Attention College Students and Writers: Would you pay a reasonable fee for a personal editor?

Question

I have a Masters degree, have taught writing, have had a collection of poetry published, I write reviews for publication, and have been an editor. Would you hire me for say $20 / hour to proofread / edit papers, creative writing and the like? This would go beyond only grammar ... but content critique and suggestions, etc. Basically, I would be a personal editor to a student or writer. Also; I know a great deal about the publishing process and the publishing world to help an aspiring writer.

Answer 1

I am a graduate student and my writing isn't the best. However I wouldn't pay because colleges offer free services in that area. Also many times professors will look over your paper if you ask them to and it is early enough. I also have other students look over my papers. Plus 20 bucks/hour is too much for the average college student for that service.

Answer 2

I wouldn't, at least not right now. I mean, it sounds great, but I'm a student at a public college and I'm kind of broke, so your services, like designer clothes, would be kind of out of the question. Maybe when I'd completed a novel and saved up some money.

If you're near an Ivy, though, or other private, expensive universities, that might work, because there would be some rich college students there.

Answer 3

Your credentials seem very impressive, and your fee seems very reasonable to me in comparison.

If I needed your help with my college writing and did not have another resource available (my professor or a classmate I trust to edit my work), then I think I would hire you.

As for creative writing, I think I would hire you as well. It is very hard to get a professional to look at your work and offer constructive criticism.

With your experience I think you could find work in both areas. You just have to know how to advertise. My suggestion is to contact professors you know or have had, they might be willing to recommend your services. You could try posting flyers around college campus and bookstores (with permission), but sometimes students don't read these.

Answer 4

I pull good grades on papers, so no, a personal editor wouldn't be worth my money.

But I've seen some kids who are simply terrible at writing. It's astonishing. I would think you would find at least some work.

In fact, think about advertising yourself as a personal editor of college application personal statements. I've seen some personal statements that make me furious at our country's public education.