Frequently asked questions

General

Does the Society provide membership discounts to members of other related organisations?
No, we don't provide a discount on our membership fees. However, we do give discounts to attend our dinner meetings for members of the following organisations: Victorian Writers Centre, Australian Society for Technical Communication, Australian and New Zealand Society of Indexers and Australian Publishers Association. Students who are not members also receive a discount.

Freelance editing

How do I find an editor to work with me on my publication?
The Society publishes the Freelance Register, which lists over 100 freelance editors, their areas of expertise and contact details. This is an excellent place to start your search.
I am starting out. How do I go about finding work as a freelance editor?
This is a tricky question, as everyone has different areas of experience and contacts. Some starting points include:
1. If you haven't already done so, try working getting a job (any job) inhouse with a publishing company or in any organisation that has some sort of publishing program, however small. Even if your job is not directly in editing, it is a way of getting a foot in the door and getting experience in how things work.
2. Volunteer to help with an organisation's publications. The experience you will get will be invaluable and you'll feel better for having helped a worthy cause.
3. Network as much as you can!
4. Always make the extra effort to add value to whatever work you are doing. Your clients will remember it and come back.
5. Join the Society of Editors! It's a great source of networking, training, mentoring and socialising.
What hourly rate should I charge for my freelance editing work?
Rates vary a lot, depending on your level of expertise, length and complexity of the job, type of client, etc. Clients will often have a set amount that they have available to spend on a particular job and/or will have an idea about what hourly rate they are prepared to pay. In Victoria, rates can vary from $50-100 or more, so it is important to discuss this carefully with your client. Be open and frank about this matter - you need to be able to earn a decent living and your client will thank you for your professionalism.
How do I become an editor?
There are many pathways that can be taken to starting a career in editing. Read the Society's suggestions.
What sort of things should I consider when providing an estimate or quote?
Have a look at these points.