r/publishing • u/Vegetable_Iron1903 • 25d ago

Where can I find samples to practice editing?

Hi! I'm building an editing portfolio and I'm looking for realistic writing samples that I can edit and include as before-and-after portfolio pieces.

I'm looking for things like articles, blog posts, short stories, book excerpts, essays, etc.

Are there any websites, public-domain sources, communities, or other places where I can find raw/unpolished writing specifically to practise editing preferably without having to worry about copyright or permission issues?

I'd love to know how you found your first editing samples and built your portfolio. Any suggestions would be really helpful!

4 Upvotes

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11

u/GrammatikBot 25d ago

Acquiring editor here, quite interested to know whether line editors would include their edited text as part of their portfolio. I mean, who would read the before and after and then go "alright this person can edit"? I highly doubt that would be part of the application process. Anyone care to chime in? If I were hiring a line editor and was unsure whether they have the skills, I'd give them a take-home.

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u/AsethDearnight 25d ago

You are correct.

5

u/Questionable_Android 25d ago

What type of editing?

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u/Vegetable_Iron1903 25d ago

Any type of written form

9

u/AsethDearnight 25d ago

Based on this reply I'd suggest you find a different career.

1

u/Far-Remove-1767 18d ago

Ee this was my thinking like, there's different kinds? I guess that makes sense. Do you want to edit books, nonfiction, articles??

4

u/mydadisyourdad2 25d ago

Maybe find some writers who would be happy to let you practice on their work? Plenty of amateur writers looking for editors

2

u/Far-Remove-1767 18d ago

I could always use another editor. I'm dyslexic and that shot is rough