Advice for editors

Three words: Read, read, read. As you read, edit. And when you find a publication with mistakes, find out who should be in charge of hiring its editor as well as who would stand to benefit the most if the publication improved. Sometimes these are not the same person. Figure out which will be more responsive to your inquiries, and schedule an interview.

Outside of the publishing industry, most businesses would never think to hire an editor--until you explain why they need you. Look for organizations that publish something regularly (newsletters, press releases, Web articles, etc.), and review a copy of their most recent work to see if they could benefit from your services.

Newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals should already have an editor on staff, but if you notice areas needing improvement, maybe the publisher is between editors or looking for a fresh set of eyes. Make a meeting.

And, of course, review job boards for postings for full-time and part-time editors.