Editor Talk: How to Become an Editor!

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Associations I joined:

Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA):

Society of Chidren’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI):

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Courses I took (all current education courses listed on the websites):

- Copyediting and Proofreading from The Christian PEN
- Editing Fiction I and Editing Fiction II from The Christian PEN
- Proofreading from the EFA
- The Business of Freelance Developmental Editing from The AEC

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Let's be friends!

Twitter & Instagram: @molliereads

[mirandarichard]

I'm an English major in college and I was going to become a teacher but I'm not sure anymore. I love editing so much.

[ReneeTopanga]

Another good tip is KNOW your professors. Talk to them! Especially if you're taking more specialized English/creative writing courses. Because the reason they're professors is because they PUBLISH things, They publish their findings, they write essays, they are on boards, etc. I had a professor my first year of University and he was on the Board (I forget the name of it) but it was a board that specialized on anything shakespear so if anyone wanted to publish ANYTHING based on William shakespeare the entire board had to unanimously approve that the writing was factual and informative. That's a GOOD connection to have! 9/10 professors are published "writers" (of course some write different things like a scientist can write a paper on science things) but they're still PUBLISHED and that's important to take note of. I have friends who have gotten close to their professors and will have their names credited in a piece that their professor is producing and they're only in first year! It's amazing how far you can get if you just know the right people and take opportunities instead of wait on them.

Another tip is if you're specializing and going towards a PhD, getting a great mentor is a HUGE thing.

[petrichorweather]

I'm A senior In high school and I am feeling the pressure of choosing what to do next in life. I've always wanted to be on the creative side. This seems like a job I could do for life 💌

[YTLawnGnome]

This is great yes, no one likes to talk to anyone these days. However, to really get anywhere in life you have to Network. It's not what you know it's who you know!

[musicgirl]

I've been considering majoring in English off and on, and have looked into being a technical writer, or a proofreader or an editor as well. Thank you for sharing this! Very informative!

[luisamary]

This video is what I needed to hear. I am a lawyer, but I dream of becoming an editor to quit this neverending-fighting job and do something creative. Thank you.

[nrdywrdy]

I love this video so much. FUN FACT: I first found you through this vid about six months ago, and it was what finally pushed me off the fence and helped me decide to become a freelance editor. Changed my life. So thank you :)

[sweetieblueish]

Yes! Even though I'm still in college, this video gives me motivation! Thank you for taking the time to talk about this topic <3

[DaveT]

Thanks for this. I am a semi-retired teacher, having taught for the past 28 years. In my semi-retirement, I am trying to break into the editing field. I have some past experience (a couple of books with Korean agricultural societies, a number ESL of grad theses, and all manner of resumes and cover letters), but have been turned down by two editing companies. In spite of an MEd, a BA, a BEd, and most of a BSc, clearly, I am lacking something when it comes to the profession of editing. So here I am doing some research! Thanks for this!

[apeculiarproject]

I totally agree with your tips. Most of my clients have come through an organization I've joined, and almost all of them I had met in person before they approached me to help them with their projects. The only tip I could add is to keep in touch with the alumni council/coordinator of your college and one or two favorite professors long after you graduate, if you have a degree. It's more networking, of course, and it has landed me references and clients.

[LJMcLean]

I have been editing for a while on my free time (also working on my own projects), and just recently decided to get serious about it. There are other videos to look for, but yours was the first to get some sort of roadmap in the freelance world.

[ReadsAndFeeds]

This is so interesting to hear about, even without any aspirations to become an editor.
Also can I just say, I love your couch, looks so pretty and comfortable!

[cc]

Thank you for your tips Molly ! I will check these out !

[readingwithIffy]

Very informative Mollie! As a self-published author of children's books, it's amazing to hear these tips for future projects! Thank you. Just subscribed!

[marriedaprince]

Mollie, I just found your channel while looking up how to be an editor--> subscribed! This video was very informative, but I still have some questions and was hoping for some advice. The abbreviated question is "What jobs can I do at home to build my resume for a future editing job?"

Annnnd the long version: I have a degree in Exercise Science, and while I still love teaching people how to be healthy, I have recognized my passion for visual art and storytelling. I am a freelance writer, aspiring children's author and illustrator, and former homeschooling stay at home mom. I have recognized my love for reading (in fact it's one of my weaknesses as a writer, I'd rather be reading!!) I realized that I love reading so much, I might want to be an editor in the next several years. I have done free work for organizations like Blogging for Books and Online Book club, but I have yet to take a job related to editing where I am actually employed. While I have tons of other experience, this has made crafting a resume specifically geared for landing an editing related job very difficult. I would love to take some kind of job that would give me valuable experience, even if the pay was ridiculous, so I could begin to build up to a "legit" job. I have already looked into joining the SCBWI, and I will look into the other organizations. Any other advice? Thanks so much!! -Kat

[sydbap]

Thank you so much for making this video. Editing has been on my radar (as a potential career) for a while and you talked about a lot of things that I hadn't considered. I also really enjoy the Chicago style as I am a very big proponent of the serial comma :) Really helpful video!

[melissan.martinez-luna]

Thank you so much for this video! I've wanted to become an editor for the longest time. I just never knew how to go about it. This was very enlightening and helpful and I'm going to start looking into associations to join.

[cjmel]

Thanks! It was an encouraging video. A better glimpse on how to become an editor. There’s hope.

[brucemsabin]

Hey, I recognize that Gospel Story Bible on the shelf. I live that book and read through it will all my kids.

[mymixedtape]

Such a great and interesting video Mollie!! I totally agree about 'shopping' for courses outside of your uni degree. While I was at uni studying my main BA I was also attending the odd night class at other local universities and colleges that tailored more specifically to certain sectors of what I was interested in... and doing things that way (if they are affordable) also gives you the chance to test the waters and actually make sure the job/career/vocation is right for you.