EditingServices: Marketplace for Writers & Editors

Are you a writer or editor looking for work? Consider signing up with EditingServices.

What is EditingServices?

EditingServices, previously known as ServiceScape, is a writing, editing, design and translating platform that enlists freelance writers, editors, graphic designers and translators to aid students, academics and others who need help with papers, books, screenplays and other manuscripts.

How it works

Freelancers set up their own profiles and determine their rates for various types of projects. Rates can — and do — also vary by deadline, with short-turnaround projects costing more than those that the freelancer has more time to complete.

Freelancers also determine when they are available and when they’re not. Those too busy to take immediate projects can put themselves on leave. But those who say they’re available are expected to check the site at least once daily for new work. If you’re available for rapid turn-around projects, you’re supposed to check the site even more frequently.

Freelancers also can post sample projects so that potential clients can get a feel for their work.

EditingServices review

EditingServices connects freelancers in writing, editing, translation and graphic design with people who need their help. The site’s clients can be almost anyone — students and academics looking for help with research papers; business people needing proposals and projects written or edited; and/or writers of books, screenplays and other manuscripts.

Freelancers set their own rates of pay, which revolve around standard terms. For instance, editors and writers — who do the vast majority of the site’s work — set their rates by the page, defined as 300 words or 600 Chinese, Korean (and other) characters. Translators also set rates by the page.

Graphic designers set their rates by product — i.e. $X for logo design; $Y for a business card or letterhead.

High fees

However, the site takes 50% of the money you earn. So, you’ve got to factor that steep fee into your rates, which means you’re going to need to charge considerably more here than you would if you were marketing your services elsewhere.

That said, several freelancers that charge steep fees have copious positive reviews. So, it seems as if high prices are not a deterrent from winning work here.

Pay

U.S. freelancers are paid once monthly through Gusto.

EditingServices Pros

We were impressed by the fact that several freelancers who reviewed the site indicated that they’d worked with ServiceScape for years — some more than a decade. And many freelancers boasted of completing hundreds, even thousands, of projects through the site.

Long-term relationships and strong demand for freelance work are good signs.

The cons

The site’s 50% commission rate is high. But site officials say that the fee needs context. EditingServices sometimes runs promotional discounts and offers “bonuses” to clients in order to generate additional work. These promotions are all taken out of the company’s commission, so the site is not always collecting half of each paycheck. Moreover, the fee is completely transparent, so freelancers can factor it into their rates.

And the rates that freelancers charge here do appear to make up for the high fees.

When reviewing the site, we checked rates for several different types of freelancers. Editors regularly charged $9 to $19 per edited page. Writers were charging $40 – $150 per page. Translators charged $20 – $25 per translated page. And designers charged anywhere from $50 to $250 per product. Given the time likely required for each of these tasks, these rates should generate a good hourly return even after site fees.

Sample projects

Our one other concern relates to unpaid “sample” projects. These unpaid samples do not impact writers, translators or designers — or even ordinary editors, who freelance here.

However, editors who want to earn “elite” status, which gives you more visibility on the platform, are required to accept requests for some unpaid samples of their work, among other requirements.

Sample projects cannot be more than 5 pages long. And if the client has asked for more than 5 samples in a three month period, declining the sample request does not count against you. But, otherwise, elite editors must accept at least 50% of these sample project requests. However, you can restrict the length of the sample to, say, a page — or even a paragraph — if you think the client is trying to take advantage.

Our belief is that freelancers should never be asked to work for free. However, we only saw one complaint about the sample projects, so it doesn’t appear to be much of an issue.

Elite status

Since we’re on the topic of “elite” editors at EditingServices, here are the other requirements, according to David Costello, CEO:

The current criteria for Elite status are:

• Average Rating of at Least 4.9 out of 5 Stars
• Edited at Least 10,000 Pages
• Accepted at Least 50% of Free Sample Requests
• Availability Over the Last 30 Days of at Least 50%
• Must Have a Profile Photograph

Recommendations

You can sign up with EditingServices here. But, be sure to pad your rates to account for the site’s fees.

If you’re an editor, also check out Reedsy and PenguinFreelancers. If you’re a writer, consider Contently and Skyword. Graphic designers, translators and content creators can also find good work through FreeUp.

What their users say (from Glassdoor)*

I am a professional book editor, and I was looking for a freelance option to supplement my income. ServiceScape is a convenient way to attract new clients. The company takes care of all of the marketing and the associated costs and headaches. The only marketing freelancers have to do is to market themselves through their profiles. Since there is a good-size group of editors, you need to set yourself apart. It took me a month or two, but I found a good combination of self-description, portfolio, photo, and prices to start attracting a repeat client base. I am paid once a month by mailed check for the editing services I render the previous month.

The best thing about the job was that I could work at any time of the day or night as long as I made the deadline. They also give freelancers opportunities to write articles for them, which pay very well. The cons of working for Servicescape would probably be that you make 50% of what the client is paying per project. That being said, I’ve still managed to have $1,000 months with Servicescape and it doesn’t take too much of my time.

Translator review

Clients choose you so there are no complicated procedures to follow or bidding. Some translation services companies have minimums for transactions which can be frustrating for clients who want a less than one page/short document translated. There are no minimums here, so clients aren’t deterred and I receive more business. Clients submit projects of all lengths, and the smaller ones do really add up. Overall, I’m pleased with the site and how much money I have earned over last 6-7 years.

Flexible

Clients come to me. I don’t have to spend my (unpaid) time putting together a proposal only to be rejected because someone underbid me. All freelancers’ prices are clearly listed on their profiles, along with their verified experience, portfolios of work samples, and past clients’ ratings and reviews. And the company deals with all the financial aspects. which means I don’t have to track clients down to get them to pay. I have recommended four freelancers to ServiceScape, and three of them are still with the company (the fourth decided she was not ready to be a freelancer after all). For me, working for ServiceScape has given me all the freedoms of life as a freelancer without many of the risks inherent in owning my own company.

Sometimes, I want to (and have the ability to) work many hours a day. Other times, I want to take a few days off to take care of my family’s needs. ServiceScape provides me the opportunity to do that. I have been making a solid income for years and I am able to maintain a good work-life balance. I am very grateful to have found this opportunity!

*Reviews are for ServiceScape, which changed its name to EditingServices.