Savvy business editors know that our fluctuating economy can wreak havoc on profit margins, which is why they are moving toward outsourcing rather than in-house employees wherever possible. One of the most popular areas in which businesses turn to outsourcing is with writing and editing, which is why freelance corporate editors can flourish regardless of the state of the economy. Businesses would rather pay a one-time fee for writing and editing than pay salary and benefits to an in-house editor. If you are a stickler for grammar and are familiar with business writing, you might enjoy starting a freelance corporate editing business.
What is a freelance corporate editing business?
A freelance corporate editing business is an individual or a group of individuals who provide corporate editing services. Some corporate editors offer a strict set of services while others branch out all over the map. For the most part, however, a corporate editor takes business documents and polishes them for distributing. From advertising copy to intra-office materials to employee handbooks to website content, businesses need reliable corporate editors who know what they are doing and can provide editing services in a pinch.
How much do corporate editors make?
A freelance corporate editing business sets its own price structure, but you should make sure to keep your prices within the industry guidelines. According to the 2007 editing of Writer’s Market, corporate editors typically charge between $40 and $125 per hour for their services, or an average of $3/page. It is also important to remember that there are different types of editing. Proofreading, for example, is a much smaller job than editing for content (substantive editing). Your price schedule for corporate editing should reflect the complexity of the project as well as the content.
How can I find clients for my corporate editing business?
Corporate editors, of course, work for businesses, so your best bet is to target areas in which businesses can be found. The Internet is one option, while some corporate editors also cold-call and send fliers to local businesses in their area. Word of mouth is also a powerful marketing tool for corporate editing businesses because business owners talk with one another. Make sure to send multiple business cards to your clients in the hopes that they will pass them around to their friends and associates.
What skills are necessary for a freelance corporate editor?
—Strong attention to detail
—Familiarity with both AP and Chicago Style
—Technical knowledge of the business industry
—Knowledge of grammar, spelling and sentence structure
—Ability to multi-task
Why are corporate editors in demand?
It costs quite a bit for businesses to hire in-house editors, especially if their editing needs are small. Sometimes, businesses only need an editor for one or two projects, which makes hiring someone full-time unreasonable. Corporate editors are also in demand because they offer a specialized service and are usually very good at their jobs. A secretary or administrative assistant can edit documents but not with the accuracy of a corporate editor.
Is there a lot of competition for corporate editing businesses?
Yes and no. There are quite a lot of editing businesses and freelance editors but not so many that specialize in corporate editing specifically. Editing for business is much different than editing a novel or a non-fiction book and corporate editors must be familiar with business and marketing in order to be successful.
What other resources are available for freelance corporate editors?
There are some excellent articles on WordsMadeEasy.com and you can find jobs for corporate editors at Guru.com, Elance.com and GetAFreelancer.com. Some of the best resources, however, can be found in print, so head to Amazon.com and use the keyword “Freelance Editor” to find great books on the subject.
If you’re looking for a job that pays well with little overhead, starting a corporate editing business might be right up your alley.
