Proofreading is one of the most important steps in the publishing process. As a proofreader, you will be responsible for checking the manuscript before publishing it to make sure it’s in the best possible shape. The book publishing market has several proofreaders, and making your mark in such competition is not an easy feat.
That’s what we are going to explain to you in this article. Read on to find some useful tips that will help you market yourself, set your standard rates, and land as many clients as possible.
Build Your Freelance Profile
There’s no platform better than your own freelance profile to land more clients. Having a well-crafted profile will show potential clients that you’re a serious professional who is dedicated to your work.
Plus, a strong profile will help you stand out from the crowd and attract clients who are looking for someone with your specific skills and experience.
Along with helping you land more freelance clients, a freelance profile will also help you get noticed by employers who are offering remote proofreading jobs. However, there are some things you will have to consider when building your freelance proofreading profile.
First of all, make sure to write a concise yet informative bio that highlights your proofreading experience and expertise. Secondly, use positive reviews and testimonials from past clients to build your credibility. By following these simple things, you’ll be on your way to creating a compelling freelance profile.
Stick to a Particular Niche
If you’re a proofreader, you may be wondering if it’s better to stick to a particular niche or if you’re better off being a generalist. The answer is simple. It’s better to stick to a specific niche when you are starting out as a proofreader.
The reason is that most clients come with specific requests, and they are looking for someone experienced in their particular genre. When you have a specialty, you can show them you have the right skills and experience to meet their needs.
Start with researching the genres currently in demand and pursue the ones you find more attractive and easier to deal with. It will help you build your brand, and you’ll eventually be able to land more clients.
Build a Website and Social Media Page
The world of publishing has changed a lot, and authors now look for proofreaders on online platforms. Currently, two of the best platforms to showcase your skills are a website and a social media page. On these platforms, you can share your rates, contact information, and reviews from your previous clients.
Creating a website or social media page is easy and only takes a few minutes. But you’ll have to pick the right way to do this. Here are a few quick tips:
- Use a professional-looking photo or logo
- Write well-crafted, keyword-rich descriptions of your services
- Use testimonials from happy clients
- Offer a free sample of your work
Join Online Groups to Find Clients
Many online groups are available on social media and web portals where you can find like-minded people and book authors to land your next proofreading deal. It’s advised to join as many of these groups as possible to get your name out there.
These platforms are a great way to find authors and connect with potential clients. Many publishers and book authors post proofreading projects on these platforms, so you can connect with them and send a customized proposal that shows them how you’re the best fit for their project.
Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn are the best places to find such groups where you can participate in discussions and let the clients know you’re available to work.
Cold Emailing Still Works
Believe it, finding clients can sometimes be very tough. But there’s one tool that can help you in such a condition. Yes! It’s true. Cold emailing can actually help you land more clients. Many experts may term this approach as shady, but there’s a right way to do this.
The best approach is to do some research to find the right contacts to email. Once you have a list of potential clients, you can craft a well-written email that describes your services and how you can help them. You may even want to offer a discount for the first proofreading project.
The hack is to remain professional and compose an email copy that is both concise and compelling. The clients don’t want to read long emails with no useful substance at all. Also, make sure to add an effective call to action to persuade them to buy your services.
Ask Your Clients for Referrals
This is the most credible and effective way to get more business to your doorstep. Asking your clients for referrals will not only show that you’re confident in your abilities but also demonstrates that you’re willing to go the extra mile to get new clients. Plus, word of mouth is one of the best forms of marketing.
So, the question is how can you ask your clients for referrals? The best way is to simply ask them at the end of a project. You can even offer a discount or other incentive to sweeten the deal. If you have worked well enough for them, they will be most likely to recommend you to other authors.
Check Out Popular Job Boards
There are many popular job boards out there that can help you find clients as a proofreader. Indeed, Upwork, Monster, and Glassdoor are all great places to start. However, simply posting your services on these job boards is not enough.
You will also need to be active and ensure your profile is up to date so potential clients and employers can see what you offer. Job boards can be the best way to find full-time as well as freelance jobs. So, make sure to build a compelling profile and list your work experience and contact details.
It will help potential employers contact and hire you for the required work.