Tara“Should I start a freelance editing business?”
To help you answer that question, I’ve put together a quick guide to help you decide if starting a freelance editing business is right for you. We’re going to look at your skill set, what’s happening in your life right now, and some hard questions about your dreams.
If you can put a check next to at least half of these, then I say go for it. You’re ready to start a freelance editing business!
1) Finding errors is an easy task for you
And not because you’re using an online grammar checker. Pinpointing typos just comes naturally to you.
You’re always finding errors around you: books you’re reading, signs when you’re out for a walk, restaurant menus. Friends are always saying, “You’re so good at editing. How do you pick up these mistakes so quickly?” Then, of course, they send you their documents to edit, and you always hit it out of the park in no time. That’s a pretty good hint you’d be a great freelance editor!
2) You love reading for fun
Your nose is constantly in a book. Your ever-growing reading list is staring at you, and you’re trying to determine which one is next because you’re so impatient about getting through all of them.
If you love reading this much, why not make a career out of it? Avid readers can use their love for reading to start a freelance editing business.
3) You like the idea of building something from scratch
Starting a freelance editing business from scratch takes a bit of work and dedication, but you’re building something that can last for decades. It’s a business that you can call your own.
You’re your own CEO and can grow that freelance editor business as large as you’d like. Have dreams of a freelance editing agency? You can start building that right now. Prefer to work on your own? That’s the flexibility in being a freelancer!
4) You need some extra cash
How would a little extra cash each month help you out? An editor can earn anywhere between $36K to $79K a year as a salaried worker. On the other hand, as a freelance editor, you determine how much you make — whether as a side hustle or with a full-time freelance career.
5) You’re getting tired of the 9-5
The long hours. The few rewards for your hard work. Your deteriorating health. And not to mention how much you would love to be your own boss and manage your time.
As a freelance editor, you can ditch the restrictions of your current day job — regular 9-5 or not. You don’t have to jump headfirst into the unknown, however. You can start your freelance editing business as a side hustle and then take the leap to get rid of the exhausting day job later.
6) You’d love to choose who you work with
As an employee, you don’t have any say in who your coworkers or your company’s clients are. You have to associate and work with a lot of people who sometimes always drive you up the wall.
Now, I’m not saying you won’t ever interact with some bad clients. I’ve been freelancing for over seven years and have a few stories I could share…but we’ll get into those another time. 😉
But the beauty of being your own boss and owning your freelance editing business is that you can choose not to work with them. There’s freedom in the ability to say yes to the right opportunities and no to those that will drain you or make you question your sanity.
7) You wouldn’t mind more freedom and flexibility in your life
As a freelance editor, you’d have more options for flexibility and freedom in your life than a lot of other freelancers.
You aren’t tied to a specific space or location because of work. All you really need to get started is a laptop and internet access. You can do this job as a freelance editor from almost anywhere in the world. Got a passion for travel? Combine it with the flexibility of your freelance editing business. Want to spend more time with family and friends? Enjoy the freedoms of the freelancer lifestyle.
8) The freelancer lifestyle speaks to you
What do I mean by the freelancer lifestyle? It’s not just about traveling the world and working from the beach. That may not be your idea of freedom and flexibility. But that’s the beauty of starting your own freelance business — you have the choice in what to do. You’re the boss.
As part of being a freelancer, it all boils down to the ability to:
Set your own schedule
Schedule your hours to suit your needs. Have kids to take care of? Set your schedule around your family time. Are you more productive in the early hours or late at night? Choose to work when you’re at your best. Prefer a structured day? You can do that too.
Work wherever you want
And like I said before, a freelance editing business is not location dependent. You can choose to work from home, work from a coworking space, or travel while working. It’s flexible and all up to you.
Bonus: You can leave a legacy
You can create a legacy, whether that’s to pass on a business to your children or make waves in the editing industry as a sought-after editor. You can create something with impact that can transform the lives of the business owners and individuals you work with.
Ready to start a freelance editing business?
Did you tick more than half of this list? Great. You got this!
Now that you can definitely say you’re ready to start a freelance editing business, grab a copy of my FREE How to Start a Freelance Editing Business Quickstart Guide. Learn how to quickly set up your freelance editing business — whether as a side hustle or a full-time career move.
