Looking to get in to editing/proofreading

[Tywin]

I'm interested in getting some 'official' experience with editing/proofreading.

I'm a currently serving Army officer and proofreading (of official documents, correspondence, investigation findings, orders, operating procedures, etc) is something I do on a daily basis.

I have enough free time in my current position that I could easily proof/edit on the side, and am interested in getting experience in doing this in the literary field. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I should look to get involved with this?

 

[louiseharnby]

Hi there - I'm a professional proofreader so I'm well placed to answer this for you. In a nutshell, you'll need training and experience. Ain't it always the way!

For the training bit, two of the most trusted externals within the industry are the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) and the Publishing Training Centre (PTC). Both offer highly regarded courses that will get you on your way. Have a look at my article entitled 'Does Training Matter? What Publishers Say about Proofreading & Editing Courses' for more detail. The PTC offer distance learning courses, too, which might well suit you perfectly. There are links to the SfEP and PTC within this article.

For the experience side of things, take a look at my other piece, 'Starting Out in Proofreading'.

I haven't been on this forum long enough to allow links to be inserted, but if you google Louise Harnby Proofreader, you'll find your way to my site easily enough.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Louise

 

[Brian G Turner]

Tywin, why not take a look at the chronicles criqitue section to get an idea of what sort of material people might submit for editing?