Q. I’m a mid-career professional freelance magazine editor and writer. I’ve been lucky to hold senior editing positions at several national magazines. My favorite part of the job is working with writers — coaching and teaching.
With the demise of two of my contracts, I find myself wanting to move toward working with writers, editors and publishers to improve both their staffs and their publications. My question is, are there consulting firms that hire people like me? What other types of professional, writing coaching positions are out there? What do I need to do to find those jobs? I have a terminal degree but I’m not sure I want to be in an academic environment.
Thoughts?
Emily
A. There is a growing need for more editing and coaching. Writers are crying for good, helpful feedback.
But you’re up against two problems. One is that many traditional publications are cutting away at training. The other is that the consulting, coaching and teaching fields are being flooded with veteran journalists who are looking for the next phase in their careers.
It is time to find new fields. Some businesses want to raise the level on their corporate communications and will have to look outside to find a coach who can help them do that. They simply don’t have the skills in-house. These companies can range from nonprofits to law firms to technical companies. Of course, there will be a wide variance in what they expect to pay, so that may guide your search.
I would also explore the grass roots. Many people have stories to tell, but need an editor or coach to help them wrestle those ideas to the ground and express them with more eloquence than they have been given. With the rise of direct-to-press self publishing, either print-on-demand books or online writing, individuals can grab control of the whole process — except the editing. That’s where you come in.
Starting in my own area, I would look for writers who need the guidance and coaching of an editor. They will be writing blogs or Web sites that they hope to turn into storefronts for their businesses, or they may be novelists-to-be in the writing groups at your local library or nearby Meetups.
A third avenue: The Web, which likely played a role in you using those contracts, has opened the whole world up to your services. You can coach writers across the country — or the globe. Since you already have a personal Web site, hang out a digital shingle as a writing coach, too.
You certainly have marketable skills. The challenge is finding the new markets.
Coming Friday: He loves shooting and thinks he’s good at it, but wants a chance to work in front of the camera, too. Would a backpack job give him that chance?
