Getting freelance proofreading work is all about contacts. Freelance proofreaders who deliver high quality work to deadlines should soon build a strong reputation, resulting in repeat business or recommendations. But in the beginning, and even for established professionals, promoting the business is essential.
Freelance proofreading: promoting a business locally through advertising
Advertising in printed sources such as local or trade magazines and newspapers is a tried and tested route. It’s important to choose publications that reach the target audience/s. One-off inserts or a run of adverts can be quite expensive and any responses should be carefully monitored to ensure cost effectiveness. To begin with, set an initial budget and time frame in which to assess success.
Setting up a small business website
Increasingly, proofreading jobs can be sought and won from the web. For a successful freelancer, a web presence is a must, but without design skills or suitable contacts, setting up a website can be costly. Charges for sites vary, a site doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to look professional and be picked up by search engines. It also needs to be regularly updated. In the short term, there are other electronic options.
Freelance websites
Freelance websites range from those that advertise a variety of freelance work, to those geared specifically to proofreading services. With such sites, the freelancer pays for a presence on the site, an electronic advertisement.
Choose carefully and go for a site that:
- is good value for money
- meets desired criteria such as geographic focus or subject specialism
- allows the advertiser to provide a reasonable amount of information
- displays details clearly within the chosen business sector
- allows some prominence: advertisers should not be competing with hundreds of others in the same field
Some services are simply bulletin boards or advertising tools, others are more interactive and may post projects that registered freelancers can bid for. Competing for work on such sites can be productive, but it can also be time consuming with few gains, depending on the site and the projects available. There’s also the risk of undercutting other freelance proofreaders in order to win business – and ending up with a project with a low profit margin.
Freelancers should be clear about the rates they wish to charge and their terms and conditions before advertising their services or bidding for work.
Freelance proofreaders: building a professional network
Referrals can be won through work undertaken, but networking with fellow professionals and business people through Chambers of Commerce or local business networking groups can also be a good way to get work. Then there are professional membership organisations such as SfEP, the Society for Editors and Proofreaders (UK). Such groups may offer training and advice as well as contacts and potential projects.
Networking and promotion via Facebook and Twitter
New technology offers other ways of networking such as Facebook, Twitter and blogs. Some freelance proofreaders use such tools to enhance their web presence as well as investing in traditional printed advertising such as business cards and flyers.
Rachel Pictor, a freelance copywriter and proofreader says, ‘My blog promotes my business because it acts as a portfolio. It demonstrates my writing style, and the topics I cover show that I’m interested in proofreading and improving copy too. I use Twitter to promote my blog and attract new readers. It's quick, simple and free advertising for me!’
With all advertising, whether printed or web-based, think carefully beforehand about what information to provide – personal privacy and safety are fundamental.
Proofreading services: building a portfolio
Before starting work, get a professional portfolio together. Potential clients might want to see examples of work undertaken, a list of former clients or references. For those new to freelance proofreading, identify any previous relevant experience, such as work on an in-house newsletter or a review of an employer's website. If it’s proofing, it counts.
Producing a CV or résumé
Freelancer proofreaders should also update their CV or résumé – it helps to have a summary of skills and experience to refer to when talking to potential clients. Also, the right attitude is essential – be positive, proactive and client-focused. And most of all, professional. Which means being clear about terms, conditions and rates charged, and always delivering high quality services to deadline.
Further information
Two examples of sites enabling freelancers to advertise as well listing projects are Elance and Freelancers in the UK. These are not specialist proofreading sites.
Ellie Stevenson - Ellie writes on history, travel, careers & the arts. Her novel, Ship of Haunts (http://tinyurl.com/cyryp2m) is on Amazon as an ebook.
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