Imagine how this book could change your perspective as a freelance writer editor or a newcomer to the world of editing. Got your eye on that editor slot? Are you still taking on reduced pay editing gigs or doing work for free? Scoop up a copy of this book and give yourself a leg up.

By learning editing and writing concepts from a teacher’s point of view, you’ll have an easier time getting your head around what future clients and employers expect from your work. Anderson’s book includes a lot of great ideas, especially on mechanics like proper verb choices, paragraphs, even how to use dialogue appropriately.

It goes without saying that any student of writing has the potential to become a teacher of the craft at some point in time. Want to mentor new writers? Everyday Editing by Jeff Anderson is a good tool to have on hand to prep for that mentoring.

The site is aimed at copyeditors, but anyone involved in freelance editing or freelance writing should have a look. There is so much valuable information on the mechanics of writing and editing that I’m shocked The Slot’s Bill Walsh hasn’t written a book with this stuff.

Oh, wait–he did. Walsh is the author of Lapsing Into A Comma, and The Elephants of Style, which includes some evolutionary thoughts on writing and editing that FINALLY seem to be creeping into the mainstream. Have a look at Walsh’s site to learn more about striking a balance between  “Once wrong, always wrong” (which I used to believe in exclusively until I took off the necktie and got a life) and “Everybody does it.”

Don’t miss TheSlot.com, especially if you are new to the editor/writer game. Especially great–the recent post titled “A Common Mistake”. Priceless.

“Dear Editor: I’m a freelance writer trying to move into editing as a sideline. I’m not sure I want to do it full time yet, but it looks like good extra income. How do I make my move?”

If you are already established as a freelance writer but want to make the transition to freelance editing, there are a couple of ways you can help yourself make the jump to editor writer, or any combination of job titles you please.

One route some freelance writers take is to volunteer their skills on a low-budget book project. Editing a book is no easy feat, but if you aren’t getting paid for your work, it’s fair to say that you can’t be expected to give earth-shattering results. As long as you get the basics covered and help your author overcome any major errors, you could rack up a credit or two with minimal fuss.

The best place to find these unpaid or low-paying projects is Craigslist.com– many first-time authors can be found asking for help there.

Another way to go is to offer your editorial services to a local charity group. Hone your chops and help out a worthy cause at the same time. You don’t need to explain that you are a new editor looking for credit–just make the offer and see what your local organizers say.

No, working for free is NOT ideal. But once you get a couple of decent credits to your name you can transition into paying work.

One last note–some places that hire freelance editors want to see examples of how you edited someone else’s copy–a before and after sample. Make sure you can provide some before-and-afters to impress your prospective new freelance client and you are well on your way to becoming that double threat editor writer.