How to Edit for a Vanity Press

Freelance editors and proofreaders can find a steady clientele in vanity presses. A vanity press charge authors package fees to publish their book. The press often outsources the editing and proofreading for these manuscripts to freelancers. Here's how to put your skills to work for a vanity press.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Professionalize your image. This may be as simple as freshening up your resume, or you may want to consider establishing a small business platform from which to sell your editing services. Perhaps a website is in order. Many editors have an English degree, or at least some coursework in the area.

2. Apply. Use freelancer job boards to find presses looking to outsource. Or, visit company websites directly looking for opportunities. Even if the press isn't actively hiring, consider sending a short note with your resume or a website link detailing your editing background.

3. Learn and follow the rules. Once hired, most vanity presses tell their proofreaders their grammar, punctuation and style conventions. Although this learning process can initially be time consuming, it eventually pays off in a satisfactory working relationship between you and the publisher.

4. Communicate. The last step to a mutually beneficial relationship with your publisher is consistent communication. This can be one of the biggest challenges of working virtually, but the investment of time and communication is key.

Tips & Warnings

• Parlay your experience working with a vanity press into other editing gigs.
• Once established in the editing field, you can then approach new authors directly to offer your services.
• Some vanity presses don't pay up front, but instead offer a royalty payment to you based on the authors' sales. However, most vanity press books don't sell well. It's always better to insist on a fee.