Ten reasons you should get accredited
Since 2008 the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) has accredited more than 200 editors. They have been assessed as competent against the Australian Standards for Editing Practice. When these accredited editors talk about the benefits of accreditation, these are some of the things they mention.
1. Accreditation as the industry standard
Everyone’s expertise will eventually be measured by whether (or not) they are accredited.
2. Recognition of a level of expertise
You may not hold a formal editing qualification in the form of a degree or diploma. Accreditation affirms the standard of your work to others.
3. Reinforcement of confidence in one’s own ability
If you are a freelancer, working in a vacuum, you can be confident that your skills and knowledge are on a par with those of your peers.
4. Improved standing in the industry
Public recognition of your abilities and standards means the confidence of workmates and employers in you is increased.
5. Employer recognition of your strengths and capabilities
Formal recognition of the competence of in-house editors can lead to greater workplace responsibilities and advancement which, in turn, can progress your career and lead to promotion. Employers can be confident that freelance editors have the skills they are seeking; and accredited freelancers stand out to prospective clients when competing for business.
6. Ability to charge industry rates confidently
You can argue confidently for appropriate rates of pay and put paid to the days of working for peanuts.
7. A reason for employers to pay appropriately
Clients employing a freelance editor are guaranteed editorial competence and can be confident they will get value for money.
8. Appearance on the IPEd accredited editors list
If you so choose, your name will be listed along with just over 200 accredited editors Australia-wide already electing to appear on that list.
9. Some (or more) letters after your name
Accreditation entitles you to add the postnominal AE to your name – indicating immediately, wherever your name appears, that the standard of your work meets the Australian standards for editing practice.
10. And you’re doing it for the profession
The specialist skills of the editing profession have been undermined by unskilled, untrained, self-proclaimed editors. Anyone can call themselves an ‘editor’, so how do clients know who to choose? Increasing awareness of the accreditation system brings with it the potential to eliminate from the marketplace incompetent people who bring the profession into disrepute. As more good editors who elect to sit the accreditation exam and add their names to those of the accredited editors appearing on the IPEd list, the better the profile of the industry and the more respected the profession. It’s in the best interests of us all!
Conclusion
If you are an editor with three years experience in the industry, and are considering sitting the accreditation exam this year, go to the ‘Guide for candidates’ under ‘Accreditation’ on the IPEd website for more information, including sample exams from previous years.