What is the best way to get clients?

I want to become a freelance copy editor. What is the best way to get clients?

• Can anyone recommend a good course to take or book to read for someone interested in becoming a copy editor? What is the best way to get clients? How much money can you make? I live ...show more

• Answer:

  Getting clients is fairly easy when you use freelance exchange sites. There are many of them, but watch out for scams. Always do a background check (e.g. google or yahoo "[site name] scam" if you have any suspicions, usually it suffices). There are targeted announcements posted on Craigslist and other resources (see the sources box below), so it shouldn't be too hard. My advice is to build up your presence and credibility on some of these sites simultaneously, plus eventually checking newsletters and public boards for writing gigs or copy editing projects. If you are a beginner, I wouldn't suggest you buying some trashy courses or books: visit free article directories and specialized sites to get some useful information. It's always preferable to do research instead of opening up your wallet and purchasing hell knows what. Again, see "Resouces" box.