Is there a difference between writing evaluation and editing?
The difference is subtle, but significant. Essentially, an editor works with writing; an evaluator works with the writer. Writing evaluation tends to be a more people-focused specialty than editing. A writing evaluator assesses a piece of writing, then provides the feedback necessary to help the writer or student improve the piece.
In contrast, an editor, whose focus is the writing itself, evaluates a submission and makes the necessary changes and improvements, sometimes alone, but sometimes in consultation with the author. An evaluator seems more likely to function as a freelance writing coach, mentor, tutor, or developmental editor, working in collaboration with the writer for the most satisfactory results.
What is the function of NAIWE?
NAIWE connects writers and students with competent, caring evaluators, and helps editors and teachers turn their evaluation expertise into work-from-home income.
NAIWE provides professional support and business development for each member through numerous benefits, including an individually personalized business website, plus access to virtual training and business-development resources, and inclusion in a client-searchable database. You can read more about benefits, and join us, on the Member Benefits page.
What makes NAIWE the "Success Association" for its members?
NAIWE was founded on a strong business-oriented foundation. We realize that many freelancers and small business owners are specialists in their area of editing or evaluating, but they don't have a business background. Many lack experience in important areas such as marketing, time management, setting up systems, establishing rates, and other things that make the difference in how successful a business will be.
Our goal is to provide ongoing resources and training to build and maintain each evaluator's business skills so that he or she can be as successful as possible. We believe that independent writing evaluation is a business with enormous potential, and that one of the keys to growth is to move from thinking like an individual to thinking like a business-person. We want to provide the service and support that will help you create the business of your dreams!
What are the characteristics of a NAIWE member?
- Committed to the highest ethical standards of business conduct.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development in their respective writing services fields.
- Serious about using technology and best practices to grow their businesses.
- NAIWE members serve a wide variety of clients, including writers, small publications, self-publishers, advertising agencies, businesses, students, homeschool parents, and others, with honesty, loyalty, and competence.
How can a prospective client evaluate and choose a service provider from the NAIWE membership?
Before each NAIWE member is entered into the searchable database, he or she must post a professional profile, including education and years of experience, plus at least two samples of evaluated work, and a business description on his or her new NAIWE website. When this is complete, the member is added to the database, and prospective clients can search for and evaluate potential service providers through the information provided.
Does the term "Writing Evaluator" in the name of the Association include various editorial specialties?
The term "writing evaluators" was chosen because because most editorial activity, in any specialty, begins with the assessment of writing. In addition, "Writing Evaluators" clarifies that the organization is focused on members who specialize in evaluation (as defined above), rather than the more general field of editing. It provides a descriptive, keyword-based term for clients who need member services, and it encompasses the scope of member specialties without emphasizing one type of evaluator over another.
How do you pronounce NAIWE?
Because it's truly a mouthful to have to say "National Association of Independent Writing Evaluators" all the time, we tend to call it NAIWE, pronounced "nay-we," in casual conversation. It's a lot simpler!
Who are the members of NAIWE ?
NAIWE members are independent, professionals who provide writing evaluation services for writers and students. Members may include, but are not limited to:
- Writing Teachers
- Copyeditors
- ESL Writing Tutors
- Coaches (in the fields of writing, publishing, book marketing, and related areas)
- Proofreaders
- Developmental Editors
- Academic Evaluators
- Fact Checkers
- Writing Tutors
- Book Doctors
- Consulting Editors
Who is served by the members of the Association?
The members of NAIWE serve a broad clientele, including, but not limited to:
- Writers
- Self-publishers
- Small businesses
- Corporations
- Students, including homeschooled students and parents
- Primary
- Secondary
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- Academic Instructors