A freelance editor's greatest goal is to land consistent work, and many freelancers are eager to work with publishing houses. Beyond the skills to edit, this session zeroes in on a critical — but often overlooked — freelance skill: how to effectively reach out to publishers and get added to their freelance rosters. In this webinar, you'll learn a step-by-step strategy to identify the clients you want, make authentic connections with in-house managing editors, and position yourself as a trusted professional who gets hired again and again.

This 75-minute session, geared toward current and would-be proofreaders and copyeditors, covers how to find and approach the right contacts, what to say in your initial outreach (with real examples you can tailor and use), and what to expect when a publisher is interested — including editing tests, resume requests, and onboarding processes. You'll also learn how to track your outreach efficiently and maintain long-term relationships after that first assignment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your client base, this webinar is especially valuable for freelance editors working in nonfiction or fiction publishing. You'll leave with actionable templates, a client-tracking spreadsheet, and a clear roadmap to help you land your next client.

Chelsey Stone (she/her) is a freelance proofreader and copyeditor on the roster at several publishing houses. Anticipating an abysmal success rate, she set a goal of securing five new clients from outreach to one hundred publishing houses, but by the tenth email, she had three new clients who immediately sent work. Chelsey’s also a fitness and travel writer with bylines in Runner’s World, Bicycling, National Geographic, and more. In her spare time, Chelsey leads running tours for locals in and visitors to the DC area and visits Smithsonian museums with her husband on the weekends.

This webinar originally aired on October 16, 2025.