Develop mastery of the skill set – grammar expertise, knowledge of the industry and what’s trending, etc.

Read broadly to develop your literate “ear.”

Apply to job boards but think creatively about making connections: e.g., LinkedIn, cold calling.

Pursue a job in-house before trying to establish yourself as a freelancer. Feedback on your work from a supervisor is valuable, and you won’t generally get that as a freelancer.

Get a professional certificate in editing – e.g., Berkeley, UCLA.

Familiarize yourself with what different types of editors do.

Read Publishers Weekly to understand the industry.

Build a solid resume/CV: e.g., volunteer as an editor for literary magazines.

Target entry-level positions: proofreader or editorial assistant.

Build a resume/CV with credible clients: e.g., volunteer for literary journals and magazines, nonprofits, and low-paying but credible opportunities.

Know your abilities and don’t overpromise—stay within your skillset.

Practice editing the work of family and friends.

See Q1 above.

Inserting themselves into the work. Editors should aim to be invisible. Your goal is to amplify the author’s voice and make the author’s work the best it can be, not to leave your mark on it.

Not having mastery of grammar.

Guessing rather than double-checking things like spelling, hyphenation, and punctuation.

Not understanding that a love of reading doesn’t translate directly to editorial skill. Editing has it’s own proficiencies and skills that must be developed.

Having poor time management. The publishing industry runs on deadlines, and successful editors need to manage their work schedules to accommodate those deadlines.