Every year, I review my website to make sure it's up to date and still reflects the work I do. This year, while doing that, I realised that I'm not far off 30 years since my first job in proofreading. I began that job in 1997, working as part of a graphic-design team on technical documents. At the time, proofreading was only a small part of my role as a layout artist, and I didn't fully appreciate how important it was. Even when I went on to set up a freelance business focusing on...

A checklist for new editors gaining experience Starting a career in editing can feel daunting, particularly when many roles ask for prior experience. The reality is that most editors build experience gradually, through a combination of training, practice and smaller opportunities that develop over time. This checklist outlines practical steps you can take to begin building editorial experience and professional credibility. 1. Learn the fundamentals of editing Make sure you understand what...

Breaking into editing can feel frustrating at the start. Many new editors face the same problem: roles require experience, but gaining that experience requires someone to give you an opportunity first. This is particularly true in specialist areas such as medical editing, where clients and organisations need confidence that their documents will be handled carefully and accurately. Editorial experience is not gained in a single step. It often develops gradually through a combination of...