Caroline Hynds – Freelance editor

Today I am doing a mix of editing and business planning. As a freelancer, I am responsible not only for my current work but also for booking in future work. So this afternoon, I’m taking an editorial test in Microsoft Word, and this evening I’m joining an online networking event via LinkedIn.

For me, this is the hardest part of my chosen career. I absolutely love editing. As for pitching to new clients and interacting with groups of people… well, that’s the real test.

I’ve learned that forward planning is absolutely essential. Most publishers are open to expanding their freelance pools but will require a sample edit or similar. You need to calculate the amount of time it will take you to get hold of the materials, complete the test and hear back from them. Then once you’re in the pool, it may be another gap before you’re contacted about working on a project. So if you’re a freelance editor yourself, the best time to onboard new clients is when you’ve already got plenty of work coming in.

My other piece of advice is to remind yourself that you’re actually really good at your job. Imposter syndrome has a habit of lurking behind these exchanges with potential new clients, especially if the person who’s your point of contact is a marketer or recruiter rather than an author or an editor. If you’re asked to complete a sample edit, don’t be afraid to ask for additional guidance (you would never take on a real job without a brief!) and only work on it for whatever amount of time feels comfortable. If you’re sent an automated test, it will likely be a timed multiple-choice questionnaire, so make sure you know what house style the company uses before clicking “start”.

What has been your experience of either taking editorial tests or setting them? Are they a good way of hiring freelancers? Let me know in the comments!