Building an editing portfolio that converts browsers into buyers

Building an editing portfolio that converts browsers into buyers

Author: Louise Harnby (fiction editor) and Denise Cowle (non-fiction editor) March 18, 2026 Duration: 11:50

Learn how to create an editing or proofreading portfolio that wins you clients.

Listen to find out more about

  1. Why Your Portfolio Matters
  2. What Makes a Portfolio Convert
  3. What to Include in Each Portfolio Entry
  4. What If You Can’t Show Client Work?
  5. Writing for Your Ideal Client
  6. How to Design and Structure Your Portfolio Page
  7. Keeping Your Portfolio Fresh
  8. Common Portfolio Mistakes to Avoid

Book series: Notes from the Podcast

Want to hone your editorial business skills? Our actionable guides and workbooks help you plan and implement a programme for business growth and development.

Find out more here: https://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/notes.html

Support The Editing Podcast

Tip your hosts: Support Louise and Denise with a one-off tip of your choosing.

  1. theeditingpodcast.captivate.fm/support

Join our Patreon community: Our patrons benefit from access to PDF transcripts for episodes featuring just Louise and Denise, and for some of our guest episodes. Tier-2 patrons also receive bonus content for most episodes.

  1. patreon.com/editingpodcast

Denise and Louise

  1. Denise Cowle: denisecowleeditorial.com
  2. Louise Harnby: harnby.co/fiction-editing

Post-production

  1. Liv Cowle: livcowle.com

Music credit

'Vivacity’ by Kevin MacLeod

  1. Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4593-vivacity
  2. Licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a professional editor's desk? The Editing Podcast pulls back the curtain, offering a genuine and practical look at the craft and business of editing. Hosts Louise Harnby, a fiction editor, and Denise Cowle, who specializes in non-fiction, bring their distinct perspectives to every conversation. They don't just talk about theory; they delve into the real-world challenges editors face, from tricky grammatical choices and style guide dilemmas to the nuts and bolts of running a successful freelance business. Each episode feels like a chat with knowledgeable colleagues who are generous with their hard-won advice. You'll hear specific strategies for improving your technical skills, whether you're working on novels or academic texts, alongside frank discussions about client communication, pricing, and sustainable workflows. This podcast is a trusted resource for both newcomers finding their footing and seasoned professionals looking to refine their practice. Tune in for relatable stories, actionable solutions, and the reassurance that comes from two experts who have been there, making the often solitary work of editing feel a lot more connected.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Editing Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Editing the language of illness: With Louise Bolotin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:40
Should editors be interrogating the language of illness? We chat with Louise Bolotin about challenging normative narratives around cancer and terminal illness.
What is subediting? With Louise Bolotin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:13
Want to add subediting to your editorial skillset? Louise Bolotin subbed for 17 years before her death in 2022 and knew the job inside out. In this episode, she shares her knowledge and experience.
Editing academic book proposals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:27
Want to know more about editing academic book proposals? Laura Portwood-Stacer discusses what it involves and how to develop your skills.
Is proofreading or editing a good side hustle? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:25
Think proofreading or editing would be a good side hustle? Two professional editors tell you what you need to know so you don't make mistakes.Listen to find out more aboutWhat a side hustle is and why it's popularWhy the…
Academic developmental editing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
Want to know more about academic developmental editing? Laura Portwood-Stacer discusses what it involves and how to develop your skills.Listen to find out more aboutWhat is academic developmental editing?Required skills…
Book-writing for editors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:37
Thinking about writing a book for editors and proofreaders? Find out how Brittany Dowdle and Linda Ruggeri navigated their authorial collaboration.