Clients

How to Get Your First Clients as a Freelance Editor

Introduction

So you’ve set up your business legally, and you’ve learned the basics of editing (or maybe you’ve always had an eye for detail and a love of books). You’re ready to offer your freelance editing services, but there’s one problem: no clients.

If you’re trying to get your first clients and feel stuck, you’re not alone. This is one of the biggest hurdles new editors face, but it’s also one of the most empowering once you understand what works.

To get your first clients, you don’t need fancy credentials or a full-blown website. You just need the right approach, the right mindset, and the willingness to start.

Mindset First

You don’t need 20 clients to start.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by how far you have to go, but here’s the truth:

Comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle is a fool’s game, and you are no fool.

You don’t need a six-figure business or a full client calendar to get started.

You need one person to say yes.

Focus on that first connection, first win, first paid project. Then build from there.

5 Reliable Ways to Get Freelance Editing Clients

Word of Mouth from Writers You Already Know

You’d be surprised how many people in your existing circles are writing a book or know someone who is.

  • Let your friends and network know you’re offering editing
  • Offer a free or discounted edit to someone whose work you’d want in your portfolio
  • Ask for a testimonial and permission to show before/after examples

This is one of the most trust-filled, organic ways to get your first client.

Freelance Job Boards (Yes, Even as a Beginner)

Platforms like Reedsy, Upwork, or FlexJobs may not be perfect, but they can be powerful launchpads when used wisely.

  • Start by niching your profile (e.g., “Memoir Editor” or “Nonfiction Proofreader”)
  • Focus on projects that match your skills
  • Craft proposals that show you understand their goals, not just your resume

You’re not selling yourself. You’re solving their problem.

Strategic Social Media Posts

No dancing required. Just show up with something helpful.

  • Share a tip, such as “three ways to tighten up your paragraphs.”
  • Show a before/after edit (with permission or create your own).
  • Talk about the kind of clients you’re helping.

This builds credibility and reminds people, “Hey, she edits books. I should mention her to my writer friend.”

Partnering with Other Freelancers

Look for service providers whose clients also need editing:

  • Book formatters
  • Cover designers
  • Ghostwriters
  • Virtual assistants for authors or coaches

You can cross-refer, co-market, or even create bundled offerings.
Community = momentum. Some of those people are in Editors School, btw.

Offering a Portfolio-Building Project (That Doesn’t Undervalue You)

You can offer a sample edit, a discounted project, or even a chapter edit in exchange for one or more of these:

  • A testimonial
  • Permission to showcase the work
  • Honest feedback on your process

Important: You’re not giving away your work for free forever. You’re making a strategic investment in your reputation.

What You Don’t Need to Get Started

Let’s clear the air. You do not need any of these to get your first clients:
❌ A degree in English
❌ A full website with six pages
❌ Ten years of experience
❌ A giant social following

What you do need to get your first clients includes all of these:
✅ A clear offer
✅ A way to accept money
✅ The confidence to speak up
✅ The willingness to keep going

Time to Grow Not Guess

Once you’ve landed your first one or two authors or publishers to serve, you’ll start running into new questions:

  • How do I handle a vague project request?
  • What if a client disappears or pushes the boundaries?
  • How do I stop charging so little?

That’s where mentorship, templates, and community make all the difference. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Conclusion

You can get your first clients without being flashy. This is about being real. It’s about offering help, solving problems, and taking that brave first step. Your first client isn’t far away. Show up, speak up, and trust that your skills are ready, even if the impostor syndrome says otherwise.

TL;DR:

As a new freelance editor, you can get your first clients through word of mouth, beginner-friendly platforms, and simple, smart outreach. You only need one yes to get started. Consistency will do the rest.

5 FAQs on How to Get Your First Clients

Q: Do I need a website before I can get clients?
A: Not at all. You can get started with a polished LinkedIn profile or even a well-written intro message.

Q: Is it okay to offer free or low-cost edits at first?
A: Yes—as long as it’s intentional and temporary, for portfolio building or testimonials.

Q: Where do I actually find clients?
A: Start with writing groups, Facebook communities, LinkedIn, or freelance job platforms like Reedsy.

Q: What if I don’t have any experience?
A: That’s okay. Everyone starts somewhere. Confidence + clarity > credentials alone.

Q: How long does it usually take to land a first client?
A: You might be able to get your first clients within a week, or it might take you a few months—it depends on your outreach and visibility. Are you following the daily action plan in the Editors School textbook?

Call to Action

Choose your CTA text from the options below (just hyperlink the one you like):

  • Join Editors School to get step-by-step help with building your client pipeline.
  • Check out our Starter Kit of Client Communication Templates.
  • Learn how to create an editing portfolio that actually gets you hired.
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