Business Coaching for Freelance Editors
Are you a little stuck? Perhaps you're not sure how to handle a difficult client, how to let clients know you're raising your rates, or what to include in client contracts.
Maybe you're a little overwhelmed by all the resources, books, and advice online. You could use a seasoned editor to bounce ideas off of but you don't know where to find one. Look no further, I offer one-on-one mentoring and peer-support to editors of all levels.
Private, 1-on-1 Mentoring
Never share your time with other mentees. It's just you and me!
What You Get
- A 1-on-1 video call or phone call.
- A follow-up email from me detailing our conversation and outlining next steps.
- A friendly cheerleader. I want you to succeed!
The Experience
To start, select which service you would like. Once you pay for the service, a short survey will be sent to your email address asking a few questions about your business and your goals for our session. Please fill that out at your convenience. After that, we'll set up a mutually-agreed upon time to hop on our call. I can't wait to work with you!
What I Can Help With
My experience is varied. I have worked on staff at magazines, on contract for the government, and on a freelance basis for book publishers, grad students, universities, and for the marketing departments of large corporations. I am best at providing business advice, such as how to set client expectations, how to use technology to work efficiently, and how to get clients to pay unpaid invoices. If it's related to business or client relations, I'm happy to share my experience and help you work through your situation. Here are a few of the types of things I've helped other editors with:
- How to get testimonials
- How to set boundaries with clients (for instance, that you won't work weekends)
- How and when to charge rush fees
- How to raise rates
- How to handle a client that keeps sending you edits even though you already started editing their manuscript
- When to turn down a client
- How to track your time across projects
- How to set up template emails
- What to include in template emails
- How to make an email signature
- What to include in a contract
- What Facebook groups to join
- How to remind a client to pay you
- What to do when a client is not responding to your requests for payment
- Deciding which editorial associations are best for your business
- Deciding if you should attend a conference or workshop
- How to reconnect with clients you haven't worked with in a few years
- How to modernize your website
- Deciding on a niche
Things That Aren't My Jam
- I do not consult on content.
- I do not help editors find leads. Finding work is a very individual process. What works for one editor may not work for another editor. The good news is there are many qualified coaches that specialize in this and I'd be happy to provide you with a referral.
Start Today!
Testimonials
I've worked with Melissa twice now and highly, highly recommend her! First she helped me revamp my resume, taking it from lackluster to absolutely sparkling in two sessions that were absolutely well worth the money. About six months later I hired her to help me overhaul my book coaching business plan and website. We met three times; after each session she'd send me notes from the meeting and a to-do list, both of which were super helpful. She's well-organized and so knowledgeable! And kind, warm, and funny. And generous. She's the best! If you're looking for a career jump-start, Melissa is the person for you! Jessie S.
Melissa is an uber-organized, delightful and generous guide to the wild and woolly world of editing. She was able to get down to brass tacks quickly and help me with just what I needed. You won't regret working with her. LS
