How to Squeeze in More Reading Time as a Freelance Editor

Mar 3

When you become a freelance editor, it can be hard to squeeze in nonwork reading time. It's difficult to find the time when you no longer have a commute (if you’re working from home).Also, when you’re reading all day for work, sometimes you don’t want to read for fun.I'll be honest... After I started freelance editing full-time, it took me a while to get back into reading for fun. I had to make a conscious effort to fit it into my routine, but I also didn't force it when I just didn't feel like it. You might experience the same thing -- and that's OK!

But if you do want to read for fun, here are some tips on how to make it happen.

Listen to audiobooks

It might not be the same as reading a physical book, but you'll still get in plenty of reading time -- and be able to multitask while you do it.

Buy a Bluetooth speaker (this is the one I have) and listen in the shower or when you’re getting ready for the day/ready for bed
Listen in the car while running errands or while you're waiting in the school pickup and drop-off line
Multitask and turn on an audiobook while you're cleaning or doing chores around the house or yard work outside
Stick in your AirPods and listen to a book while you're crafting, doing a puzzle, or even coloring with your kids

Physical books

You might have been able to read for hours at a time before you became a copyeditor and began reading for your job, so I understand how hard it can be to find additional time to read. But finding more time doesn't mean you need a lot of it.

Set your alarm 10 or 15 minutes earlier and read right when you wake up in the morning
Schedule in 15 minutes before or after work to catch up on a book before other things become a priority
Instead of scrolling social media at lunch, spend time reading instead
Read for 10 minutes right when you get into bed - According to a study from the University of Sussex, reading before bed can actually help you combat insomnia!

Just because you read and edit for a living doesn't mean you can't find more time to read because you love it! Make the time to get more reading in today!