If you’ve been working as a freelance editor for 6 months or more, you might be feeling more confident in your skills. Maybe you’ve noticed improvements in how you approach your work and manage your time. That kind of growth is worth acknowledging.
Starting out in this business is challenging, and continuing beyond the early days is an achievement. But growing a freelance editing business means making tough decisions and stretching beyond the familiar.
That shift might mean different things depending on your starting point:
- If you’ve been working with agencies or academic presses, it could be time to begin marketing yourself and building a base of private clients.
- If you’re already working with your own clients but struggling with an unstable income, it’s time to shift from surviving to thriving.
The strategies below can help you build a more profitable, sustainable business.
Why editors struggle financially
It’s frustrating to see experienced editors earning $20 an hour. If clients are giving you positive feedback and your editing is strong, the issue is likely one (or both) of the following:
- Your editing speed and pricing
- Your marketing
Let’s start with the first.
Improve your editing speed (and track everything)
Editing faster can lead to higher earnings, especially if you charge per word instead of by the hour. Hourly pricing can:
- Create uncertainty for clients
- Limit your income
- Undervalue efficient work
When you charge per word, increasing your editing speed helps you earn more for the same amount of time.
Inside my course Becoming an Academic Editor, I share the spreadsheet I’ve used from the beginning. It tracks:
- Client and project details
- Hours worked
- Words per hour
- Actual hourly rate
These data give you insight into what’s working and where you can adjust. For example, if you consistently earn more on job market letters, prioritize those. If one agency pays much less than another, it might be time to shift focus.
Raise your rates
If you’ve been editing for at least 6-12 months and your clients are happy with your work, it’s time to increase your rates.
When I began editing in 2020, many editors were charging 2 cents per word. Six years later, some still are.
This might feel uncomfortable, but even a small increase can make a noticeable difference.
Here’s what I currently charge:
- 8 cents per word for journal articles (up to 10,000 words)
- 5 to 6 cents per word for books
- 4 cents per word for dissertations or graduate-level projects
I also raise my rates by 1 cent per word each year.
Try quoting 1 to 2 cents higher on your next short-form project. If you offer coaching or developmental editing, increase your rate by 20%-30%. If someone declines, keep going and try again with the next potential client.
Understand where clients find you
Knowing how your clients discover you is essential. Add a “How did you hear about me?” field to your contact form and tag those sources in your CRM or email system.
At the end of each year, I review where my clients came from, for example, LinkedIn, search engines, or referrals, and I focus more energy on what’s working.
If cold emails convert, send more. If your LinkedIn content brings in leads, keep posting. If reels help people connect with you, keep making them.
Ask for testimonials and referrals
If a client was happy with your work, reach out and ask for a testimonial, even if it’s been a while. While you’re at it, ask if they’d refer you to a colleague.
Once you’ve collected a few testimonials, post them on your website, social media, and in your emails. The positive feedback you’ve received should be visible.
Shift your marketing message
Many editors lead with their qualifications, but what clients really want to know is whether you understand their problems and how you can help.
If your homepage begins with a bio, move it to an About page. Lead with your client’s challenges and how your services make their life easier.
Clients aren’t choosing you as a favor. They’re looking for someone who communicates clearly and offers solutions.
Skilled, experienced editors should be able to build sustainable businesses. To do that, you’ll need clarity, consistency, and the willingness to make changes.
These strategies can help you build a more stable and rewarding business without burnout.
Want more support and a community of people just like you?
For academics who want to become an editor or coach, get my free video series here.
Already an editor or coach? Get my free webinar on digital marketing here.