Hello!
I am a trained proofreader and copy-editor, currently working entirely in book publishing, but wishing to extend my area of expertise - anything considered from commercial work to thesis/dissertation preparation. I charge from 35CHF to 40CHF per hour, depending on the job.
Certificates in both proofreading and copy-editing (with merit) from chief UK training provider. Member of Irish and English professional associations. CV and references available on request.
Best wishes,
Cathy Thompson,
M.A. (Hons, History, Edinburgh); Dip Hort (Kew, Hons)
Member AFEPI, Ireland
Associate Member, SfEP, UK

Hi Cathy,

I realise this may be a long shot, as you wrote this in 2008, but I'm writing in case you are still on the English Forum.

I am a writer, editor and proofreader and have recently moved to Basel with my wife for her job. Like you (back in 2008!) I am attempting to establish myself here and gain freelance or permanent work in my field.

I write to ask if you may be able to give me any advice. Asking for the help of a complete stranger is perhaps rather bold and assuming, but any advice you can give would be most appreciated.

Kind regards

Mark

Dear Mark,
Happy to help, but my experience is not particularly encouraging! I have now moved a little 'deeper' into France, and am no longer in Saint-Louis (next to Basel) where I lived when I originally posted that message. My husband is no longer working at Basel airport.
Unfortunately I never managed to get any work in the area. I contacted one or two publishers producing English books in Switzerland (after research on the net - one being Bergli, I think). But I had no response from them.
That said, I have had less work from the UK and Ireland recently. And not much success in winning new customers at all, even in the UK market. I continue to work for (approx.) 3-4 book publishers only, and my best clients are still those with whom I had a relationship before moving to Basel (ie pre 2008).
I think, however, that if you specialise in the sciences (I am very much arts/humanities), you may be more successful than I. You could then consider approaching the big pharmaceuticals in Basel. I know that my colleagues working in the UK for companies active in scientific research/pharmaceuticals do not seem to be as short of work at the moment.
You may also be better qualified than I to work outside the narrow area of book production, and could attract commercial/business clients as well.
It all depends on your area of specialism. And obviously you would be a more desirable commodity in Switzerland if able to translate French/German into English (assuming you are a native English speaker). The only advice I could offer is to try thinking laterally in your search for clients.
Hope this is of some tiny help! All the best for your future and don't hesitate to ask anything else if you think I might be of help,
All best,
Cathy Thompson