PostScripts Editing & Book Coaching
  • Home
  • Services
    • Book Coaching & Consultations
    • Developmental Editing & MS Feedback
    • Copyediting & Proofreading
    • Publishing Path Guidance
    • Support for Editors
  • Classes & Events
  • Testimonials
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Services
    • Book Coaching & Consultations
    • Developmental Editing & MS Feedback
    • Copyediting & Proofreading
    • Publishing Path Guidance
    • Support for Editors
  • Classes & Events
  • Testimonials
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
Search

Support for Editors

Picture
Picture
Are you interested in becoming an editor and wondering what steps are necessary to begin an editorial career?
Are you a brand new editor looking for guidance on the ins and outs of freelancing and running your own business?
Are you already an editor, but considering switching from in-house to freelancing?
Are you considering making a switch to a different type of editing, or from working with traditional publishers to indie authors?

With over a decade of experience working as a freelance editor for indie authors and traditional publishing houses, twenty-five years as an entrepreneur & small-business owner, and five years as a mentor with the Northwest Editors Guild, PostScripts Editing offers support and guidance for prospective, new, and transitional editors, through one-time consultations, on-going business coaching, and a variety of free resources. 

Picture
Ask-the-Editor
One-time consultation to answer any questions you have about getting started, editing, or freelancing!
Learn more.
Business Coaching
Weekly sessions to help get your business on track, with customized support, tasks, and acountability!
Learn more.
Resources for Editors
Info for getting started with an editing career, continuing education, and networking with other editors!
Jump to resources.
Picture
 
​Ask-the-Editor Consultation 
These one-time 50-minute meetings are perfect for answering any questions you have about freelance editing as a career. Sessions are held over Zoom and can be scheduled anytime space is available on my calendar. If you think one session will not be enough, consider the pre-paid package of 3 sessions and save 10 percent! (Pre-paid packages require full payment upfront, but scheduling is flexible--you will receive a link to my online calendar, so you can request a session whenever you need one!)
​

1 x 50-Minute Session: $89
Prepaid 3-Session Package: $239 (savings of over 10% per session) 
Picture
Ready for an Ask-the-Editor Consultation?
You can quickly and easily schedule a one-time consult 
anytime or pre-pay for a 3-session package through my online calendar! 
1 x 50-Minute Consult
3 x 50-Minute Package
Picture
 
​Business Coaching
Business coaching or mentoring sessions are a way to not only get your editing and business questions answered, but to also receive customized guidance and feedback for getting your new freelance business off the ground. Coaching sessions include a review and assessment of your current business setup and strategy (website, business cards, online profiles, contracts, marketing, etc.); specific "homework" assignments and/or tasks based on your goals, strengths, and abilities; and tools, resources, accountability, and encouragement to pursue your new career with a clear plan and confidence. We will meet regularly for either 50 minutes or 1.5 hours over Zoom, for either four or eight sessions, with complete scheduling flexibility through my online calendar. (The 1.5-hour sessions are also available for in-person meetings, if you are in Seattle!)

4-Session Business Coaching
4 x 50-Minute Meetings: $349 
4 x 1.5-Hour Meetings: $579 

8-Session Business Coaching
8 x 50-Minute Meetings: $629 
8 x 1.5-Hour Meetings: $989 
Picture
Ready to start your Business Coaching?
Start by submitting a message via the contact form to let me know which session package you would like. I will get back to you with my current availability, a calendar link, and instructions for payment and scheduling our meeting times.
Send a Message
Picture
 
Resources for Editors
Editing Certificate Programs | Other Classes & Workshops | Member Associations | Free Online Communities | Podcasts, Newsletters & Websites | Professional Editing Conferences | Essential Books ​
Picture
 
Editing Certificate Programs
The first step to a career in editing is, of course, to learn how to edit! It's also essential to understand the different types of editing and to determine which type(s) you want to offer or specialize in. There are a variety of certificate programs, both online and in person, offered through universities and editing organizations that teach basic and advanced skills.
  • ​Club Ed Certificate in Developmental Editing--1 to 3 years to complete the required courses, available a la carte or as a package; online, with a mix of self-paced and instructor-led classes
  • Emerson College Copyediting Certificate--45.5 hours of instruction, online synchronous format, 9 classes
  • NYU Certificate in Professional Copyediting, Proofreading, and Fact-Checking--online, must complete the 7 courses within 3 years
  • Poynter ACES Editing Certificates--online webinars and self-paced courses for 3 levels of editing certificates: introductory, intermediate, and advanced (discount for ACES members)
  • UC Berkley Extension Professional Sequence in Editing--1.5-year course (8 semester units), all online
  • UC San Diego Specialized Certificate in Copyediting--12-month course, all online
  • University of Chicago Certificate Program in Editing--9 months to 3 years, online with synchronous sessions
  • University of WA Certificate in Editing--8-month course, either online or a combo of in-person & online in Seattle, WA
  • Publishing Programs--This list from Bookjobs.com shows the many colleges and universities that offer certificate programs and higher degrees in publishing
  • Editing Programs for British-English Editors--This Reedsy article lists some of the same US programs as above, plus a few options in Canada and the UK
 
Other Classes & Workshops
Continuing education is essential for editors too, not just to keep skills sharp, but to keep up with the constantly changing publishing industry, especially with the increasing prevalence of self-publishing and AI. Some of the links in this list are for writing craft, not specifically editing or freelancing, but I highly recommend these for editors too, as they can greatly enhance your editing skills, especially for developmental editing, copyediting, editorial assessments, query letter reviews, and other macro-level services related to storytelling.
  • ACES Academy--training for editors through webcasts, videos, and on-demand courses, and quizzes in a dynamic digital platform
  • Club Ed Editing Courses--Self-paced and instructor-led classes, all online and asynchronous, on various aspects of editing (with a sunny beach theme to make the learning even more fun!); discount and one free class for Club Ed members!
  • Conscious Language Resources--Webinars, toolkits, and courses for authenticity & sensitivity reading, and editing for conscious & inclusive language by Crystal Shelly, aka Rabbit with a Red Pen
  • Craft Talks with Sharla & Allison--Webinars and master classes on writing, publishing, and marketing, hosted by Allison K. Williams, author of Seven Drafts, and Sharla Yates, creative writing instructor at University of Pittsburg; most classes offer early bird discounts, some as low as $15!
  • Editorial Freelancers Association Education--Webinars, self-paced classes, and synchronous online courses on editorial skills and business development; discount and some free classes for EFA members!
  • FoxPrint Editorial Working Writer Courses--A series of low-cost ($39) self-paced courses on various aspects of fiction writing craft by Tiffany Yates Martin (author of Intuitive Editing and The Intuitive Author; a frequent instructor for Jane Friedman's webinars, listed below)
  • Jane Friedman's Online Classes--Low-cost ($25) webinars on all aspects of writing craft, publishing, and editing taught by various instructors; money-back satisfaction guarantee and a link to the recording for later viewing
  • Plein-Air Prose--In-person writing group, classes, and retreats in the Seattle area
  • UW Specialization in Developmental Editing--11-week online course focusing solely on developmental editing; often taken by graduates of the UW editing certificate program, but not required
  • UW Proofreading Essentials--7-week online course focusing on all aspects of proofreading, including learning traditional proofing marks for print/hard copy and techniques and tools for proofreading digital content; often taken by graduates of the UW editing certificate program, but not required
 
Member Associations
I highly recommend joining at least one professional editors group, for access to resources for business & skills development, networking & community with other editors, finding clients, and discounts on other tools, services, and events. (Many organizations offer reciprocal member benefits, such as discounts to each other's conferences and classes.)
  • American Copy Editors Society (ACES)--$75/year, $40 for students; annual conference held at different locations in the US, job board, bimonthly presentations, quarterly journal, educational courses, awards, scholarships, discounts to editing resources
  • Club Ed--$15/mo. or $149/year; membership includes community forum, virtual work days, tips, resources, classes, and community for freelance editors (annual subscribers get a free class and a discount on others, plus other perks over the monthly plan)
  • Chartered Institute of Editing & Proofreading (CIEP)--£126/year (or more for advanced member levels; lower rates for retired & friends); UK-based organisation; online forum; local group meetings; free resources; discount on classes, annual conference, and other events; access to free legal help
  • Editors Canada--CAN$304/year (or discount for 2 yrs; special pricing for students and 60+); professional development seminars, editing certificate program, job listings, and other resources
  • Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)--$145/year or $260/2 years; national organization with a lively discussion list, discount on classes, access to active job board, and many other resources for freelance editors (many regional EFA chapters too!)
  • Northwest Editors Guild--$70/year; monthly presentations, active discussion list, mentor program for new editors, online resources, job board, monthly meetup events, biannual Red Pencil Conference, discounts to editing resources (open to all, not just PNW editors)
  • Professional Editors Network (PEN)--$55/year, $30 for students, $40 for volunteers; monthly professional development meetings, discount on webinars & workshops, subscription to Networking News newsletter, listing in online directory, networking & promotional opportunities through social media and events, mentorship program, 30% discount on PerfectIt (based in Minneapolis, but open to all)
 
Free Online Communities
More networking opportunities can be found online through various platforms and specialty groups.
  • Copyediting-L--an email discussion list for editors and other defenders of the English language who want to talk about anything related to editing (subscribers get listed in their freelancers directory)
  • Editors' Association of Earth--Private Facebook Group (13.4K members)
  • Editors Backroom--Private Facebook Group (5.4K members)
  • Editing Community--Private Facebook Group (840 members)
  • LinkEds & Writers--Private LinkedIn Group (75K members); discussion-only (no self-promo, strictly enforced) business group for professionals earning a full-time living as writers, editors, proofreaders, and translators
  • NW Editors Guild Member-Led Meetups, Discussions & Happy Hours--some are for members only; many are open to all; mostly online through Zoom; some in-person at cafes, pubs, libraries, and other public spaces in or near Seattle and Portland
  • Proofreaders Group--Public Facebook Group (24.6K members)
  • Women Writers, Editors, Agents, and Publishers--Private Facebook Group (71.6K members)
 
Podcasts, Newsletters & Websites
More resources to check out on the topics of editing and running a freelance business.
  • Conscious Style Guide--An online resource for writers and editors for guidance with implementing inclusive language and removing bias language (now also a book!)
  • The Concierge Blog--Articles related to freelance editing by Club Ed founder, Jennifer Lawler; free newsletter, The Resort, also available  
  • Deliberate Freelancer Podcast--The show for those who want to build a successful freelance business, hosted by Melanie Padgett Powers of MelEdits.
  • The Editor's Half Hour Podcast--30-minute episodes focusing on the craft of editing, publishing-industry trends and secrets, and editorial resources to help you build your editorial business and professional services, hosted by Nadia Geagea Pupa, co-founder of Pique Publishing.
  • Louise Harnby--Tons of free resources (articles, booklets, links, podcast, newsletter) for building an editing/proofreading business
  • Virtual Bookish Events Newsletter--A weekly list of free and paid online events for readers and writers, such as writing craft workshops, self-publishing webinars, book-launch readings, author chats, and literary discussions.
 
Professional Editing Conferences
These full-day and multiday events are great for networking with other editors and learning more about specific editing, publishing, and business topics from experts and colleagues in the field.
  • ACES Conference--Annual conference hosted by the American Copy Editors Society; various locations throughout the US (past locations include Columbus, OH; Portland, OR; Pittsburgh, PA; Las Vegas, NV)
  • CIEP Conference--Annual conference hosted by the Chartered Institute of Editing & Proofreading; online and in the UK
  • EFACON--Periodic conference hosted by the Editorial Freelancers Association; various locations throughout the US (past locations include Alexandria, VA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY)
  • Red Pencil--Biannual conference hosted by Northwest Editors Guild; virtual & in-person (near Seattle, WA)
 
Books
Picture
Do your words have the power to change the world?
​Tell me your story and let's find out!
Picture

Book Coaching &
​Consultations

Developmental Editing & Manuscript Feedback

Copyediting &
​Proofreading

 Publishing Path
Guidance

Copyright © PostScripts Editing, since 2014
  • Home
  • Services
    • Book Coaching & Consultations
    • Developmental Editing & MS Feedback
    • Copyediting & Proofreading
    • Publishing Path Guidance
    • Support for Editors
  • Classes & Events
  • Testimonials
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact