Stress-Free Networking For Freelance Editors
Are you a freelance editor wanting to advance your career but feeling overwhelmed by networking and promoting your business?
Whether you’re just starting your freelance editing career, are an industry veteran transitioning to freelance work, or are an experienced freelancer, the key to professional growth lies in building the right connections. I recently had the opportunity to read and review Networking for Freelance Editors: Practical Strategies for Networking Success, written by Brittany Dowdle and Linda Ruggeri.
This informative guide geared toward book editors offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on networking. We all know that networking is important, but it can often be a source of stress and discomfort. The authors tackle this issue head-on by helping editors identify and dismiss stale, stress-inducing ideas about networking that hold them back. By challenging these beliefs, editors can overcome Imposter Syndrome and wasted effort, allowing them to approach networking with confidence and purpose.
As a fiction author, freelance developmental editor, and online course creator, I do a ton of networking. I’m always hopping on Zoom calls, getting to know others in the publishing industry and brainstorming ways we can collaborate. This has led to forming affiliate partnerships, speaking at online conferences and inside membership programs, appearing on podcasts, exchanging guest blog posts, and receiving client referrals.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve attended conferences and participated in Facebook communities with collaboration opportunities. I thought I was a networking pro!
That’s why I was pleasantly surprised at the new insights gained from this book. Most of my experience has revolved around networking with fellow authors and course creatorsânot editors. Although I’ve collaborated with editors and book coaches, we usually met through an author community, online entrepreneur group, or mutual friend. Until reading this book, I never thought of seeking out organizations and Facebook communities specifically aimed at editors.
Suddenly motivated to fill this gap in my networking strategy, I joined the Facebook groups recommended in the book. As I browsed the archived materials and posts, I discovered wonderful resources to save for future reference. I’m also considering joining one of the professional organizations that Brittany and Linda suggested.
However, the book goes beyond recommending reputable, positive communities. The authors also provide a step-by-step guide that builds a strong foundation for professional, long-lasting relationships. This method allows freelance editors to grow their network at a comfortable pace, making the process enjoyable and sustainable. The book also emphasizes how each editor is unique, with individual strengths and talents that can be leveraged for networking success.
About the Authors
Brittany Dowdle, editor and owner at World Cat Editorial Services, is a freelance editor with over ten yearsâ experience in the publishing industry. She has edited the work of best-selling traditionally published authors, award-winning indie authors, and international best-selling authors. Brittany graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Georgia with a degree in English. She is a founding member of the Editorial Freelancers Associationâs Diversity Initiative and helped design the Welcome Program, acting as its codirector in 2019â2020.
Linda Ruggeri, editor and owner at The Insightful Editor, is a freelance nonfiction editor, writer, and authenticity reader (Spanish/Italian) with a degree in communications and fine arts from Loyola Marymount University. Linda runs the Mentorship Program for PEN as well as the Welcome Program for the EFA.
More About Networking For Freelance Editors
If you’re ready to take your freelance editing career to the next level and establish a powerful network that propels you forward, Networking for Freelance Editors is the resource you’ve been waiting for. This book is for editors, proofreaders, indexers, fact-checkers, translators, writers, and anyone pursuing a freelance career in the publishing industry.
Buy direct from Linda and Brittany
Hi there! I’m Stacy Juba, an author, freelance editor, and the founder of Shortcuts for Writers. I’d love to connect. If you’re a writer, here are a few ways we can work together:Â
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Sign up for my free, on-demand self-editing masterclass
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