about with it. I haven't written any book as of now. I would be really grateful if you could help me a bit :D

[@jonaetra6221]

Hi! I’m also 17 and science student. And I love reading and writing and editing. I finished writing a book and am planning to publish it. My exams are near and I must be studying but I’m still writing and editing my book. Damn. Wish me luck for board exams.

[@amandatorr8252]

Yes! I would love to learn more about building a freelance editing business!

[@NadineBrandes]

Okay! I'll put together another video!

[@sleepingswiftly]

So glad I found this. I've been seriously considering doing freelance editing since I don't have the creativity to write my own books!

[@heliteephraim2976]

If you are interested. I can give my story to edit. But my problem is, I am not able to pay for you. Because I am from a poor family. If you are interested here is my WhatsApp no. [phone]

[@TheWordN3rd]

This is something I would love to hear more about. I've been considering it based on feedback I've gotten from my writer's group, but it seems so daunting. Thank you for making this video

[@NadineBrandes]

I'm definitely planning a follow-up video! When you look at the whole picture it is a bit daunting, but the process is so much more of a step-by-step journey, that it's TOTALLY doable!

[@moniquevdwatt6634]

I've been doing some research on freelance editors and how to become one, since I'm very interested in writing and editing and I feel like I would really want to get into that as my career path. By far this video has been most helpful, so thank you so much! I'd love to see more about different types of editing, and possibly how much your earn with your editing!** I'll appreciate it till the end of the world! Thank you soo much!

[@shuvr8073]

Did you end up becoming one ?

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

The beginning of your video really made me laugh!x

[@samanthahealey5163]

You make me feel as though I could confidently freelance edit! I am a college student, finishing up my Bachelor’s in English. I also am adding on the major of Professional Writing for the rest of my college career. I originally wanted to become an editor but for a publishing company. I have thought of freelance because I like the idea of running my own business, also, I do not live where there is an established book publishing house. Thank you for the advice!

[@sarahbarnhart4583]

I would LOVE a Q&A video on freelance editing and the different types of editing! What did you personally charge for edits? Did you go buy words, lines, or pages? What all goes into editing? Do you have to be super great with grammar? Would you say your critique groups helped you be a better editor or did seeing an edit on your own book help better? Sorry for all the questions!😅

[@NadineBrandes]

Q&A video COMING UP! These are great questions. I'll tackle them briefly real quick just so you don't have to wait for long: - I charged per word for my edits. And I'll cover the different pricing in a video. But I'd start by looking at what other editors charge. - You only need to be good with grammar if you're doing technical edits (line edits, copyedits, etc.) It helps. A lot. But content editors don't need quite as much grammar know-how. - I would say seeing an edit on my own book helped me grow more than getting critiques on my work. Hope that helps!

[@KacyJones]

This was super helpful. Thank you for putting this out there!

[@valeriewalburn4784]

I have always had my nose in a book. Are there online courses to learn more about starting a freelance editorial business that you recommend? Your energy is fun and upbeat. It was fun to watch 👍 subscribed!

[@babygurl1408]

Love the opening of your video

[@theinkweaver4639]

I needed this in my life sooner... but thank you anyway Nadine! This helped a lot!

[@NadineBrandes]

Aww, glad it could help at least a little!

[@haileyhudson4157]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I'm just now getting around to watching this, but it's good timing, because I have a phone call tomorrow with a potential client who wants line edits of her YA novel.

[@xjulezxo]

I'd love to see more videos about freelance editing

[@anamikavs9760]

Metooo😍

[@nicolecato634]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing what others need to do if they would love to get into this field! You have forged an awesome path and are sharing in how to follow in that editing greatness! Thanks again so much!

[@Alice-rc2hn]

You're videos make me smile so much. Your personality is infectious!!! I've pre-ordered Fawkes but its not out here in the UK till 23rd August - Lame 🙄 Can't wait to read it.

[@NadineBrandes]

Haha I'm glad! I feel like a goofball, but I think that's why I have so much fun! May FAWKES make its way to you swiftly! I know that international release date is tough to wait for. :/

[@laurenyoung7707]

I bought a copy of A Time to Die and I am so excited to finally read it :)

[@NadineBrandes]

Yay!! I'm so excited for you to read it, too! Let me know what you think!

[@pughums]

3:34 - tsk, tsk, use 'between' for 2 items, use 'among' for 3 or more

[@skywa7183]

We want it. The stuff about different typa edits

[@maggierose57]

I have taken online classes on proofreading and copyediting. I would like to be a copyeditor. I have proofed and copyedited books for a couple of friends who are self published authors, but very informally. I have no professional experience at this, and no college degree, but my English grammar, spelling and punctuation skills, while not expert, are better than average. My husband encouraged me to go into business as a freelance editor. I am skeptical, however, about my ability to obtain clients. Hence, any advice (and/or further insights,) is greatly appreciated!

[@TPINTSM]

Thank you for the advice! This was very helpful! If you don't mind, I have a few questions: 1: Are editors allowed to use Hemingway/Grammarly etc to assist in the editing process? Or is that considered 'cheating'? 2: Are there exercises/sample texts available to practice editing? That way beginners can cross reference their edits with professional text. Hopefully this makes sense! Sorry to bother you and thanks again!

[@s.m.b.8519]

Definitely want to see a video (or videos) going over different types of editing. :)

[@NadineBrandes]

You got it!

[@brandonmiller8138]

Fawkes was great but this video may have been even better. Nice work, Nadine!

[@gary8628]

Hey, Nadine. Sorry but can you very clear on how you became a freelance editor? I don't quite understand. In the video you said you didn't have any qualifications or experience (except some work via critique groups), yet people still gave you their documents to edit? How did you find people? Was it all through the critique groups? If people found you via your website, why would they give you work if you were very honest about not having any qualifications or and little experience?

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Hello Nadine... Thanks 🌎

[@rosaliewetzel6662]

thank you for your honest advice!

[@ashlynsmith4327]

I'm 18 years old, and I've been considering taking this path (most likely proofreading) as a future career. I'm a bit lost though. Are there any online classes or tests that are helpful to become more skilled in editing/proofreading?

[@maddiehart8878]

I would love to see a video on the different types of edits!!!

[@t.rae.storyteller]

What writing forums and critique groups were you a part of, specifically?

[@pinamawya1967]

This is so informative. I am looking into editing and going into freelancing as well. Nadine, where did you learn about the different kinds of editing?

[@marriedaprince1]

Nadine, your video was so encouraging! I didn't start my professional life as a writer, but in fitness, but then learned about my love for storytelling, books and visual art. I am now a freelance writer, aspiring (but unpublished) children's author and illustrator, and artist. My dream job would to be to content edit books, make covers for books, and write and illustrate children's books. so here is my question: I have been in the process of creating a portfolio for my art on my future website so I can get hired by authors for their books, this is something graphic designers and artists really have to do. But obviously you talked about having a website for freelance editing- is it wise/okay in the publishing industry to have a website that neatly shows my different skills related to books? Or is it best to keep them on separate websites? I am looking forward to checking out your website, and checking out whats on your IG, you can find me on IG @watercolorconversations if you see me :)

[@NadineBrandes]

Every creative entrepreneur finds what works for them, but my personal opinion is that it's best to have everything in one place--one website. Because then it's easier for you to market yourself and your clients don't get confused on where to find you. (Like if an editing client found your illustrating website and couldn't find the editing information.) My website is a bit of a mess right now. I'M SORRY! It's probably not the best example, lol. But through my years of editing and working with other editors who were also writers or illustrators, they all seemed to agree that having one website served them best.

[@marriedaprince1]

@@NadineBrandes thanks so much! I actually liked your website and conversational tone, I also checked our your IG, I love historical fiction! (You should check out Poldark series by Winston Graham you might like them). I will have to check out your novels, thanks so much for the prompt feedback! :)

[@iantyree4210]

Hi I was just curious if when you became an editor if you had any college experience behind you? most of the research I've done leads me to believe I need at least a bachelors in English or sometimes Journalism to become a book editor. Is it possible to become a freelance editor without that?

[@brookead5500]

Thank you so much for this video! I’m just starting my editing journey, and so any tips are very welcome. I’d like to know if you took any editing courses, what kind of hours you work, anything more you’d like to share!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@NadineBrandes]

Woohoo! Congrats on starting your editing journey! I'll do a tips and definitions video soon. :) I did take an editing course a long time ago and I remember it helping me...a little? There are so many more options out there now that I bet it would be really beneficial to set you up for editing success. Ideally, just reading and mastering writing craft books will help you be a better editor, too. As for hours--I worked full-time as an editor. 30-40 hours a week. But you can always set your own pace. I'll try to cover this in a video. :)

[@brookead5500]

Nadine Brandes yay I can’t wait for that video! And as for writing, I’ve been studying writing for 11 years now, because I write novels too, so I’m thinking that will be really helpful :)!

[@zahoorgabol876]

English is not my mother tongue , but i want to edit in English language. Is it possible? I am a writer, but book not published still.

[@chrismurphy6217]

I am interested in proofreading for authors. I've recently retired and am looking for part-time work from home and I love to read. I have 18 years experience proofreading reports from my past job, but would like to freelance as a proofreader. Any suggestions on how to get started? Thank you.

[@imrankazmi8884]

I have Master's degree in English but I am a non-native. How can I start my Editing business. Tell me a few Freelance Marketplaces for Editors.

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Learning process...

[@a.c.3318]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been working toward becoming a freelance editor for over a year now and your advice here was super helpful :) I do have one question: I currently offer free critique services on my website to gain more experience critiquing, and I'm hoping to switch to paid editing services soon...but I'm unsure how to make the transition if my services go from free to $500 :P I would be offering more thorough, professional edits once I switch, but I have a feeling the transition would still be strange. Do you have any advice? Again, thanks so much! :)

[@mariahadams972]

How does one find good critique groups? And how many were you apart of?

[@SarahHualde]

where's a good place to find newbie freelancers and/or seasoned freelancers?

[@heliteephraim2976]

I have a story. But I don't have money. Is there anyway to edit my book. I'm 20 Yrs old. If there is any solution please help me out. I am not well with my grammer. But I am sure you will enjoy my story.

[@imrankazmi8884]

I want to start my career as freelance proofreader and editor. How much can I earn as non-native English Editor? I have a Master's Degree in English.

[@stephaniecochrane1520]

I want to know the different edits!

[@NadineBrandes]

You got it! I'll put together another video!

[@audiophile6734]

Do you have any editors you would recommend for us to go through for our own manuscripts in order to get a good look at what editors do?

[@100grizzlybears]

How imperative is a college degree for being an editor? I don’t have one and I didn’t even major/minor in anything related.

[@E7T39E]

Is this field litigious? I just fear that so much.

[@antoniodossantos5960]

Nice...The Venezuelan Immigrant writer 🌎

[@johncalvert7243]

No mention of education qualifications . . .hmmm . . .caveat emptor! Cere emptor!

[@alexhaley4409]

You use passive voice. Do you use this in your editing work? If so, how does that work for you? I appreciate your response.

[@edgarare1190]

super helpful! lmk if you need an editor for your videos! jk haha (not really?)