Business Tools

"4 Reasons to Work for Less," from the blog Right Angels and Polo Bears
"10 Ways to Be More Confident as a Freelancer," from the blog of iThemes
"10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Professional Directory Listing," from the blog of the Professional Editors Network
"11 Standards for Ethical Editors," from the blog An American Editor
"15 Early Warning Signs of a Bad Freelance Client," from The Startup
"18 Years of Freelancing, 18 Business Lessons," from the blog Dr. Freelance
60 Top Tips for Successful Freelancing: Basics for Beginners [reference work to buy]
"113 Things You Can Do to Grow Your Freelance Writing Income—Now," from the blog Make a Living Writing (tips are good for freelance editors too)
2014 Editorial Salary Survey, conducted by FolioMag.com
2014 publishing industry salary survey, conducted by by Publishers Weekly
2015 publishing industry salary survey, conducted by by Publishers Weekly
2016 publishing industry salary survey, conducted by by Publishers Weekly
2017 publishing industry salary survey, conducted by by Publishers Weekly
2018 publishing industry salary survey, conducted by by Publishers Weekly
Advice on how editorial professionals can become ever better partners to their clients, from the Wordstitch blog
AgentQuery, a searchable database of literary agents
"Are You on Top of Your Terms & Conditions?" from the blog LibroEditing
"Are You Paying Attention to the Wrong Fears?" from the blog of Nick Usborne
The Art of Self Promotion [reference work to buy]
Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want [reference work to buy]
Association of American University Presses Directory [reference work to buy]
Association of Authors' Representatives, a searchable database of literary agents
Author Law A to Z: A Desktop Guide to Writers' Rights and Responsibilities [reference work to buy]
"The Author–Editor Relationship: From Getting in Touch to Making a Booking," from The Editing Blog
"AuthorAID—Bridging the Publishing Divide (Interview with Ravi Murugesan)," from The Editing Blog
"Balancing Family and Freelance Journalism," from the blog The Independent Journalist
Basecamp (project-management software) [software to buy]
"Be Kind, Get Results," from the blog of the Freelancers Union
"Beating Business Overwhelm When You're Self Employed," from the blog of Smash Your To-Do List
Book Yourself Solid: The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even If You Hate Marketing and Selling [reference work to buy]
"Boost Your Freelance Brand 100 Percent with Your Expert Status," from the blog Tuts+ Blog
Box [Web-based file-hosting service]
"Breaking the Feast-or-Famine Cycle ," from the blog of Iva Cheung
Building a Freelance Client Base [reference work to buy]
"Building Good Relationships with ESL Authors," published in Science Editor (the journal of the Council of Science Editors), volume 34, issue 2, 2011, pages 57–58 [PDF to download]
The Business of Editing [reference work to buy]
"The Business of Editing: Best Price 'Bids,' " from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: Burning Bridges," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: The Disappearing Client," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: Editing Tests," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: Expectations," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: The Ethics of Billing," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: 'I Can Get It Cheaper!' " from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: Raising Prices," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: Thinking About Invoices," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: What to Charge (Part I)," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: What to Charge (Part II)," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: What to Charge (Part III)," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: What to Charge (Part IV)," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: What to Charge (Part V)," from the blog An American Editor
"The Business of Editing: Workdays & Schedules," from the blog An American Editor
Business Planning for Editorial Freelancers: A Guide for New Starters [reference work to buy]
"But . . . How Can I Be Ill?" from the blog Adventures in Reading, Writing and Working from home
"Can Startup People Ever Switch Off?" from the blog Medium
"Can You Make a Living Freelancing? What to Consider Before You Become a Full-Time Freelancer," from The Balance Careers
Cash Flow for Freelancers [reference work to buy]
The Chicago Guide for Freelance Editors: How to Take Care of Your Business, Your Clients, and Yourself from Start-Up to Sustainability, by Erin Brenner [reference work to buy]
Code of Fair Practice, defining ethical standards and providing contract guidelines for editorial freelancing
"Collaborator or Contractor," from Karen Rile's blog on Violinist.com
Common annual incomes for salaried and self-employed medical editors and medical writers, as reported by members of the American Medical Writers Association and summarized in a infographic
Common rates for editors and proofreaders, as reported by members of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (United Kingdom)
Common rates for editorial services, as reported by members of the Editorial Freelancers Association
Common rates for editorial services, as reported by members of the National Union of Journalists (United Kingdom)
"Comparison of File Hosting Services," from Wikipedia
Compensation and salary information: The 2019 Medical Communication Compensation Report, a full report of survey findings from the American Medical Writers Association regarding medical editors and medical writers [report to buy]
"Constant, Steady, Occasional: Diversification and Your Bottom Line," from the blog Freelance Feast
"A Conversation about Practicing Anti-Racism in Freelancing, with Eva Jannotta," from the blog of MelEdits
Compilations of monthly "Freelance Friday" Twitter chats hosted by the Editorial Freelancers Association (lots of good business advice)
Consumer Price Index Inflation Calculator, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Contract between editor and author
Contract between editor and client
Contract Creator, from the Freelancers Union
The Copy Editor's Guide to Working with Indie Authors: How to Find Clients, Market Yourself & Build Your Business [reference work to buy]
The Copy Editor's (Life)Style Guide: Maintaining Your Joy (and Sanity) in a Rapidly Changing Profession [reference work to buy]
Crafts Publishers' Directory, from PublishersGlobal
Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business [reference work to buy]
The Creative Professional's Guide to Money: How to Think About It, How to Talk About it, How to Manage It [reference work to buy]
Creatively Self-Employed: How Writers and Artists Deal with Career Ups and Downs [reference work to buy]
The Damn Good Resume Guide: A Crash Course in Resume Writing, 5th edition [reference work to buy]
Date calculators and timers from timeanddate.com
"Dear Newly Self-Employed Editors . . ." from the blog EditorMom
"Decrease Your Bottom Line: A Roadmap for Freelance Fitness," from the blog Freelance Feast
Docracy (offers free legal documents for both the business and the personal arenas)
"Don't Burn Those Bridges!" from the blog An American Editor
"Don't Forget the 'Old' Ways: Marketing via Letter Writing," from the CIEP Blog
Don't Leave Money on The Table: Negotiation Strategies for Women Leaders in Male-Dominated Industries [reference work to buy]
Dropbox [Web-based file-hosting service]
Due diligence links (resources and ideas for vetting potential clients)
Dwolla [online service for receiving payments from clients]
Edit Boost (a coaching service, run by a skilled editor, that helps editors earn more money) [coaching, e-courses, podcasts, and blog posts are the tools available]
Editing rate calculator created by David Newmarch and shared via the Copyediting-L email discussion list's website (on the "Resources" tab) [Microsoft Excel file to download]
"The Editor's Interest: Copyright or Not," from the blog An American Editor
Editorial Niches: A Companion to Editing Canadian English, 3rd edition [reference work to buy]
EFA Suggested Guidelines for Editorial Testing, from the Editorial Freelancers Association [PDF to download]
Employer ID Numbers [EINs], from the IRS
Ergocise (software for the PC to remind computer users to take breaks to do ergonomic exercises) [freeware to download]
The Fearless Freelancer: How to Thrive in a Recession [reference work to buy]
Escape From Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur [reference work to buy]
"The Ethics of Editing," from the blog An American Editor
Excel-based tracking programs for editors: track your business finances, track project data, track project lists
Feast and Famine No More: How to Fill Your Editing Schedule and Keep It Full [reference work to buy]
"Five Tips for Asking for Editorial Business Advice Over the Phone," from The Editing Blog
Flowchart for when you're stuck in a "don't wanna" spiral because you have too many tasks to do, from writer and editor Robin Marwick
Folder Marker (software for the PC for color-coding file folders for better organization) [freeware to download]
"Four Myths About the 'Freelancer Class,' " from the magazine Jacobin
Freelance editing contract from Editors/Réviseurs Canada
Freelance rate calculators (scroll down to the bottom of the page)
The Freelancer's Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Have the Career of Your Dreams—On Your Terms [reference work to buy]
"The Freelancer's Guide to Saying 'No,' " from the blog The Freelancery
"Freelancing: A Complete Guide to Setting and Negotiating Rates," from the blog Leaving Work Behind
Freelancing 101: Launching Your Editorial Business [reference work to buy]
Freelancing 101: What You Need to Know to Run a Successful Business [reference work to buy]
Freelancing as a Business: 7 Steps to Take Before Launch Day [reference work to buy]
"Freelancing Basics: How and What to Charge for Your Freelance Work," from the blog STC's Notebook
Freelancing on the Road: A Digital Nomad Guide for Editors [reference work to buy]
Getting Started as a Freelance Copyeditor [reference work to buy]
Gliffy (software for the Macintosh and the PC for creating Venn diagrams, flowcharts, and other diagrams) [software to buy; a free version is available]
"Guidelines for Ethical Editing of Theses/Dissertations," from Editors/Réviseurs Canada [PDFs to download]
Hightail [Web-based file-hosting and file-sending service]
Hourly Rate Calculator (widget for freelancers for calculating one's hourly rate) [free online tool]
"How Do I Decide Who to Work With?" from the blog LibroEditing
"How Do You Know When It's Worth Investing?" from the blog LibroEditing
"How Fast Can You Edit? Consensus Is About Six Pages an Hour," from ACES: the Society for Editing
"How I Connected With My Dream Editor on LinkedIn—With This One Tweak," from the blog Make a Living Writing
"How Much Time Should I Devote to Freelancing?" from the blog Freelance Folder
How the IRS differentiates between freelancers (also known as independent contractors) and employees: document 1, document 2, and document 3
"How to Ask for Advice," from the blog EditorMom
"How to Be an Effective Mentor in Times of Change," from Publishers Weekly
"How to Become a Medical Editor," from the blog EditorMom
"How to Brief an Editor," from the Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd)
"How to Charge: By the Project, by the Hour, or by the Word or Page?" from the blog EditorMom
"How to Deal with Crushing Feedback on Your Creative Work," from the blog 99U
"How to Get Fiction Editing and Proofreading Work," from The Editing Blog
"How to Launch Your Freelance Site, a Step-by-Step Guide," from the blog Tuts+ Blog
"How to Raise Your Freelance Rates Without Scaring Away Existing Clients," from the blog Leaving Work Behind
How to Start a Home-Based Editorial Services Business [reference work to buy]
"How to Survive a Freelancing Famine—10 Top Tips to Get You Through," from the blog of Job Stock
"How to Track the Health of Your Editing Business Efficiently: The Editor's Affairs (TEA)," from The Editing Blog
"How To Use Social Media to Land a Job" (useful for finding freelance projects too), from Mediabistro
"How to Write an Apology Letter to a Client," from Right Touch Editing
"How to Write an Apology Letter to Customers [Templates]," from the blog Service
Instant Estimate (widget for calculating a project fee estimate) [free online tool]
"Is It Worth Having a Website for My Business?" from the blog LibroEditing
It's All About the Niche [reference work to buy]
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents: Who They Are, What They Want, How to Win Them Over [reference work to buy]
Juggling on a High Wire: The Art of Work-Life Balance When You're Self-Employed [reference work to buy]
"Keeping the Peace: How to Deal With an Angry Client," from The Muse
Klok (time-tracking software for the PC, Macintosh, and Linux) [software to buy; a free version is available]
Know Your Value: Women, Money, and Getting What You're Worth [reference work to buy]
Know Your Worth, Get Your Worth: Salary Negotiation for Women [reference work to buy]
KOK Edit: freelancer–client agreement letter
KOK Edit: freelancer project estimate for a client
Letter of agreement documenting a contract between an editorial freelancer and a client
MacBreakZ (software for the Macintosh to remind computer users to take breaks to do ergonomic exercises) [software to buy]
Marketing Your Editing & Proofreading Business: Being Interesting and Discoverable [reference work to buy]
Meeting Professional Editorial Standards from Editors/Réviseurs Canada [reference work to buy]
The Money Book for Freelancers, Part-Timers, and the Self-Employed: The Only Personal Finance System for People with Not-So-Regular Jobs [reference work to buy]
Newcomers: A Selection of Articles for Those New to Indexing [reference work to buy]
"No Excuses: Never Be a Customer's Doormat," from Inc. magazine
Nolo Network (provides answers to everyday legal and business questions; offers online forms, software, books, and eGuides)
OfficeTime (time-tracking software for the PC, Macintosh, iPhone, and iPad) [software to buy; a free version is available]
The Open Notebook (nonprofit organization that provides tools and resources to help science, environmental, and health journalists at all experience levels sharpen their skills)
The Paper It's Written On: Defining Your Relationship with an Editing Client [reference work to buy]
"Parent–Teacher Relations for Editors," from the blog Editing Mechanics
Paymate [online service for receiving payments from clients]
Paymo (time-tracking software) [software to download]
PayPal [online service for receiving payments from clients]
Perfect Bound: How to Navigate the Book Publishing Process Like a Pro [reference work to buy]
Post, Share, and Tweet Your Way to the Top [reference work to buy]
"A Primer on Medical Copyediting," from the blog Career GPS, part of Center for Health Journalism), part of the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Project proposal, modifiable for any editorial specialty, created by book designer Stephen Tiano [PDF to download]
Project proposal, modifiable for any editorial specialty, created by medical writer Amy M. Avery [PDF to download]
Project-tracking template, created by proofreader Louise Harnby [blog post, plus Excel file to download]
"The Publisher's Search for Savings," from the blog An American Editor
"Q/A: Good Client Stopped Calling. How Do I Find Out What Went Wrong?" from the blog The Freelancery
"Questions to Ask for the Ideal Client–Freelancer 'Marriage,' " from the blog An American Editor
QR code generator: QRstuff.com [free online tool to use]
QR code generator: the-QRcode-generator.com [free online tool to use]
Quick Guide for Freelance Fee Setting: When a Client Demands a Price NOW [reference work to buy]
"Reading List: Starter Kit for Freelance Editors," from the blog Right Angels and Polo Bears
Résumés for Freelancers [reference work to buy]
The Science, Art and Voodoo of Freelance Pricing and Getting Paid [reference work to buy]
"Searching for Jobs on Twitter," from the blog LibroEditing
SEO 2020: Learn Search Enging Optimization with Smart Internet Marketing Strategies (for use in making your business web site reach the clients you want) [reference work to buy]
ShareFile [Web-based file-hosting service]
"Should Female Freelancers Charge More?" from the blog The Freelancery
Should Freelance Editors Charge By the Hour or By the Project? [reference work to buy]
Skrill [online service for receiving payments from clients]
"Slow Paying Clients? 7 Tips To Help You Get Paid Faster," from Forbes
Small Business/Self-Employed Virtual Small Business Tax Workshop, from the IRS (introduction plus 9 lessons) [video tutorials to watch]
The Smooth-Sailing Freelancer: How To Find, Sell, and Retain More Freelance Business [reference work to buy]
"So You Want to Get Paid on Time? Here’s How to Make It Happen," from the magazine TechWhirl
"Sprints: Freelancing with a Baby or Toddler Around," from the blog The Journey of a Freelancer
Square [service for accepting mobile payments from clients]
The Start-Up of You [reference work to buy]
Stop Getting In Your Own Way: A No B.S. Guide to Creating the Business of Your Dreams [reference work to buy]
Stop Pushing Me Around! A Workplace Guide for the Timid, Shy, and Less Assertive [reference work to buy]
Style guides icon set, created by Thomas McGee [image files to download]
TagMyDoc (allows the user to apply a QR code—a digital tag—to a document that can be scanned so that the document can be retrieved as a virtual copy) [online service]
"Tech Talk—The Joy (and Efficiency) of Multiple Monitors," from the blog An American Editor
"Ten Steps to Promoting Yourself and Your Work: Self-Promotion for Introverts," from Psychology Today
That Word Chat, episode 18: The Quad," with self-employed editors Erin Brenner, Sarah Grey, Adrienne Montgomerie, Lori Paximadis, Laura Poole, Amy Schneider, and Katharine O'Moore-Klopf speaking on how being part of a mastermind group can make your professional life better by facilitating support, discussion, learning, and complete honesty. (from That Word Chat)
Time Out (software for the Macintosh to remind computer users to take breaks) [freeware to download]
Titivillus: Developing a business plan
Toggl (time-tracking desktop, iOS, and Android application) [cloud-based application to subscribe to]
"Top Ten Tips for Working with Clients," from the blog of LibroEditing
Tree Diagram Generator (freeware for the PC for creating tree diagrams) [freeware; a licensed version is available for purchase]
Trello (project-management software) [freeware]
Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Medical Writer (good resource for medical editors too; provides information on what kinds of clients work with medical communicators, what materials medical communicators work on, where to find education opportunities and marketing opportunities, and what related professional associations are helpful)
"Value-On or Money-Off? Putting a Price on Your Editorial Services," from The Editing Blog
"Want to Be a Medical Developmental Editor?" from the blog of ACES: the Society for Editing
The Wealthy Freelancer: 12 Secrets to a Great Income and an Enviable Lifestyle [reference work to buy]
WeTransfer [Web-based file-hosting service]
"What Editors Charge," from Editors/Réviseurs Canada
"What If You Combined Co-working and Daycare?" from the magazine Fast Company
"What If You Doubled Your Fees? Tomorrow?" from the blog The Freelancery
"What Is an RSS Feed? (And Where to Get It)," from Lifewire
"What Is Worth It for Me?" from the blog LibroEditing
What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants [reference work to buy]
"Who Would Contact Your Clients If You Got Hit by a Bus?" from the CIEP Blog
"Why Are Book Editors So Expensive??" from the blog of Small Blue Dog Publishing
"Why Editors Should Build Relationships with Authors, and How They Can Do So," from the blog of the American Society of Business Publication Editors
"Why You Can't Have Fast, Good, and Cheap," from Right Touch Editing
"Why Your Social Media Accounts Aren't Getting You Writing Work," from the blog Writing Thoughts
Working Working From Home: Making the New Normal Work for You [reference work to buy]
"Working Out Return on Investment," from the blog LibroEditing
XE Currency Converter
"Your Facebook Page After You Die," from TurboFuture
Zamzar [Web-based file-conversion service for documents, images, and videos]

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