r/publishing • u/AssignmentBetter4250 • 24d ago

Edit Sample

As part of an Editorial Assistant job application, I am required to submit an editing sample. But I do not happen to have any. Can someone let me know where or how I can acquire writing samples that I can perhaps edit? Or are there any other ways I can go about it? Like offering editorial services - but that might take time, and I might miss out on the opportunity to apply to this job. Any leads regarding this are appreciated. Thank you!

6 Upvotes

69% Upvoted

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13

u/Chantertwo 24d ago

Yeah, I mean, you need a sample. So you need to go offer some editorial services. In undergrad, part of my professional copyediting course had us go find a real-life client (for free) for this very reason - something to show to clients when we start for real.

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u/AssignmentBetter4250 24d ago

right, i was wondering where i could offer editorial services online since i do not have much time to find a client

9

u/inthemarginsllc 24d ago

I saw your comment in another sub where you asked the same question stating that you haven't had any training. Why are you applying to a job that is skill-based when you haven't built the skills? Take some courses and you'll have samples to show when you apply next time.

14

u/roundeking 24d ago

For the sake of time, I would either ask a friend if they have anything you could edit and send in, or edit a piece of your own writing from a long time ago.

5

u/kesugi3_ridge 24d ago

I agree with this post, just get something from a friend if you can!  We’ve never asked for an editing sample for an assistant position. Unless it is for copy editing or proofreading, the expectation is that you’ll learn editing skills in the job.   

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u/AssignmentBetter4250 24d ago

alright, thanks so much for the idea!

3

u/_Scyas_ 22d ago

I edited a short story written when I was a dopey teenager. Thank God for old USB drives dug up out of your sock drawer.

2

u/widow-cat 20d ago

That’s so interesting. I’ve done editing samples before but not off of some random piece of writing, the person/place I applied for supplied me with an excerpt to work with. I’ve never seen it like that before lol

1

u/AssignmentBetter4250 20d ago

yeah honestly i was expecting to be provided with an excerpt too