Editing Resources Volume 4
I don’t make resolutions in January. I try to make them throughout the year and revisit them regularly. Do you make resolutions? Are they successful? Don’t be hard on yourself if they haven’t been. It’s difficult to keep resolutions and can take a long time to form healthy habits.
This issue will be about keeping a portfolio and your editor resume.
Portfolio
A portfolio is a way to communicate to potential clients and track past clients. Clients can review books and writers you’ve worked with. There are many ways to create your portfolio:
- A publications edited list as part of your resume
- A comprehensive list of published and unpublished works
- A visual list (such as book covers) usually on a website, could be used printed out as well
- An online interactive list (i.e. using embedded book samples and/or sales links)
- A client list including references and details about editing projects
Important information you may want to include in your portfolio:
- Book Title
- Author
- Genre/subject
- Project specifics
- Publisher
- Type of media (print, online, audio, visual)
Consider asking a few of your clients if they’d offer references for prospects.
See my public portfolio here. I also use a spreadsheet to track information about both published and non-published works I have edited or consulted for.
Don’t forget to include work you volunteered to edit or that was unpaid as well as paid work.
Resumes and CVs
Resumes or Curriculum Vitae are important to traditional publishers and freelance clients. I prefer Curriculum Vitae (CV) because they can be a bit longer than resumes and include elements like client lists. Many consultants use a CV.
If you’re applying to an in-house position, especially with a large publisher or organization, you should be aware of some of the processes for hiring and tailor your resume to each job.
Do not use a special template, or styles, images or fancy text for resumes when applying through systems or online. Why? Not only does the resume risk appearing unprofessional but many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems cannot read pre-built templates, styles, images, or fancy text. Your resume likely won’t make it past the ATS and into the hands of a person as a result.
Do keep your resume short (2 pages max).
Do use concise, clear language.
Group similar subjects, ideas, tasks, and skills together.
Do regularly revisit and update your resume/CV
Have a master Resume/CV that lists all your jobs, skills, publications, and career information that you can choose focused material from for your resumes and cvs to fit your specific projects and jobs.
Need a little help with your resume? I worked in Human Resources and as a resume coach for several years. Contact me at agent@catherinemilos.com to request an exclusive $20 CAD resume coaching detailed review of your current resume.
Recommended Reading
The 7 Second CV: How to Land the Interview
Write a killer CV and land your dream job.
It takes an employer just seven seconds to save or reject a job applicant’s CV. In this book, James Reed – chairman of REED, Britain’s largest recruitment company – offers invaluable and specific advice on what employers want to see in the CVs they receive and how you can stand out from the crowd.
Find out what future employers are looking for and take the first step to start loving Mondays again.
Polish up that old resume–and land your dream job
We’ve all been there: it’s time to apply for a job or internship and you have to create or revise your resume. Many questions pop in your head. What do employers want? What skills should I highlight? How do I format this? How do I get noticed? But resume writing doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
The latest edition of Resumes For Dummies answers all of these questions and more–whether you’re a resume rookie, looking for new tips, or want to create that eye-catching winning resume.
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