Editor Talk: How to Become an Editor! 

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.

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.

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!

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 💌

One of the most shocking advice that you will hear in college is that one's degree doesn't always have to apply to a job or career that you might have in the future. Certainly one would think one needs an English degree to get into the book business, but you would be surprised by the diverse amount of people who have a different degree that you wouldn't expect. This also applies to other fields too and Mollie here is like the millionth person I've heard giving this type advice. LOL Good advice, Mollie!

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.

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!

I’m 31 and have worked in accounting all my life. It is soul crushing work if you are not passionate about accounting. Looking on how to make a career change but have no idea how. Thank you for this video.

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.

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!

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.

Thank you, Mollie! This is great advice. I also loved the interview you did with Afoma Umesi. Great insight!

Hi Mollie! I just started thinking today about doing proofreading part time. Thank you for the tips.

Thank you for this advice, I am definitely going to think about what you said. I'm not sure about book editing, but writing is a passion of mine and I'm still trying to figure out if I want to pursue it as a career or keep it as a hobby.

This is the first video of yours I've seen and this is super helpful! I'm wanting to start my own freelance editing business so I'm looking for information on how to begin. Thank you so much!

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.

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 :)

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

Hey Mollie, it was very nice to grab these tips from you. I am also looking forward to becoming an article writing editor for online freelancing. Really looking forward to learning more from you. 🙂 You're doing so great. Keep it UP 👍

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

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!

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

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

Thank you for making this video! As someone who recently decided to focus my freelance efforts on editing I really benefitted from getting your advice. May I suggest you list and further discuss the classes that you took that were related to editing and that helped to further your career please? I think that would make for a really informative & helpful video as well. You listed a few you took in or after college and that really sounded interesting

Thank you for sharing this Mollie! I've been trying to decide on what to do as far as my degree and knowing that an English major would just be the beginning for editing/ creative writing is very helpful!

This was excellent. Thank you!

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.

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!

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!

This video is fabulous. I'd love to get into freelance editing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

You've given great information with a wonderful delivery. You have just gained a new subscriber. Also, giiirl you're beautiful.

This video is amazing! Incredible content - thanks for putting this up --Evan

This was such a great video! Thank you for sharing your experiences and tips. This was really helpful because I want to try to get into editing when I graduate from college.

I have a degree in English language and Creative writing, and I have spent over 4 years teaching. However editing and writing is a keen interest I’ve had for a while and I have been doing some freelance work, however I wanted something fixed as opposed to something cropping up now and again. That’s where my struggle has been.

I would recommend APA 4 beginning editors. The Chicago Manual of style is good for using as a reference for difficult questions, answers for which can be found nowhere else

Great video! I've recently decided to pursue a career in proofreading and editing and this has been so helpful. Now I know where to start!

Hi Mollie, I've just subscribed to your channel, I love it! I am a newbie-ish freelance book editor and this is such a useful editor for those starting out. I'm enrolled in the University of Chicago Graham School's Certificate in Editing-it is an awesome course, I feel much more confident with CMOS. I just attended the EFA's 2016 conference in NY that was such a great opportunity for networking and learning as well. Can't wait to watch more of your videos!

Great video! very informative. Thanks.

Greetings from Colombia. The Venezuelan Immigrant writer 🌎

I noticed you have the "Gospel Story Bible" on your bookshelf. The author, Marty Machowski, is a pastor at my church! It is a small world...

this was really helpful, I´m definitely considering getting into editing as a career and this was so informative and great!

So interesting, Mollie! Even though I work as a writer/editor/proofreader, I have never taken a continuing ed class on the subject (I've just gone through a lot of trial and error, and done a lot of reading). But I KNOW it would be so, so helpful and you've kind of inspired me that I should look into it some more. It's crossed my mind in the past. It's also a little intimidating to think about, mostly because trying to find the time is hard. But also worth it. Great video. I'd love to break into the freelance editing world. I'm a lot of talk, but in truth, it's something I've thought about for *years*.

Very useful video! Thank you, Mollie!

Love your bookshelf and the way you're books are organically placed.

Hi Mollie, I found this video very helpful. I have been considering doing an online editing and proofreading course. What I got from your video is that delving in this field requires constant learning. I think I am ready for it. Thank you for the video :)

Very helpful, thank you.

Wow this is actually a really nice and interesting job but I never thought it was that hard .thanks for editing advice

So I may be watching this at work again... whoops!! Love that you are giving your insights on the editing side of things. I think it will be super helpful for aspiring editors to hear some more talks on this! ps: Your hair looks SO pretty in this vid

I just watched this video (obviously) and it was so, so helpful! I'm still very confused (I'm 16 and trying to figure out what I want to do for college) but this has sort of given me an idea. I've always loved reading, writing, and just editing in general, but I've never been quite sure how to turn that into a career. I know you've said that a lot of people don't go into editing with a degree in English, but I was wondering if that applies to you? What was your degree? I'm kinda super conflicted because I think I might want to be a nurse, but I know I'll always have a passion for reading. I definitely haven't done enough research yet, but I guess the whole point of this comment is just to ask for advice. Do you think a nurse could be an editor? How did you figure out that you wanted to be an editor? What were the steps you took in your education to arrive at this destination? Thank you so, so much! I really hope you or anyone else who can help me out responds!

I plan on becoming a copy editor and its my dream to work for a big publishing company like penguin random house, harper collins or even Scholastic, but i am going to earn my bachelors degree in Publishing which seems to cover a lot within the publishing industry with all the different types of mediums within it and have a minor in mathematics and also earn my masters degree in teaching with specialty in k-12 mathematics education for backup but working in the publishing industry for a big publishing company home of my favorite authors is my absolute dream, i work at a call center and i hate it and while going back to university i plan on working as a licensed CNA and hopefully not have any debt, i found your video very helpful thank you

Awesome video! I've been thinking about going into the editing field but had no clue how (I have a psych / comm background). Your video (and whole channel tbh) is so informative and helpful! I was looking at the courses on Christian PEN and was wondering - did you do the group classes or the downloadable lesson plans? I'd love to do a group course but don't know if it is worth the extra money for the "live" aspect... Also, can I ask what level of Christian PEN membership you recommend? 😅 Thank you! :) You have a new subscriber!

thank you this help out alot!

Hi Mollie! I am really interested in finding the right major and had to do some career research for my career life plannng course. I found this video extremely helpful and look forward to hearing more from you in the future

FIRST. I did some freelance editing for a bit, but got too busy to do any more. I wish I could though because it's really fun! Great video, girly ;)

Wow thank you so much for posting this video--I loved hearing all your tips! I'm drooling over those classes. Currently I'm taking Copyediting and Proofreading from the Christian PEN, and enjoying it. Small question: can I hire someone, preferably an extrovert, to network for me? I could maybe pay in doughnuts or something...

please tell us about the courses for being an editor

Ahhh I found your channel and I subscribed! 10.000th subscriber 😂🙌🏾 congrats

I be looking all over for the ( The Chicago manual of style 18th). We’re did you get it from?

Well don't I feel like an idiot suggesting you film this in your Newbie Tag video! I guess I should just watch all your videos before suggesting anything else. ;) Great tips. The older I get the more I've realized the importance of networking. It's hard as it seems everyone is in their own shell but it's necessary to keep trying! Also, I think you'd enjoy learning through Coursera. It's free and there are so many topics to choose from! It's a great resource for continuing education outside of college. ~Meredith

Very informative. Thanks.

Thanks for sharing this wealth of knowledge! I am starting a new career path as a proofreader. I am currently building my website and LinkedIn profile. Would you find it beneficial to include editors as a niche target market? Do authors ask their editors for recommendations on proofreaders? I never thought about all of the classes that could be helpful with growing your business--even with a simple task of how to prepare a quote! Thanks!

I’m an education major in college and am interested in teaching, but editing books has always been a dream of mine and now I’m really confused

This video is so interesting, networking is always a bit of a challenge for me :)

What kind of job do you have at the marketing company you mentioned? What degree do you have? I'm doing a bachelor in communication now with marketing major but getting a bit confused if I'll ever get a marketing job without a business degree..

Hey! When I search AEC all I get is the Australian Electroral Commission - probably because I'm Australian - does anyone know what tha acronym stands for?

how can i become a proofreader and Editor?

Hi, I'm an italian girl who want to became an editor or work in publishing sector! Your video is so interesting and motivated me to continue on this way! ciao

Hello Mollie... Thanks 🌎

could you please I'd like to ask about the qualification for editor language or grammar something like that thanks

Hi! I am considering joining CIEP for my editing and proofreading courses. Are you familiar with that association and what's your opinion?

I just discovered you and had to subscribe! My dream was to become an editor after college for a publishing house, but even though I had passion and did 3 internships and knew MLA and AP and knew The Copyeditor's Handbook and Chicago Manual, and took the classes geared specifically toward editing in college, nothing ever came of it... Now here I am, 7 years later, and I still regret it. I wouldn't go back to a publishing house if I could now, because I love staying at home with my daughter, but I have thought about doing freelancing. So these tips are excellent. Thank you. But I still have one question. How do you go about freelancing after the courses are done. How do you market yourself, how did you get visibility?

Would you say having a RU-vid channel has helped you to land clients?

You've mentioned only paid courses. Can someone recommend free courses and resources for aspiring editors?

I want to be an editor. Could you please advise me a list of books or websites?

Is it difficult to get into editing when you've been a historian and blog content writer? I've never done it strictly professionally, just on my own, for several years.

would i be able to use a business degree to become an editor-this would be business management and entrepreneurship

Good video! I know a friend who is interested in this. I will share with her.

my husband is the type that proof reads everything, even my love letters. He gave me a Christmas card and they miss spelled true and he even cross that out and he loves to read. What can I do to help him become an editor?

How do you learn the Chicago Manual Style?? Just read the whole book?

Why does the lighting keep changing throughout this video?

Where did you take those specific editing classes?

I took a few editing classes and joined EFA. I just started offering some services in June and it's dead so far. :(

I am a printer by profession and I have a degree with a second class upper division after getting Ordinary Diploma and Higher National Diploma. In that respect, I would like to be an editor (book editor). How can you assist me to become one of you?

what is your college course ?

How is there not a comment on how beautiful this woman is!!?!?

Actually I'm a writer and want to know how to edit a book.

Can someone start editing while in high school? That’s where I’m at right now :/

Can you keep a career, paying rent and living a normal life only with the money you get from editing? Or is it too hard?

Is there any chance that i would to be a writer or editor if i dont go to college. Even i never attend college to get Diploma

I'm 14 i need to be one and i will never give up

I going to Dan Marino Foundation for school to teach me write a book which association for me.

Fist I want to become an astronaut and now I want to become an editor

Mollie, you and I need to chat. I would love to have your freelance mentorship! - Sarah

books on editing will probably have an editor...and if those people wrote books they will have a editor..and so on...

Made it 5:20 into the video before I realized this is NOT about video editing hahah :p

This is glorious, I been tryin to find out about "freelance journalism definition" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Fiyyan Freelance Fraternity - (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my colleague got cool results with it.

New here

I am looking for a roblox edit, please reply back to me if you can!

ah, I guess it's true, life is a contact sport.

I hope you will see my comments and respond. I know I'm really late but I am really interested