What should an editor's portfolio site look like?

August 6, 2016 4:45 AM

I'm an editor with two solid decades of experience and a good reputation in my field. I do a lot of rewriting and restructuring but no real writing I can call my own. I work with mostly long-form content for IT services companies, universities, medical advertising agencies, nonfiction books, annual reports, etc.

I'm newly back on the job market, and recruiters are asking for a portfolio site. I have no idea what to include on the site. I can't really show before-and-after shots of what I worked on.

Can the Hive Mind help me think through this? Is there a way to show your work as an editor? Is there anything else I need to know or think about here?

Also, I would potentially like to get some writing work (not ad copywriting though). Where to start with that given my background?

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (3 answers total)

For writing that isn't "ad" writing, look to ghost writing, white papers, or technical writing.

My portfolio site is mostly that; the editing section is an "after" snap of things I've edited plus a description of how I approach the editing process.
posted by tilde at 5:39 AM on August 6, 2016 [1 favorite]

My profile has a link to my own portfolio website in it. I recently re-did it. Feel free to memail me if you want more info or to chat! (I would have memailed you but you're anon.)

I've heard that a good way to show your work as an editor is to offer a sample page for free -- in other words, if someone wants to work with you, you'll edit a single page for free.
posted by woodvine at 7:07 AM on August 6, 2016 [3 favorites]

One of every category of writing you want to continue doing should be included. Writing original pieces in new categories, such as journalism won't be difficult. Just write about an award winning project of your own or within the industry circles you are part of. Consider contrasting two projects with similar outcomes against things like area economic activity. Get them published somewhere that is read.
posted by parmanparman at 6:00 PM on August 6, 2016 [1 favorite]