Roundup: Four Books to Get You Started in Editorial Freelancing

Here are four resources that anyone starting out in proofreading or editing might like to consider for their bookshelf. Each has its own particular angle and therefore complements the other three. One of the biggest struggles for the new entrant to the editorial freelancing field is dealing with the disconnect between having the skills to do a job and having the knowledge to run a business. These four books aim to help the newbie bridge that gap.

---

Starting Out: Setting Up a Small Business, 3rd ed.
Val Rice, in association with the SfEP

​From the blurb: 'If you're thinking of becoming an editorial freelance, or have recently taken the plunge, here's invaluable help from someone who has done it successfully.

There's information on making the decision to go freelance ● what you'll need to set yourself up ●  managing your finances ● advice on how to get work and how much to charge ● and a section of useful websites and books.'

Paperback; approx. 23 pages; more details and information here.

---

Business Planning for Editorial Freelancers: A Guide for New Starters
Louise Harnby, in association with the PTC
​
Written by an established freelance proofreader, this practical, step-by-step guide helps those with no prior publishing or editorial experience get their editorial business up and running.

Chapters focus on why a business plan is necessary ● the different aspects of editorial freelancing ● training ● client focus ● getting experience ● financial assessment ● marketing ● networking, tools for the job ● and real-world case studies featuring new starters and successful practitioners.

Paperback and ebook; approx. 125 pages; more details and ordering information here.

---

​Going it Alone at 40: How I Survived My First Year of Full-Time Self-Employment
Liz Broomfield
​
From the blurb: 'This book is a mixture of diary entries and useful articles that will help you to find out:
 
Whether self-employment is for you ● how to establish a business while maintaining your employment ● how to set goals ● how to network ● how to measure your social media and website success ● how to manage your days so you stay healthy ● how to achieve a good work/life balance ● and how to dress to work at home.'

Ebook; approx. 134 pages; more details and information here.

---

​How to succeed as a Freelancer in Publishing: The Complete Guide
Emma Murray and Charlie Wilson

From the blurb: 'This book tells you how to build a successful freelance business around supplying publishing services ... 

It includes top tips; insider knowledge and case studies ● 
information on how to market yourself ● how to deal with finance ● how to find out what your clients are looking for ●  plus invaluable insights from other successful freelancers and industry experts.'

Paperback; approx 240 pages; more details and information here.​

---

Louise Harnby is a professional proofreader and copyeditor. She curates The Proofreader's Parlour and is the author of several books on business planning and marketing for editors and proofreaders.

Visit her business website at Louise Harnby | Proofreader, say hello on Twitter at @LouiseHarnby, or connect via Facebook and LinkedIn.

---