Forum
Introductory email - new freelance proofreader
Good afternoon all,
I am new here on the site and am really hoping that someone can offer me some advice please.
I recently left the comfort of a successful sales career to embark upon something that actually means something to me and as such I have decided upon a career in proofreading, on a freelance basis.
I have spent the last few weeks devouring every book I could find, taking every online test and have found that I am really good at it and I am really excited about this next chapter in my life!
Having carried out some "free" work for friends and family, I now feel ready to approach some companies, however, I am really struggling to put all this into a coherent introductory email to send out to prospective clients.
I have never had to "sell" myelf like this before and I'm not really sure where to start so any pointers/advice would be very, very welcome!
Thank you in advance
Emma
I am new here on the site and am really hoping that someone can offer me some advice please.
I recently left the comfort of a successful sales career to embark upon something that actually means something to me and as such I have decided upon a career in proofreading, on a freelance basis.
I have spent the last few weeks devouring every book I could find, taking every online test and have found that I am really good at it and I am really excited about this next chapter in my life!
Having carried out some "free" work for friends and family, I now feel ready to approach some companies, however, I am really struggling to put all this into a coherent introductory email to send out to prospective clients.
I have never had to "sell" myelf like this before and I'm not really sure where to start so any pointers/advice would be very, very welcome!
Thank you in advance
Emma
- Contact in PM
JayneCG
Messages count : 2Likes count : 0Registration : 4 June 2016Hi Emma,
I recently qualified as a proofreader. Despite becoming a member of the SfEP, I have found that paid work is extremely hard to come by. To gain experience, I am proofreading a novel for an established author for free in return for a testimonial.
Perhaps you could do something similar?
I have been advised to offer proofreading in niche areas as opposed to being a generalist. This is fine with me and does, in fact, work out fine because I can offer proofreading in several areas.
Good luck.
Jayne - Contact in PM
Opus
Messages count : 87Likes count : 3Registration : 4 February 2008Get out and contact people. Who will need a proofreader? What types of businesses generate significant amounts of text that needs checking over? Start contacting them. Not all will need you so don't be disheartened - just get your name out. Get along to some networking events.
You've actually got a huge advantage - many new businesses struggle because, whilst skilled at what they do, they don't have the sales skills to sell it. You may have to adapt them to your new industry, but you have the chance to make the most of those skills.Opus Creative Design Ltd - Contact in PM
JayneCG
Messages count : 2Likes count : 0Registration : 4 June 2016Emma,
I would be happy to give you some basic tips if you are interested?
Jayne
