Jobs

Become a freelance editor

Lonely Planet contracts a large number of freelance editors. We are proud of the high standard of our work and are always on the lookout for new talent. If you think you've got what it takes, then read on…

Bare Necessities

• Available to work full-time (approximately 35 hours per week) for the duration of an editing assignment, which can range from one day to several months
• Minimum five years of editing experience in the book publishing industry
• Book editing experience, in preference to magazine, web or newspaper
• Strong editing experience, not just proof reading
• Excellent research and organisational skills
• 'Tools of the trade', eg all required computer hardware and software, specified dictionaries and style manuals
• Ability to work independently and to tight deadlines

Bonus Attributes

• Hold a relevant qualification such as RMIT's Graduate Diploma in Publishing & Editing
• Live in the Melbourne metro area
• Project management experience
• Working with Windows XP and Adobe Acrobat
• Written foreign-language skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Extensive travel experience and familiarity with Lonely Planet travel guides

Experience

Lonely Planet freelance editors need to be well organised, able to meet strict deadlines and show meticulous work standards. Writing experience is not a requirement, but editing experience is essential. You must have a great eye for detail and be prepared to work to a comprehensive house style. Being set up as a current freelancer is also a great advantage.

Submitting an Application to be a Freelance Editor

So do you fit the bill? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Please email us a cover letter with your résumé and references, to:

Managing Editor - Freelancers
freelance.editor@lonelyplanet.com.au

Due to the large number of applications and inquiries we receive, we endeavour to respond to all correspondence within six weeks.

If we like what we see we'll give you a call and have a chat. If you fit the bill you'll be asked to complete an editing test. The test involves editing a mock chapter and the relevant map from a guidebook. Style sheets and guidelines are provided.

Depending on how you go, you may be invited to join our pool of freelance editors. We must emphasise, however, that once in the pool there's no guarantee of work, but we do have long-term, supportive relationships with many freelancers. Because Lonely Planet freelance editors work from contract to contract, there can be long gaps between gigs as the natural flow of the publishing business is prone to peaks and troughs. This is the nature of freelance editing.

Good luck!