How to make up editing/proofreading samples for portfolio

[Becky B]

Hey everyone!

I would like to put some editing and proofreading samples in my portfolio.  I don't have any examples of my own.  What is the best way of going about making up samples?  Do I just randomly pick an article off the Internet and correct grammar/spelling/clarity?  Since it is already on the Internet, is it okay to make it a portfolio item (screenshots of before and after)?  

Just looking for the best way to get more diverse things into my profile.  So far all of my items are creative writing samples.

Thanks!

[Preston H]

Rather than just finding things on the Internet (which you don't necessarily have the right to use), I would advise you to do other things, including:

- Writing your own problematic samples, that you proofread and correct yourself

- Hiring freelancers - particularly non-writers or non-native English speakers - to write short pieces in response to a prompt, which you can then correct.

- Asking friends and family to write pieces that you can correct

[Becky B]

Fantastic ideas, Preston.  Thank you!

[Isabelle Anne A]

I was going to suggest finding badly written texts online and proofreading/editing them in a document with tracked changes, but Preston's absolutely right.

One of the samples I used when first starting out was my cousin's personal statement that I edited for her. Another sample was free proofreading work that I did for a nonprofit.

But it doesn't really matter if you don't actually plan to offer proofreading and editing as a service, and nothing on your profile indicates that you do. What's wrong with sticking to writing samples if you're a writer -- are you planning to take on rewriting jobs or something similar?

[Becky B]

I guess I am trying to find my niche.  Writing is my true love, but I am really good at proofreading and editing.  I've done a lot for friend in the past (condensing something, correcting spelling and grammar, etc).  I want to send proposals for editing and proofreading in addition to writing, but just not sure if anyone would hire me without examples.

[Yeasir A]

Becky,

As writing is your niche, then make some samples of your writing and put them on your portfolio. 

[Petra R]

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Yeasir A wrote:

Becky,

As writing is your niche, then make some samples of your writing and put them on your portfolio. 

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She already has plenty of those. If you had bothered to read her post, you would have seen that she wants to put samples for editing / proofreading in her portfolio.

[Isabelle Anne A]

Becky, it was the exact same with me! Writing is my main passion, and that's what I started doing here, but I ended up focusing on proofreading & editing ...  I find that it's easier work and usually pays better.

So, follow Preston's advice, then go for it Maybe you'll end up prioritizing editing instead of writing, like me.

[Becky B]

Isabelle,

Did you make up editing/proofreading samples (like what Preston is suggesting) for your profile?

[Petra R]

Do you know any fellow writers who would let you play with some of their work without the friendship suffering?