I followed the example of a couple of editor friends today and put in an application to join Reedsy (and now have a pretty little profile/online resume detailing my life – so far – as an editor). I neglected to list all the books I’ve edited, which number over one hundred and thirty-something now but I put enough on, I think, to show I’m active and hard-working.

The criteria for a successful application (I tick all the boxes for this part):

• be a full-time professional in the field you are applying for (editing, design, publicity, translation, marketing, ghostwriting)
• demonstrate experience on at least 10 published books that are well-reviewed on Amazon & Goodreads
• have experience in every “genre” listed in the profile
• have 5+ years experience in your profession

And this is where I slip up:

• significant experience working at a renowned traditional publishing company
• significant experience working as a freelance contractor for a renowned traditional publishing company
• history of high-quality work with a bestselling author, or on a bestselling book
• receipt of a distinguished award in your field

Based on this, and the experience of their other verified editors, I don’t rate my chances too highly, but if you don’t ask, you don’t ‘get’. And if I don’t ‘get’, I’ll just carry on as before and help indie authors to the best of my ability.

Reedsy has provided me with a pretty little banner though.