How To Become An Editor Without A Degree (5 Things To Do)

Becoming an editor is a big deal in the world of copywriting and publishing, and it can be a very rewarding job. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get in. 

For example, many employers think you need a degree to work there. This can be hard to get around, but there are ways to become an editor without a college degree. 

In this video, we’ll look at how to become an editor without a degree and give you tips on how to get there without spending years in the classrooms of the world’s universities.

So, if you want to be an editor, keep watching to find out how to get started on your way to the top.

5 Things To Do To Become An Editor Without A Degree

If you want to work as an independent editor, follow these five things to get started.

1. Develop Your Editing Skills

There are various ways to learn editing skills. However, the following are some genuine things that many beginners did to get started.

A. Read On a Daily Basis

The best way to get started is to make reading a daily habit. Every day, read something, whether it’s a book, a magazine, or a blog post.

Reading a lot and often will help you learn unfamiliar words and improve your understanding of how to write.

Even if it is only a few pages per day, reading will train your mind to notice good writing and improve your own.

As you read, consider how authors use sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and words to form ideas and thoughts.

B. Write Every Day

Writing is an excellent way to hone your editing skills.

To start, try writing a piece and then giving it a thorough review. Check your sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and any other elements that could use some attention.

Look for any typos that you may have missed while writing the first draught as you edit your work.

Consider whether there are any sections that feel a little redundant or reword or shorten any sentences if possible.

It is also beneficial to collect feedback from family and friends on your writing and make any necessary changes.

Taking the time to review your work can improve the overall quality of your writing and help you become a better editor.

C. Learn About Style Guides And Use Reference Books

To become a better editor, it’s also important to learn about style guides and use reference books to check facts and other details.

Style guides help editors in standardizing formatting and language, and reference books are handy for checking facts or spelling unfamiliar words.

As a new editor, you should spend some time getting to know the style guides that are usually used in your field and building a library of reference books you can use when you need to.

Having these tools on hand will help you get used to editing and make sure your work is accurate and error-free.

D. Have Computer And Software Knowledge

Computer and word processing software can be a great aid in helping you to do your job quickly and accurately. Software such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs provides many features that make editing easier. 

For example, you can use the grammar and spell check features to quickly detect and correct mistakes. You can also use styling tools to quickly format your document and make it look professional. 

Additionally, you can track changes and easily compare different versions of the document. 

Using the right tools can make all the difference in editing a document. Professional editors rely on these tools to ensure that the final result is of the highest quality. 

If you’re an editor or have to edit documents, familiarizing yourself with such tools is essential. 

So, take the time to learn how to use them properly and you can be sure that your work will be of the highest standard. Don’t forget that the correct use of these tools can help you save time and guarantee the accuracy and quality of your document.

E. Invest In An Online Course

If you’re looking for a more structured way to learn about editing, why not try taking an online course created by a professional?

It may require some investment, but it could save you loads of time if you’re teaching yourself editing. 

With an online course, you’ll have access to tutorials, videos, and step-by-step instructions that will help you become an editing pro.

You’ll also be able to go over different editing techniques, learn how to use different editing tools, and practice your skills in a safe, controlled environment.

So, if that’s what you want to do, the Knowadays Becoming an Editor Course is a great choice.

This course is perfect for anyone who wants to start a professional editing career.
Their thorough lessons, made by people who work in the industry, will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful editor.

They will show you how to work with authors and publishers on creative documents, how to help academic research, and how to help businesses get their message out.

Plus, if you get at least an 80% on their final assignment, their partner company, Proofed, will guarantee you a working opportunity. How cool is that?

So, if you’re interested in this course, you can start with their free trial, where they teach a few lessons from their main course.

This is a great way to find out how the course content is and what the teaching style is before diving in. With the right course, you’ll have everything you need to become an editor in no time!

I have written a review about Becoming an editor course. So make sure to check that out!

2. Gain Experience Through Freelancing Or Volunteer Work

Once you know how to edit documents, you should get some work experience.

Getting editing experience is an important step for anyone who wants to advance in their career.

Freelance and volunteer editor work are excellent ways to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio of work.

Freelance editing jobs, like those on Upwork or Fiverr, give people the freedom to work from home while also giving them the chance to improve their skills and build a client base.

On the other side, Volunteer editor jobs are also a great way to get experience and help the community at the same time.

In either case, you will gain useful editing experience and build a portfolio that will help you stand out in a competitive job market.

3. Seek Out Internship Opportunities

If you’re looking to become an editor, gaining some experience through an internship can also be a great way to kick-start your career!

Not only will you get to learn the ropes of the industry, but you’ll also be able to make connections with professionals in the field.

You can consider exploring the publishing world! There are lots of opportunities for you with publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, and digital media outlets.

Why not look into any unpaid internships that could help you get your foot in the door? Or, if you’re feeling brave, why not reach out to a local newspaper or magazine to find out if you could shadow them or work with them?

You never know what doors you could open! In any case, internships are a great way to learn the ropes and make some great contacts.

4. Create a Portfolio Of Your Work

Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can create a portfolio.

Every professional editor must compile a portfolio of their work, presenting it to potential employers in the best light possible.

Your portfolio should have examples of your best work and a brief description of the project and how you helped edit it.

Make sure to include a wide range of services, such as copyediting, proofreading, and any other editing services you provide.

Also, put in testimonials and positive feedback from past clients to show how good your work is.

To make a good first impression and stand out from other editors, you need a strong portfolio. This will help you get clients in the future.

5. Network With Editors And Potential Employers

As an editor, connecting with other editors and potential employers can be hugely beneficial.

Developing relationships with people in the same field is a great asset—it can open up possibilities for referrals and employment, and help you stay informed about the latest news in the industry!

Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating; attending events like conferences, workshops, and seminars is the perfect opportunity to meet potential employers, get in touch with the latest industry news, and even exchange contact information.

Plus, social networks like LinkedIn are great for making digital connections with established professionals.

Getting out there and meeting people can help editors stay up to date on the latest trends, discover brilliant chances to boost their careers, and form lasting connections.

Final Conclusion:

Becoming an editor without a degree is a real possibility. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, you can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to land a job in this field.

Additionally, internships and volunteer positions provide hands-on experience, and the opportunity to learn from professionals already in the industry.

With the right resources and a passion for editing, you can become an editor and make a successful career in the field.