How to Hire an Editorial Professional Through the EFA

Updated

To hire an editorial professional through the Editorial Freelancers Association (the-efa.org), you have two main routes: search the EFA member directory to find and contact a freelancer directly, or publish your job to the EFA Job List, which reaches more than 4,000 editorial professionals. The directory route suits you if you want to browse profiles and choose someone yourself; the Job List route suits you if you'd rather describe your project once and let interested freelancers come to you.

Route 1: Search the EFA Member Directory

Use this route when you want to compare candidates before making contact.

  1. Go to the EFA homepage at the-efa.org and locate the directory entry point. The homepage presents a "Search the EFA directory" option alongside its "Looking to hire an editorial professional?" section.
  2. Search the directory for freelancers. The EFA describes the directory as a place where members "promote yourself," so listings are member-maintained profiles.
  3. Review candidates against your project. The EFA frames its role as helping "members and their clients build successful collaborations," so treat the directory as a starting point for a direct conversation about scope, samples, and timeline.
  4. Contact your shortlisted freelancers directly to confirm availability and fit.

What to expect: You are browsing self-published member profiles, not a ranked or vetted shortlist. The EFA does not state that it screens or guarantees individual freelancers, so verify fit yourself through samples and references.

Route 2: Publish Your Job to the EFA Job List

Use this route when you want inbound interest from a large pool.

  1. Go to the EFA Job List from the homepage's hiring section.
  2. Write your job post covering the project type, the kind of editorial work needed, and your timeline. The homepage states you can "Publish your job to more than 4,000 editorial professionals."
  3. Publish the post and review the responses you receive.
  4. Shortlist and interview the freelancers who respond, then agree on scope before work begins.

What to expect: The 4,000+ figure is the size of the professional audience the Job List reaches, not a count of applicants you will receive. Response volume depends on your post's clarity and the market at the time.

Choosing Between the Two Routes

Dimension Member Directory Job List
Who initiates You search and contact freelancers Freelancers respond to your post
Best for Comparing specific candidates before outreach Reaching a broad pool with one post
Effort up front Higher — you browse and shortlist Lower — you write one post
Control over shortlist High — you choose whom to approach Lower — you review whoever responds
Reach Limited to profiles you find Stated as more than 4,000 professionals

A practical approach for larger or higher-stakes projects is to use both: post the job to generate a pool, then use the directory to check profiles and fill gaps.

Matching the Right Editor to Your Project

The EFA's stated aim is "The Right Editor, Right Away," and its resources are built to help clients "build successful collaborations." To make a match work, be specific in whatever channel you use:

  • Name the editorial stage you need — for example developmental feedback, line editing, or proofreading — rather than just "editing."
  • State the project type and length so freelancers can judge fit and quote accurately.
  • Ask for relevant samples before committing.
  • Agree on scope, deliverables, and timeline in writing before work starts.

Related EFA Resources for Clients and Freelancers

  • Editorial Rate Chart — the homepage lists this under Quick Links as a resource to "Grow your business." It is useful context for both sides when discussing pricing, though you should confirm current figures on the page itself.
  • Classes and Webinars — listed under Quick Links as "Build your skills." These are aimed primarily at freelancers; the homepage notes members receive discounts on all classes and many webinars free, which is a membership benefit rather than a client service.
  • Member Benefits — the homepage points members to a benefits page with "exclusive member perks."

Common Sticking Points

  • Assuming the directory is a vetted ranking. It is a member listing service; do your own due diligence.
  • Writing a vague job post. A post that doesn't specify the editorial stage or project type will draw fewer relevant responses from the 4,000+ audience.
  • Treating the rate chart as a quote. Use it as reference context, then agree on pricing directly with your chosen freelancer.
  • Expecting membership perks as a client. Class discounts and free webinars are member benefits; they are not part of the hiring process.