Solo self-employment is estimated to contribute more than £300bn per year to the UK economy (according to IPSE). The UK freelance landscape has been affected recently both by the pandemic and changes to IR35 legislation, but there’s still a lively and competitive market. This is especially true in the editorial profession, where freelancing has been a common mode of employment for many years.
Accuracy Matters was built on the premise of providing a small core team which facilitates access to a large pool of experienced freelance associates. This model works for our clients (it’s a flexible, cost-effective way to access the right editorial experts for their projects); it works for our freelance associates (they get to choose the projects, clients and the hours they work); and it works for us (it’s adaptable and allows us to provide a greater range of expertise than if we were relying on an in-house team).
Finding the right fit for editorial work can be a tricky process. We know from past feedback that some organisations have completely given up on finding an editor or proofreader because of too many bad experiences when trying to outsource work. But when it works it’s like magic. Yes, experience and technical skills play a large part – but often it’s a case of looking for where there’s going to be personal rapport between the projects lead(s) and the editor/proofreader. It’s a sort of matchmaking service.
We started out with a great network of contractors who’d worked alongside us in the Civil Service, and over the past decade we have managed to expand and refine this network.
For instance we have an extensive network of freelancers who love the fast-paced, decisive agency environment, while other writers are adored by government departments and international NGOs because their processes fit seamlessly with the work. Our freelancers in different time zones can help with projects which require a quick turnaround while those of us on GMT are tucked up in bed, and others are a whizz with annual reports; taken all together these brilliant people have the skills we need to make sure every client gets exactly the service they require.
All new businesses get things wrong, but we were lucky that from day one we developed, implemented and refined our process for ‘matchmaking’ customers with the right editorial professional for them. This process has only improved following certification to ISO 9001, with a heightened focus on customer satisfaction metrics, and a rigorous approach to recruiting new associates, quality checking our work and refining every element as we go along. And we wouldn’t be able to do any of it without our wonderful freelancer network.
Image by Lydia Tallent on Unsplash
