Become a Freelance Editor

Working at home in comfort is the dream of millions of Americans. Many want to know how to become a freelance editor or other author-services provider. This page is about a group-coaching program for various author-services providers. The group is called the Author Services Providers’ Shire.

Become a freelance editor

To become a freelance editor or other author-services provider, do you have to have a degree? Must you have experience working in one of the Big Five publishing houses? No and no.

That doesn’t mean that just anyone can become a freelance editor or other author-services provider, though. Skills are required. Which skills are required will depend on which type of work you want to do.

Some people spend years and still don’t know what they need to know to become a freelance editor or other service provider. Others just jump in without the skills they need. They give professionals a bad name. You don’t want to be in either of those groups. There’s a far better option: a group coaching program that will help you do it and do it right. Not only will you get the technical skills for the work itself, but you’ll also get all the information you need to start and run your business the right way.

I’ve been editing professionally since 1992 and have been editing books since 2003. Publishing houses, independent authors, and organizations all have relied on me, and I’ve edited more than 13 million words (over 52,000 pages) since 2010 alone. I’ve already helped several people get into this business, and now I’m doing it in an easy-to-access group coaching program. You can have your own business along with all the support you need. Do it right. Whether you’ve already started your business and want some guidance and resources or you’re brand-new to serving authors, this program is for you.

Group Coaching Program

Remember, this is not just for editors. It’s for anyone who provides services to authors. Here is a list of some of the things you’ll get:

• Four hours of live coaching calls every month
• Replays of those calls for your convenience
• Access to me, including Q&A time
• Membership in The Author Service Providers’ Shire group on Facebook
• Technical training to build your skills
• Guest experts
• Business information and training to help you generate income
• Where and how to get work
• When and how to fire a bad client as painlessly as possible
• Templates for invoices, contracts, and other documents you’ll need
• Tax information (not advice), including what is usually tax deductible, which structure will benefit you the most, and how to pay less in taxes
• Other resources
• Networking and referral opportunities for easier ways to get clients

All that and more for just $200/mo. To sign up, click the Subscribe button immediately below. Get started building or improving your own editing business today.

Another option

For those who aren’t ready to pay for full access, there is a $20/mo option. It includes access to the resources and the group, but does not include admission to the live calls and Q&A times. To join at this level, click this Subscribe button.

Results members are getting

One member, an American living overseas in an area where it’s nearly impossible for foreigners to get jobs, didn’t have any idea where to start. After the instruction she received on her first call, she went out and landed her first client.

Another lacked direction when she joined, and after a few short calls, decided which type of editing and which subjects she would specialize in, and she’s off and running.

Others came in with a lack of skills and now are building their skills and their businesses daily.

What group members are saying

“Your group-coaching program is my ‘big rock’ on Mondays. First thing in my schedule. I learn so much from you, from grammar and punctuation to how to get clients and handle my business. I love it!”

—Jody Skinner

“Because of the coaching I get from Jennifer, I am doing more than just dabbling in writing and editing. I am growing a real business as well as working on a book project of my own. Through these sessions, I have gained clients and confidence. Jennifer has helped me identify my talents and continue to improve upon them. She encourages, gives helpful direction, keeps me accountable, and is always willing to answer questions. When she sent me her editing test and I took a look, I was a little nervous. I thought I had really made a mess of it, but apparently not as bad as was thinking! It helped me realize that editing is more than just fixing typos and grammar; it’s about helping to firm up the foundation and tighten the structure of the whole written work. Jennifer has become a mentor and a good friend.”

—Tammy Foster

“Jennifer is the epitome of the caring professional. As an author myself, she is my editor, and she is a true master at it. I’m also working as an editor and am learning the ropes as fast as I can. Jennifer is quick to share her expertise in the groups she coaches and has been an invaluable resource for me as I build both my craft and my business. She has taught me priceless lessons about client care and nurturing as well as many of the tips and tricks she has learned through her many years in the trenches. She is a wonderful teacher and mentor. But, above all, Jennifer is a loving, caring, and kind human being.”

—Terry Stafford