How to Become Grant Writer's Editor

A Grant Writer's editor views grant proposals for the writer for a more technical view. It is a myth that all great grant writers are good at grammar and spelling. A grant writer's job is convey a message to funders and transfer their passion for the project to the reader. The editors job is to make sure every thing makes sense, has proper grammar, and is spelled correctly. Grant writers tend to like to use editors who specialize in the grant writing because of the technical and information disclosure issues.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Write a strong resume drawing strength to a editing and writing back ground. Show case any work you might have done with a non profit and any volunteer work you might have done.

2. Do not forget to add any writing classes you have taken in the past to the education section of your resume.

3. Get some volunteer hours in at a local community charity that is doing grant writing. Do not just volunteer to do the paper work, get your hands dirty. Editors will be able to get a better feel for what they are working with if they know the process it takes to develop a grant. Volunteer to help with a focus group or research team. While volunteering get to know the grant writers. Let them know you are interested in finding a editor position. If they do not have one open they may be able to point you in the right direct. Do not forget to ask if you can use them as a professional reference.

4. Develop a business card if you are prepared to go into the business as a freelancer. I recommend that even if you are wishing to become a employee to go ahead and give business cards out. Because it is easier to hand a business card to a passing grant writer then a resume. Most grant writer editors are freelancer's. They are typically contracted on by the individual grant writer or small company looking for a more technical and objective outlook.

5. 
    

   Hand your business card to grant writers who are freelancer's themselves and to those who are hired by a firm. You may wish to send your resume along with a cover letter to grant writing firms. Be prepared that without experience in the field a freelance position may be all they are willing to offer.

Tips & Warnings

• Most grant writer editors are freelancers. Freelancers can charge by the project or by the hour. I recommend to get a feel of how many hours a project will take and giving a estimate. Editors are typically paid between $10 to $25 a hour.
• Becoming a editor can be a great way to become a grant writer and make contacts. It can also be a great work from home position.
• Be ready to keep your mouth shut on who you are working for. Some Grant Writers prefer clients not to know they have to have a editor. Sometimes when the position is advertised, it is called grant writer's assistant.

Resources

• How to Become a Certified Grant Writer
• Books for grant writing
• How to Write A Mini Grant Proposal
• How to Work From Home without paying fees

[mkh1958]

on 10/1/2009 Thanks for the terrific article on becoming a grant writer's editor! ***** and recommendation