Editor Salary at Large

Name: Laura Leon
Job Title: Editor
Where: Boston, MA
Years of Experience: 10+
Salary: See PayScale's median Editor Salary
Employer: Self-Employed
Education: M.Ed. Harvard University

Editor Job Description:

An editor makes people's writing better. I provide manuscript editing services. I prepare reports, articles, and book manuscripts (fiction and non-fiction) for publication. This occasionally includes fact-checking during the writing process and rewriting stage. This usually includes making the manuscript conform to the publishers' style guidelines. I have worked on technical reports, textbooks and glossy magazines. I provide publishing help for authors. Requirements: a good eye for detail and lots of patience.

How did you become an editor?

I started editing as a student in college, so that was my first "job," but there was no editor salary range as I didn't charge back then. Foreign students would ask me to correct their papers--I'm not sure why, perhaps I just looked like an editor. As a senior in college, I interned part-time at a policy think tank on-campus. It just so happened that they needed a proofreader and funneled me into this kind of work.

What was your next job as an editor?

While in graduate school at Harvard University, I edited for the student-run Let's Go Travel Guides--an experience that was equally wacky and satisfying. The office was like a funhouse littered with all sorts of children's toys, a giant inflatable Godzilla, toy soldiers and a chaotic arrangement of desks and computers.

Everyone was easy-going and yet totally focused on the writing process and rewriting stage. We regularly kept the fires burning all night long, in the run up to tight deadlines. It was the kind of place where nothing mattered except getting your job done right and getting it done fast.

What types of manuscript editing services did you do after graduation?

After graduation, I put my editing experience aside to teach ESL and work in admissions, two experiences that no doubt have made me a better editor. I continued to take all sorts of writing and journalism courses in the evening and then returned to editing in the late 90s when I took a position as editor of several college publications.

What do you love about being a freelance editor?

There are three best things about being an editor: I get to read all sorts of new writing before it's published, I love the freedom of working as a freelance editor, and I'm very satisfied to have a finished product.

What's the typical editor salary range?

The typical editor salary range is $20.00-$75.00 per hour. An editor's salary range depends on experience.

What's the oddest thing that has happened to you as a freelance editor?

I recently edited a report on the ethics of targeted killings of terrorists. But the most memorable thing was a job interview at an outdoor cafe on the beach, sipping designer drinks and soaking in the sun. Why memorable? 

The night before, I got a facial and mentioned it to a friend on the phone. Although it was late, she wanted to see the results of the facial, so we decided to meet at a bar. She bumped into a friend there, who bumped into a friend who was looking for someone to work on his radio program. Needless to say, I got the job.

How does your salary compare to an editor's salary? Find out with our salary calculator.

• Median Editor Salary by Industry
• How to Become an Editor

Comments

[Evan Mulvaney]

Hi,
I am not sure what Laura's URL is these days.
But, after 5 years of serving Harvard University in my own way,
she is OUTSTANDING and extremely capable!!!! Look HER up no matter where you EXIST. She is powerful and kind......

[Bridget Quigg]

I am an English major. I worked as a language interpreter after college until I found part-time work as a Web copywriter through connections I made at a one-day writing course. My teacher let me know about a listserv where writing jobs were posted and freelancers vented their frustrations, etc.
Networking with other writers will open doors. Regarding classes, there are editing certificates available at community colleges. Earning one of these certificates shows that you know the basics and gives you essential skills for the workplace.
And, you can always create an internship by directly contacting someone whose job you would like to have. Help them out about 10 hours a week for free. They'll be happy for the help and you'll gain valuable experience. Plus, they can recommend you to potential employers.
Oh, and try writing for small, neighborhood newsletters or guest blog once you meet bloggers in your community. Anything to build a portfolio of your writing and meet people.
Best wishes. Just keep plowing forward. Tell people you're a writer and an editor. Many people despise writing so they're happy to employ you.
Journalism is an endlessly interesting career. You won't be bored. And, in the online world you can make a very nice living.

[kayla]

I am currently a highschool student and we are deciding a carreer passage and I would like to become an editor. What classes are the most ideal to take? My English teacher is begging me to be in jounalism....

[gloria]

how does this editor salary range compare to an in-house position such as copyediting for a newspaper? thanks

[Elvis]

Does the salary range you mentioned in your article suitable for a software review writer? I am going to start off my first writings for a software but I have no clue on the salary.

Elvis
http://elvis.hk
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