In this series, editors share their experiences, insights, and tips on the practical aspects of working as an editor or writer. In our previous instalment, five editors shared their thoughts on whether focusing on a niche is a good idea when starting out. This time around, we ask how one knows if they’re ready for a job they’ve been offered.
Should an editor accept a particular job if they don’t think they’re ready for it, in terms of skills and experience?
Josephine Mo (she/her), acquisitions editor at a higher education publisher
This is a loaded question. My quick answer is, it depends. I’m part of the camp that believes we need new challenges to grow and we can never be truly, fully ready for a new undertaking. That being said, I think it’s also important to be self-aware and recognize the variables that will facilitate or obstruct our endeavour. If a new graduate from a publishing program aspires to be the chief editor of a national journal, then there needs to be a reality check. But if it’s a job that’s a few steps above their current position, and the editor has access to a mentor or the supports and resources for growing into the new role, I think it’s a good decision to accept.
Samantha Hoffman, proofreader and Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist
Accepting a particular job that you don’t think you’re ready for means that you need to be prepared to put extra time in to get yourself to where you need to be. There is also the option of being transparent with the person offering you the job. If they are also just venturing into something new, they may be okay with it.
Alicja Minda (she), editor at the Senate of Canada
A trained editor is (or should be) ready. If a particular job requires skills or knowledge you know you don’t have, don’t take it—but a lack of experience shouldn’t be a barrier, because everyone has to start somewhere.
Jennifer D. Foster, freelance editor, writer, mentor, and owner of Planet Word
This is a bit of a “chicken-and-egg” issue. The only way to get on-the-job experience is to take on a project, but how do you feel comfortable with taking on a job without first-hand experience? Well, every editor has to start somewhere. We are all part of a big learning curve when we do our first (paid) copy edit, developmental edit, or proofread. And a client/employer takes a leap of faith whenever they hire an editor, initially. I have accepted many jobs over the years when I didn’t feel I was quite ready. It’s all about having confidence in your abilities and being open. Here’s a personal example from many years ago. When a regular book publishing client approached me to do a line edit, something I’d never done, I felt a mix of panic and possibility. I squelched my fears and took the plunge when I said “yes” by making an agreement with the managing editor that I’d do a line edit of the first five pages of the manuscript, to see if my work matched the level of editing needed. And it did: The managing editor and author were thrilled, and I got lots of invaluable first-hand experience. I’ve never looked back.
Katherine Morton (she/her), Certified Copy Editor
It depends. An editor should be honest with potential clients. If an editor wants to try to complete a job they’re not ready for to get experience, they should discuss it with the client. The editor can offer to have a more experienced editor look over their work at no additional cost. But usually, if an editor is not experienced in a particular area, they should politely decline the work or recommend an editor who may be more suitable. It may seem difficult to decline work or to recommend others, but the editing community is generous and helpful. As an editor gets more experience, other editors begin to refer work to them.
Pamela Capraru, copy and line editor
Don’t bite off more than you can chew, but be willing to take on assignments and stretch your skills. I’m a lifelong learner, and I encourage editors to seize opportunities when they arise. Communicate well, offer sample edits, clarify expectations, and learn how to estimate time and costs. A written contract can be an invaluable asset for managing scope creep and other pitfalls. (You can find a contract template on the Editors Canada website.)
This article was copy edited by Natalia Iwanek (she/they), a freelance copy editor, stylistic editor, and proofreader who works with a variety of clients on a diverse portfolio of projects.
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