I'm an excellent editor and would like to get into book and/or manuscript editing. How do I get started?
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I suggest you buy or borrow from the library the book\n\nHow to Start and Run a Writing and Editing Business (Wiley Small Business Editions) by Herman Holtz http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471548316/ref=nosim/powerhomebizguid
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First, you need to learn that auther does not have an e in it. Professional is also spelled incorrectly in your subtitle. Never abbreviate in your final copy by saying pls instead of please. Most novelists that I've worked with are aware of grammatical and mechanizational english. Next, you need to write something. It takes a lot of grit to write your first book and I wish you the best of luck. Next, send off your manuscripts to LOTS of different publishing houses. Go to your local library and no matter how often you're turned down, keep trying. If it's worth it, someone will buy the rights to it. Hope that helps...
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If you English writing and typing skills are good, you can transcribe documents.  Do a search for "transcriptions" or "transcription services"\n\nAlso, if you are proficient in web page design, I'd make a web page and advertise the services you can provide.  You might even want to create web pages for people.
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Is there something you are good at or have a special knowledge of?  I am thinking about the same thing as you (writing an ebook).  What do you do for a living, or what are your hobbies.  Hope that gets you thinking.
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Start writing. Post on anything, anywhere. Get published, and then take advantage of that to get bigger deals, bigger paychecks. I started by blogging, then freelancing, and now I make about $100K USD as a copywriter/editor. All from my home.\n\nGood luck!
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Start writing, and good luck!  ;-)
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any intermediate composition class at a community college or college. or just simply read a lot of books to observe the writing styles of authors. But the most important thing I'd say to do is just write about anything and everything and nothing at all on a day to day basis-it will improve your style of doing so. But be sure to brush up on grammar rules and the like you can pick up one of those grammar for dummies books at Barnes&Noble or something. So I hope that helps.
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You're doing it right now! A friend of mine once told me the secret to becoming a writer: Just write. And keep writing. Share it with the world. Start a blog. Write essays. Listen to the feedback. And don't stop writing no matter what.
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ideally you would have someone acting as an editor to preview your work before you submit it to a publisher, keep in mind alot of publishers work with agents of writers and might not take submission
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Agree somewhat with the first post. \n\nYou have to be very, very careful in the self-publishing market, especially with vanity presses. Do you know anyone who has self-published? Ask them for detailed, inside information. I did that after I learned my uncle knew a professor who had self-published his first book. If not, investigate the companies thoroughly.\n\nYes, you pay everything up front when self-publishing, and even have to buy your own author copies. Some companies, like Dorance (sp) Publishing, might require you to guarantee them that you can sell X number of books before they will print. Other companies like Author House (reputable - I know someone who has used their services, and considered it myself) will sell you publicity and marketing packages along with your self-publishing contract. That way, you can focus on what you do best: write. Unless you've got a mouthpiece of have tons of money to pay in newspaper ads, buying a package such as this might be better, since professionals do this for you, and you have a better chance of selling your books.\n\nI have not really looked into on-demand printing; I dismissed it as an option early on. I learned from someone with experience, that on-demand publishing does not generate a lot of sales. \n\nThe best way to start your journey to becoming a best-selling author is to do your research. Get books like The Novel Writer's Toolkit (if you're writing novels), books on book publicity (tons), and especially the Writers' Market series of books. Go to your library in the writing section and explore. There is tons of information, even how-to books on writing queries, synopses and proposals. You will still need a synopsis and/or propsal even if you intend to self-publish your book.\n\nI have thought about self-publishing my novel, but I have been directed into a different path. I'm working on finding an agent. Writers have much better success, in general, when an agent believes in their work and sells it to a publishing house. If you've never been published, it will be hard, but don't give up on the first no, because there might be a lot of no's.\n\nGood luck, from one author to another.
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Hi Coola,\nYour best bet is to subscribe to the journals and newspapers you are interested in working with. Then, start sending "letters to the editor" to interact with the articles published.\n Over a short time, You should see whether or not they are interested in playing ball with you or not. If your eyes are not open to the subtle replies you get then, you aren't smart enough to get the job.\nTrevor
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jumpcut has online editors (maybe offline editor as well, pretty neat tool)\njumpcut.com
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Generally editors must have college degrees. Often a broad liberal arts background is desirable, but some employers prefer a degree in communications, journalism, or English. When specializing in a particular subject area, a degree in that field is important.\n\nWriters and editors need to able to express ideas clearly in writing and should love to write.\n\nAlso desirable: creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance. \n\nEmployers often appreciate unpaid practical experience, such as that gained through work on school newspapers and internships.\n\nMedian annual earnings for salaried editors were $41,170\n\n\nAn editor's work can include:\n\n    * reviewing, rewriting, and editing the work of writers;\n    * planning the content of books, journals, magazines\n    * deciding what material will appeal to readers;\n    * reviewing and editing drafts of books and articles;\n    * offering comments to improve the work;\n    * suggesting possible titles;\n    * overseeing the production of publications;\n    * reviewing book proposals and deciding whether to buy \n    publication rights;
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spend some time planning, outline, proofread
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A copy editor ensures that a manuscript or other text is free of errors and corrects mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization. In addition, the copy editor reads for consistency of language, tone and voice, organization, and correct word usage. In short, a copy editor makes sure that the text communicates clearly, concisely, and correctly and reflects the author's voice.\n\nA copy editor has to have extremely strong communication skills, has to be a master in the use of language, and has to be diplomatic and tactful in providing feedback. An editor must have an eye for detail and still be able to ensure that the overall document is well-structured and logical.\n\nFor more information, see:\nhttp://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/8429/8429.ch01.html
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I'm not sure about publishing, but I've heard of a program that helps you write books. I think it's called y-writer, and i think you can download it free from the internet
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I think it is great that you're trying to do this.  I will agree with others that it is extremely difficult to get published.  However, people do, or we wouldn't have books!  \n\nGo into it preparing for some rejection lettters . . . but give it a shot.\n\nAnd I wouldn't choose one publisher, I'd choose several.  Or even better, submit your manuscript to some agents and get feedback that way.