Many people go into freelance work as a way to escape the traditional corporate structure and rely solely on their preferred work schedule and own work ethic. While that is a benefit to many, it may feel as if you are the only person who knows your struggles and that you have to learn everything on your own. Luckily for freelance editors, there are a handful of editorial societies that are available to join to build a sense of community, even when working remotely. Providing encouragement and learning resources, each of the organizations listed below are sure to provide some benefit to your range of skills whether you prefer something free to low cost or have the funds to invest in a high-end membership.
Editorial Freelance Association
One of the most renowned cohorts for freelance editors, the Editorial Freelance Association (EFA) helps guide freelancers and clients alike towards professional-level editorial work. EFA provides support and advancement opportunities to all freelancers through the form of mutual support within the community. They also supply clients with an entire directory of freelancers to match them with editors that fit their needs. EFA offers a free guest account to anyone interested in attending webinars or courses at a free or discounted price. A freelancer can obtain a premium membership for $145 annually to gain access to all their benefits.
ACES: The Society for Editing is currently the largest international editing cohort that works to improve quality of writing and the lives of editors. Hosting conferences and leading international training seminars are two of the many ways ACES provides opportunities to its congregation of editors. These conferences are held annually and span over three days to give editors ample time to take advantage of the networking and learning opportunities. Anyone is eligible to sign up for recorded events for thirty dollars each. However, you can get the most bang for your buck with the seventy-five-dollar annual membership that includes free access to those same events while also receiving access to training, job postings, and ACES newsletters. ACES also grants a special discount to any student registering for a membership at just forty dollars per year.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion have been at the forefront of conversation within the publishing industry as well as the corporate world as a whole. While there may be plenty of Black individuals interested in editorial work and writing, they might not get all of the same opportunities that a white editor may receive. This is why cohorts such as the Black Editors Network is an incredible resource for Black freelance editors and proofreaders seeking employment. This network curates a Black Editors & Proofreaders Business Directory for clients that are looking to support Black-owned businesses specifically. If you are a Black freelancer, you can join with a onetime setup fee of twenty-five dollars and a seventy-five-dollar annual membership.
National Association of Independent Writers
Established in 2007, the National Association of Independent Writers (NAIWE) emphasizes the equal importance of commercial and literary freelancing. One of the primary benefits of an NAIWE membership is the Board of Experts that editors and writers will be able to contact. Each of these experts specializes in a particular genre or specific type of media. Being able to speak to someone with authority in publishing, writing, and editing is an asset that not all editors will take advantage of. NAIWE has two distinct options of payments for membership: ninety-nine dollars per year or $999 for a lifetime.
There are a few freelance groups that are owned by other editors in the publishing industry. Organizations such as the Freelance Editors Club led by Tara Whitaker is one example that may be a good fit for established freelancers to form a sense of community. Joining a cohort such as this might make the connections feel more personal as there is a face to the brand and a specific individual encouraging your growth and success as a freelance editor. Through personalized consultations, Freelance Editors Club grants the members coaching in the way that yields the most benefit for themselves starting at fifty-seven dollars per month.
Blog written by Tanner Croom.