Editorial Freelancing: 5 Easy Steps to Getting Your Foot in the Door

My mother was fond of saying, "If you want to know something, go directly to the source." Taking this advice to heart, I interviewed professionals in the industry for the e-book, "How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer."

Publishers, editorial directors, human resource managers and editors, among others were a vocal lot regarding freelancers and what they should/should not do to get their foot in the door.

What nuggets of information can you glean from them? Here are five concrete points about which they were adamant.
1. Know your craft: Most clients like to see direct experience. This usually means working in the industry full-time for a number of years before going out on your own as a freelancer.

A vice president of publishing at a major trade publisher says, "Experience is key for us. Three to five years minimum, with a proven track record on our types of books. We don't linger over education, but I suspect most have a four-year degree."

As an editorial recruiter, I generally advise two to three years of full-time experience in the position/discipline for which you want to freelance. Five or more is better. Also, provide samples - published or unpublished. If unpublished - say so.

2. Time: Don't pester and/or waste the time of those in a position to hire. One editor responded, "Don't call me and call me and call me. I would actually NOT hire someone who calls me after I've said I'd call them."

Additionally, find the right person to contact. Most agreed that you should bypass the human resources department and contact the editorial department directly. Why? It is rare that materials will be passed on to the right person, especially if they are in another department.

3. Rate: Most companies have pre-determined rates and wiggle room is tight, if nonexistent.