Last Updated on: September 25th, 2021
Freelance editing is what I am made to do!
My focus is now on freelance editing instead of freelance writing.
Do you think you’re made for editing instead of writing?
I have always loved words and I have always loved writing.
When I first started blogging and got an offer to write an article a month for Dear Blogger, I decided to try my hand at freelance writing. This was all before Wording Well was born… back in 2013.
When I founded Wording Well in 2014, I started out offering only freelance writing services. It wasn’t until later that I began offering editing services. Looking back, I realize that I should’ve had my focus on freelance editing all along. It’s what I love to do most of all!
Is freelance editing “your thing”?
If you want to become a freelance editor, check this out!
There are so many awesome things about being an editor. These are 12 benefits of being a freelance editor that I get to enjoy EVERY DAY.
How I Built Up My Freelance Editing Reputation
I used to get free books from authors I met online in exchange for my promise to write a book review for them.
I did this for many authors. Most of them were relatively unknown… but I really lucked out when the famous author, Lisa Jackson, saw that blog post, sent me a Tweet, and then took me up on this offer!
I was thrilled when she sent me an autographed book because she has been one of my favorite authors for years!
While reading books published by authors I met online, I noticed that many of them didn’t have a good editor. I ended up editing their books for them!
At first, I did this for free. This is how I started to build my reputation as an editor. (Remember, I was an unknown editor back then!)
Why I Began to Diversify My Services to Focus on Freelance Editing
After editing for free for a while, I realized two things:
1: It takes a lot of time to edit a novel. (It takes longer to edit a novel than reading it does!)
2: My time was valuable.
Consequently, I started charging people for my services. That is when I added my editing services to my website and began marketing myself as an editor.
As the months passed, I learned about self-publishing. I wrote two books and self-published them. I continued freelance writing, blogging, and editing. I made friends with influencers online.
Once I became a published author on Amazon, I also added author assistant services to my website.
I even coach others and help them grow their websites as well as their businesses.
BUT…
Over the years, I have found that editing is my passion. I love making words perfect. I don’t care whose words they are. They could be your words, they could be my words, they could be the words of someone else.
When word got around about how great an editor I am, I didn’t even have to go looking for work. People would simply email me!
I loved that! I still love it!
I am extremely happy that I (basically) quit freelance writing to focus on freelance writing. I have definitely learned to diversify myself as a freelancer, and you should, too!
If you want to become a freelance editor, check this out!
Freelance Writing Involves Hustling, but Freelance Editing Does Not!
Shortly after I met Dave Chesson, a bestselling author on Amazon and the owner of Kindlepreneur.com, I talked him into publishing a sponsored post on my site.
Looking back, I can see how much work went into this venture. I don’t want to be hustling like that ever again!
Dave and I had two methods of communication: email and Facebook messages.
We exchanged many messages, over several MONTHS… all for a measly $175 USD:
While my many exchanges with Dave also allowed us to build a rapport with one another, they were extremely time-consuming!
Other exchanges with clients (and potential clients) were also a huge time-suck, especially when the potential client didn’t end up hiring me.
I decided that freelance writing was not worth my time, at those rates. So I raised my writing rates!
Since then, I have been paid what I am worth.
I actually began raising my rates back in 2013, when Greg from Dear Blogger was my client. He was my first and only client back then, and I learned a lot from the whole experience. Read 10 Lessons Learned from My First Freelancing Client (who was both My Worst and Best Client).
Plus, my editing business has flourished.
There is no hustling involved in finding editing gigs. As I mentioned earlier, they just come to me! That is yet another reason why my focus is now on freelance editing.
If you want to become a freelance editor, let me know. Send me an email and tell me if you would be interested in receiving special instructions on how to do this. (Visit my Contact page to obtain my email address.)
I Had Help Getting Noticed for My Editing Skills
Everyone knows that word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. When others constantly say nice things about you, other people pay attention. They become curious about you. They want to know more. They will, in all likelihood, end up hiring you, too!
To show my gratitude to those who have helped me, I want to mention a few people here.
I cannot possibly mention everyone who assisted me during the last 5 years, but I do want to give a shout-out to these very deserving folks!
Karen Dodd Helped Me
When I edited Karen Dodd’s book (for free), she ended up sending me a gift card in the mail along with an autographed copy of her book. What editor could ask for anything more?!
She also gave me another surprise… recognition as her editor!
I was so pleased with this that I made a video to show my appreciation to her. Plus, I wanted to show off my autographed copy of her book! 😉
Having her mention me as an editor was wonderful for me. She even gave me a testimonial!
You really did a fabulous job and you’re right — you really DO know how to punctuate a sentence and you have an eagle eye!
~Karen Dodd, author of DEADLY SWITCH: A Stone Suspense
Check out Karen’s book on Amazon!
Melissa Bowersock Helped Me
Melissa was one of the first people I encountered when I began my online journey back in 2013.
She taught me about self-publishing and allowed me to interview her. (I had SO MANY QUESTIONS back then!) I was torn between deciding whether or not I should self-publish my books or go the traditional route, which is more laborious and allows you less control over what happens with your books. This route involves sending out query letters, finding a literary agent who will represent you (whom you have to pay), finding a publishing house interested in accepting your book(s), and so much more. Melissa even taught me about vanity publishing houses, which combines both the self-publishing and traditional publishing routes (and costs a lot of money!).
Melissa was another for whom I did free editing… or editing in exchange for an autographed copy of one of her books. I actually read several of her books (she has written many!), and reviewed three of them.
Check out Melissa’s books on Amazon.
I’m so grateful to Melissa for all she has done for me. But that’s her nature; Melissa is all about helping others, especially independently-published authors (known as Indies).
Melissa was one of the first people to interview me after I published my first book. Plus, she introduced me to fellow indie authors, including Yvonne Hertzberger, who, in turn, helped me by promoting my first book, Risky Issues, on her website!
Melissa also gave me a testimonial.
Lorraine Reguly has all the qualities that writers need–not necessarily what they want, but what they need. None of us likes to have someone point out our mistakes, but that is exactly what is essential if we are going to polish our work to publication readiness. Lorraine’s sharp eyes and attention to detail become the stone that grinds away the impurities. She has an excellent command of language, syntax, punctuation, spelling and grammar, as well as the retention for continuity and cohesiveness.
While working together on Stone’s Ghost, she found errors that many other readers did not, and asked questions about ambiguous points that made me rethink my intent and increase my clarity. Her editing skills are both helpful and essential. I am extremely grateful for her help and would gladly recommend her to any writer.
~Melissa Bowersock, Author of Stone’s Ghost (and many other books!)
Check out Melissa’s books on Amazon!
Don Orwell Helped Me
Don Orwell hired me to edit one of his books. He, too, mentioned me as his editor.
He even listed me as his editor, PUBLICLY, on Amazon!
Plus, Don, too, gave me a testimonial!
Before my book was edited by Lorraine, the rank of this book was terrible.
After editing, it sat at the triple #1 spot for weeks! (See Lorraine listed as the editor, too.)
~Don Orwell, author of Superfoods Cookbook: Over 95 Quick & Easy Gluten Free Low Cholesterol Whole Foods Recipes full of Antioxidants & Phytochemicals (Natural Weight Loss Transformation Book 29)
Check out Don’s books on Amazon!
Maxwell Ivey Helped Me
Everyone who knows me already knows that Max and I have an excellent relationship.
Max is a blind man whom I met many moons ago via a blog comment that Max left on a guest post I wrote. I was so surprised that a blind person was able to do that, plus I had so many questions about how blind people live that Max allowed me to interview him.
He introduced me to Kerry, another blind writer. I interviewed Kerry, too. Together, they taught me to see. (This is a link to an inspirational poem I wrote.)
I love Max. He is a wonderful, talented entrepreneur who has a heart of gold.
Max has mentioned me many times over the years… in his blog posts, on social media, in his email newsletters, in emails to others… and I’m so grateful to him!
Naturally, he gave me a nice shout-out when his book, It’s Not the Cookie, It’s the Bag, was released. He did the same when The Blind Blogger’s NYC Adventures, was released!
He also mentioned me when I wrote his press release (which he included in his post Learn about Promoting Your Events from #TheBlindBlogger).
Plus, he gave me a testimonial!
I am thoroughly impressed with how Lorraine edited my book, Leading You Out of the Darkness Into the Light, because she managed to weave the idea of walking a path and taking steps throughout it. Also, she reworked the sections to where they make more sense and are more organized.
One of the happiest things I’ve done in a long time was to click the “pay now” button for her on PayPal.
In short, when you hire Lorraine to edit your own work, you are getting a qualified full service wordsmith who will produce something you will be proud of.
~Maxwell Ivey, Jr., Author of Leading You Out of the Darkness Into the Light: A Blind Man’s Inspirational Guide to Success and owner of The Blind Blogger
Check out Max’s books on Amazon. Alternatively, you could buy them from Selz, which allows Max to keep a higher percentage of the royalties. Visit Max’s website and his Books page to access the links.
Dave Chesson Helped Me
Dave has helped me in many ways over the years. He hired me to write a post that mentioned KDP Rocket, a fabulous tool for authors!
He paid me for publishing articles on my website.
He also gave me a testimonial.
Lorraine is my go-to editor for books, PDFs and some of my blog posts because she has improved and even salvaged most of my works without forcing it to lose its personality.
Thorough and professional, she will surely help you take that next step as an author or blogger.
~ Dave Chesson, Kindlepreneur
Dave even included me in his ultimate list of book editors (allowing me to get even more editing gigs!)
Plus, he was the one who came to my rescue when I needed it. That is why making friends with clients is important! (Read that post. It details the story of HOW he came to my rescue… and why I needed help in the first place!)
Advice for Freelance Writers Who Want to be Freelance Editors
If you are unhappy with your current situation, or your current clients, then do something about it!
Drop your bad, low-paying, or difficult clients.
Focus on doing something that you love.
That is what I did. And I don’t regret it one bit!
I am so glad my focus is on freelance editing now!
Did You Know You Could Become a Freelance Editor?
Being a freelance editor, in my opinion, is even better than being a freelance writer. First of all, it pays more. Secondly, it is the best job I could ever ask for. I love editing, I love words, and I love helping others. Finally, I love reaping the many rewards (check out the many benefits of being a freelance editor).
If you are not currently working at your dream job and want to be a freelance editor, then sign up to get on the “interest list” for my upcoming course!
I am in the process of designing a course that will teach you EVERYTHING about being a work-from-home editor and entrepreneur.
This includes:
– how to get paid up-front… ALWAYS! (before you do any work)
– how to get testimonials
– how to market yourself
– where to find work
– how to leverage social media for your business (because, YES, you will be actually running a business if you are successful!)
– how to keep accurate records
– how to easily calculate your costs
– how to communicate with potential clients so they turn into ACTUAL clients
– how to organize your time (so you can complete all of the tasks involved in running your biz)
– how to deal with difficult clients
– which projects to accept
– when to raise your rates
– AND MORE! (INCLUDING BONUSES!)
Plus, I want to get to know you so that I can give you EXACTLY what you need to succeed!
So, DO you want to know more about how to become a freelance editor?
If so, SIGN UP HERE.
Hi Lorraine,
I am a writer, and I am really glad that you found your calling as a writer. After reading your article, I am wondering which is more me writing or editing? I really hope to sit down with my thoughts and find which one I enjoy more. I have bookmarked your post, and I will be revisiting it once I have cleared my mind and I am closer to a decision. But I am really happy that you diversified your services and found your passion. Your article will help a lot of writers and editors out there.
John Ravi recently posted…5 Free Webinar Recording Tools
John, most people instinctively know what they are called to do. In my case, it’s editing, when it comes to earning money.
My heart calls me to write, though.
Honestly, I enjoy both! I love words!
Thanks for your comment. As always, it is appreciated!
Lorraine, thanks for writing. In the beginning, I tried to become an editor but later I realize that I don’t have enough design scenes. So right now I am planning to become a writer. I have started to write in my blog.
Farhad, that’s great! It’s awesome that you know yourself well, too. 🙂
Hi Lorraine,
I recently started freelancing and recently came across your blogs, they are surely helping me to learn more and more. Right now I getting work from Freelancer and Upwork, Can you suggest some more freelancing websites where I can get more work.
There are a lot of job boards out there, including one on Problogger and another on Become a Freelance Blogger.
Do a Google search for job boards for freelancers, and you’ll find more!
Great business ideas.
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Freelance Editing needs great language skills, and only those who are proficient in the English language should choose freelance Editing as a career option. Your writings are great, and it is surely the best choice that you have made.
Keep growing!
Amandeep Kumar recently posted…What is a Blog? [Foundation of Blogging Business]
Amandeep, thank you so much!
You, too, keep growing!
Freelance is going in billions of dollars so far, this year. More ppl should engage in this industry as a part-time job/full-time job. Who else agrees with me?
I agree! The best thing about freelancing is that you can choose the type of work you do. In my case, it’s editing. I prefer getting paid for that over writing!
hii
I’m Ajay Nagarwal from India.
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I am really a big fan of your blogs, Your blog is really awesome and I would like to say thank you to share such good information. I have started doing your tactics on my website to rank on google..Let’s see how it goes
I would LOVE to hear about what you are doing to generate your passive income…sounds intriguing! Please share 🙂
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Check the post at The Essence of Blogging (+ How to Earn Money Online)!
Very well- written and useful post. Thank you for sharing this such a great information. And I will visit you again. Thanks a lot.
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What an amazing post. Thanks for sharing this kind of details. I am happy you found the blog helpful.
Thanks for this article, it’s very useful.
Great Lorriane, this is a good post on freelance editing. Can I share this with my students?
Of course! Thanks!
Hi Lorraine
Thanks for sharing this information to us, I’ve been struggling to write an article even until now, I think my mind is not really into it. Editing is much easier and is the way to go for me as well.
John, that’s great to hear. I love editing!
I’ve always preferred editing rather than writing but didn’t know it was a thing! I’m reading more content now as I am excited to see if I can make this into a business too!
Sam recently posted…The Original Rider Waite Tarot Review – A Review Of The Most Famous Tarot Deck
Sam, thank you so much for reading my blog posts and commenting! You definitely can earn more money by editing than by freelance writing, and it’s less work, too!
I can see myself being more interested in editing than writing. This would be right up my wife’s ally as I usually have her edit my work.
CLAYBORNE COOK recently posted…How to Be More Involved With the Baby as a Dad
You mean up her “alley,” Clayborne. An “ally” is something entirely different.
I can see why you have her edit your work. 😉
Common mistakes like that are easy to make. A lot of people make them, too, so don’t feel bad about it!
Ha! I’ve been feeling the same lately too – about the time it takes sometimes to get a paid collaboration and then realising how many emails back and forth there have been to get to that point! Sometimes it makes it seem worthless!
Victoria Sully recently posted…Free days out + entertainment ideas in the school holidays
Victoria, it’s ridiculous how much writing you have to do before actually getting paid to write!
Sometimes freelancing hits different levels!! 🙂
kunal pardeshi recently posted…how to become an architect!
I completely agree! It just depends on how good you are at it. 🙂
As a writer, writing without getting paid or no incoming is like planting with no harvest thats why i quit writing now i am a blogger, monetising my blog with adsense.
Shuraih recently posted…Ciwon so complete hausa novel document
Shuraih, there are many other ways to make money online. I’ve created multiple income streams. Take a look how you can, too.
As a freelance writer, I totally agree! Getting paid $50-100 to create an article sometimes borders minimum wage for all the time and effort we put into research and writing. I’ve heard repeatedly how “the guy on Fiverr is cheaper” when bidding for a job. Well, is the guy on Fiverr going to give you an article you can actually use? Will you be spending most of your time editing it? Anyway, thank you for writing such an informative article. I look forward to reading some of your other blog posts! Thanks, Chris Swain Cincinnati, Ohio.
Chris, it is sometimes unbelievable how little writers actually get paid!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
All the best to you in your writing career!
Chris, it is sometimes unbelievable how little writers actually get paid!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
All the best to you in your writing career!
Hi Lorraine, I never considered this before. I teach and edit a multi-author blog at present but I won’t be doing the former forever. Thank you for giving me something to stick in my back pocket.
Alex Jackson recently posted…Best Android RPGs 2021
Alex, thanks for sharing and for your comment.
All the best to you in your endeavors!
Hi There,
I’ve recently started blogging and to be honest, I never thought that I would be as interested in writing as I am right now. Articles such as these really do help a lot when you’re trying to navigate the path to success. Blogger success that is 🙂 Thanks for an awesome article!
Jonathan, I appreciate your comment and wish you the best on your blogging journey!
Well done Lorraine. This backs up the comment you just published on my blog. We need to trust our heart to be lead in the right direction. You had it with the hustle. Now you just want to be present, relax, help and prosper. I get it. This is one reason why I adopted a largely passive income model a few years ago. Keep on prospering.
Ryan
Ryan, I totally believe in following your heart. Freelance writing just wasn’t “doing it” for me, especially when I love editing so much!
It’s great to see how we have both evolved in the last decade. 🙂
Let’s keep rising!
Hi There,
I’ve recently started blogging and to be honest, I never thought that I would be as interested in writing as I am right now. Articles such as these really do help a lot when you’re trying to navigate the path to success. Blogger success that is 🙂 Thanks for an awesome article!
You’re welcome!
Very informative post. Freelance editing is quite easy as compared to writing
For some people, it is! Have you thought about becoming a freelance editor?
Hi Lorraine, I never considered this before. I teach and edit a multi-author blog at present but I won’t be doing the former forever. Thank you for giving me something to stick in my back pocket.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing this article. It’s very useful to me. Last few days I was looking for the tactics to start something new. Because I love writing, that’s why I want to start freelancing as a content writer. Through your article I feel motivated, I getting many ideas and gaining a clear concept. Thanks again for this.
You’re welcome!
Lorraine,
You made a right decision. Editing or human proofreading is on high demand since the freelance writers volume goes up during this pandemic. You are wanted always – keep rocking!
Sai Mithun recently posted…Best Single Door Refrigerators In India {2021} For Home + Prices And Reviews
Thanks, Sai!
Being a freelancer I understand hustling situation hope 2021 is best for my freelance career.
Shahzaib recently posted…What is the Features of Linux Operating System and – Where it is used?
All the best to you in 2021!
Hi Lorraine,
i know how it feels to be a writer and not get paid enough. I myself switch from a content writer to write for my own blog.
GOod to see you growing in Freelance editing.
Thanks, Rohan! I’m loving it!
Lorraine, we’ve both come a long ways, haven’t we? Glad we’ve shared the road. I wish you the best on your new focused pathway. It’s always nice when we finally realize our true path.
Rahul, we sure have!
Cheers to our continued success!
Hi, Lorraine! Thanks for the article! Building up a reputation in freelancer editing is really hard to archive. Takes a lot of time, hard work, skills and not to mention that you must hit all the Deadlines. Congrats!
Nardi Freeman recently posted…GeneratePress Theme Review | Best WordPress Theme For Blog
Thanks, Nardi! I appreciate your kind words!
Nice and very informative post Lorraine, This is surely gonna help me with my content editing work.
Thanks a lot. Keep sharing the such info.
That is wonderful to hear, Byron!
hi there,
I’ve worked so much ghost writing for different blogs and I agree, editing is the way to go. It’s so much more enjoyable than help writing for other people. It lets the original author set their tune, and you perfect it of trying to write something from scratch in their voice.
thanks
Saiful, those are excellent points and are among the reasons why I love editing so much!
Thanks for your comment!
Lorraine,
It’s been a long time since we had our usual get together! We will have to do a virtual meet soon. I moved to a new house, so my office isn’t up and running quite yet. Great post on wanting to be a freelance editor! I do know you had a sort of falling out with freelance writing years ago, but it’s something that I absolutely love. I love storytelling, sharing my challenges, and connecting with others with my writing! To each their own, eh?
Elna Cain | Freelance Writer recently posted…11 Easy Ways to Save Money as a New Freelance Writer
Elna, thanks for reading and commenting. I miss our meetings at Starbucks and agree that we will have to get on a call with each other SOON!
Thanks for the compliment on the post. I wrote it a while ago and finally decided to publish it. 🙂
I am glad we each found our niches! You love writing as much as I love editing!
Talk soon! I’ll email you!
This speaks to me so much! I’ve recently left a salaried job where I did a lot of editing and am now freelance writing full-time. I enjoy writing but it has really made me realise how much I love editing. I guess I want to forge a path where I can happily do both. Glad you’re having such success!
Maxine recently posted…Easy, Foolproof Chocolate Cake Recipe
Maxine, it warms my heart to hear you love editing!
In fact, you might be interested in this!
Hi Lorraine,
Great post indeed!
I never wrote a single word but you are right, editing is interesting than writing. Today I learn a new thing from this post.
Thanks, Lorraine for sharing your knowledge with us.
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Thanks for taking the time to comment, Areesha!
Personally never though about that, but certainly editing has its appeal over writing and clients definitely have different expectations.
James, you’re right. There are MUCH different expectations from each type of client. Editing is another form of writing, too.
The best content on freelance editing. I am very impressed with the post.
Thanks!
I’ve done so much ghost writing for different blogs and I agree, editing is the way to go! It’s so much more interesting than writing for other people. It lets the original author set their tune, and you perfect it instead of trying to write something from scratch in their voice.
Angela, I think you meant “tone,” not “tune.”
I also agree with you. Editing is definitely more fun than writing for others!
Lorraine, we’ve both come a long ways, haven’t we? Glad we’ve shared the road. I wish you the best on your new focused pathway. It’s always nice when we finally realize our true path.
Melissa, we sure have!
I’m eternally grateful to you for teaching me when I was a mere newbie! You’re a fountain of knowledge.
I would say that you are a much more prolific author than I am, though. I have lost count of how many books you have published!
I have plans for publishing more but as you know, that takes time. However, I intend on making some more changes in my life that will allow me to focus on my own writing goals.
I’m happy we are still friends and will see you on Facebook! Thanks again for your support and encouragement, Melissa!