Meet Carlie, editor and lifelong lover of the written word

Work /

Meet Carlie, a freelance editor with a lifelong love of the written word, coffee, picnics with friends and a cracking good podcast. We spoke with Carlie about all things freelance.

When and why did you ditch the 9-5 and go out on your own?

I had been a newspaper sub-editor for fifteen years, and was made redundant mid-2020 (exactly one year ago), partly due to Covid and partly due to the changing nature of media. It forced me to really consider what I wanted from my career. I realised I was not interested in chasing down a similar role or retraining to be something different. I still loved editing but I wanted to be stimulated and inspired by what came across my desk. And I had worked from home for years, so I wasn’t interested in going back to an office environment. Freelancing was the perfect option.

Who is your dream client?

I have a few! I love to work with creative small business owners and entrepreneurs; lifestyle and women’s interest publications; and general fiction authors. A writer/editor relationship is personal, we need to understand each other and have similar values and work styles. It’s absolute magic when you find the perfect fit.

What are your top tips for winning new business?

Tip # 1

Show up where your dream clients are. Majority of my business has come from Instagram, because there is such a vibrant, supportive community of writers and small business owners there. Don’t sell to them. Connect with them generously and authentically, and you will be remembered when the time comes that they need what you do.

Tip #2

Tell people what you do! You never know who knows someone that needs your expertise.

What is a business win you’re currently celebrating?

I’m coming up to my one-year anniversary, so I’m celebrating that milestone. It’s not all roses, but I’ve never been happier in my career.

You can connect with Carlie on the Gem Directory. Not a member? Join now. 

Join Freelancing Gems membership for female freelancers, consultants, side hustlers and sole traders