Freelance Writing, Editing Service

Looking for freelance editing services that are reliable and trustworthy? With the globalization of the Internet, many editing services are located in countries in which English is not the first language; and with English being the most difficult language to learn this may cause some problems. Finding educated, professional editors can be a challenge and here are some tips on how to ensure the money you are about to spend is going to be well-spent.

1. Ask for credentials. This is the first question you need to have answered. If the individual has no post-secondary education, that’s fine. Let’s face it, many people are high school educated and their years of experience gives them the knowledge they need; and on the flip side, many university educated people are not all that knowledgeable – so always go with your gut feeling.
    
2. Ask how they edit. Yes, this sounds rather vague however you need to know the specifics of how the editing process will take place. For example: ask if they rely only on their grammar and spelling check function in whatever word processing program they use to edit.
    
3. Does your potential freelance editing service use a dictionary?
    
4. Depending on the type of work you require edited, the Urban Dictionary may also be required. Every day there are sayings, phrases and words that make their way into day-to-day language and although Webster may not pick up on some of these, the Urban Dictionary does.
    
5. Be sure to ask if your potential editor if he or she 'edits as a whole.' There must be continuity in what is written. If it is a novel and events in one day occur over 30 pages, then there must be continuity of time and details. Pejorative language, tone and style all are items that are essential to a thorough editing job.
    
6. Always ask if the editing service uses the track back function of editing and comments. Having total faith in an editor to change things as he or she works without saving your original work can be risky. Editors should always use track back and comments so that you can see what changes are made – and in some cases, the editor can make recommendations using the comments function.
    
7. Beware of "cheap" editing services. These websites may sound very convincing, and they may look professional, but one has to ask oneself, how can anyone claim to have ‘highly qualified’ or professional editors when your cost is ridiculously low. Many times, these are the websites that support plagiarism and offer essay and thesis writing services. That right there states they are unethical.
    
8. Another important item to ask about, will the editor make recommendations to alter a sentence to make it more powerful or more effective? Many editors will look at what you have, will see no errors, and carry on. A professional will offer suggestions to make your work shine.
    
9. Ask your editor if he or she will get in touch with you if there is any confusion in what you need edited. The last thing you want is editing services that will edit ‘as is’ and not say a word to you if confusion arises.
    
10. You get what you pay for in today’s world. Would you take your car to a cheap home mechanic who says he or she knows what they are doing; or to one who has the education and proof that knows what they are doing? The same goes for writing and editing services. If you pay for cheap editing services, you better cross your fingers it is done right. Can you take that chance?
    

Don’t take chances with your work. You have worked long and hard on your writing project, do not leave the freelance editing services to chance. When you ask questions and establish a trusted connection with a potential editor then you know your work is in capable hands.