Job Discussion Forums

jotham · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Posts: 77

I'm looking for any advice or comments about editing jobs in Japan. I have five years experience editing in Taipei. I'm moving to Japan this month, but worried about the availability of editing (or proofreading) jobs � and with a fair salary to boot. (Low salaries for editors is one reason for leaving Taiwan.) If any editors or others could comment or advise me in any way, it would go a long way towards easing my mind. I'm not sure if this post is appropriate here; if anyone can recommend me another forum or category, that would also be appreciated.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Which are you interested in -- editing or proofreading? They are not the same, you know.

What genre or type of publications do you have experience with? Either job, but especially proofreading, is very competitive in Japan. Everybody and his brother thinks they can do it, and there are a lot of gullible clients out there, but nobody is going to give away his clients.

I've been doing scientific proofreading in Japan for almost 10 years. I also do copyediting. Don't expect to live off either job.

jotham · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Posts: 77

Yes, there's a difference between editing and proofreading. I can't imagine that the concepts are really that clear-cut in Japan as in Western countries, at least respecting the English language. The terms are no doubt smudged in Japan � I've been told that genuine editing is called proofreading. In the West, editing is the higher calling and incorporates some proofreading as well. I've been an editor, which I do well � this is also what I want to do � so proofreading, in the Western sense, would pose no problem and might actually bore me. But I can't imagine that Japan, or any non-English-speaking foreign country, would need a minor dose of proofreading without an editing overhaul (or rather rewriting).
As for my experience, I've been editing private and public English textbooks, magazines, general books, business letters, presentations, etc., for a prominent cram school. I'm pretty intellectual; academic fields, like finance, science, politics, and others, attract me.
I'm looking for a full-time position � not freelance, which is what I think you were talking about. I'm not worried about competition as long as it's based on talent and work quality and not on price alone. My understanding is that Japan is a more equitable society in this regard (than Taiwan).

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

In the last week or so, I saw at least one ad for a full-time proofreader. Pay was equivalent to that of a starting English teacher (250,000 yen/month). See if you can locate it on the job board at www.gaijinpot.com , and keep your eyes on The Japan Times (paper edition on Monday as well as the different classifieds you'll find online at www.japantimes.com ).

The majority of work that you are interested in will be called proofreading, and will consist mostly of fixing spelling and grammar. To be an editor, of course, you will have to work for an outfit that actually puts out English publications. Not that many here, and it's likely that you'll need a fair amount of Japanese to communicate with the staff. In either case, I wouldn't expect such jobs to hire without a face to face interview.

jotham · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Posts: 77

Thanks for the tips. I've actually been looking at those places like crazy the last two or three months. As you said, no one will consider until I'm physically in Japan. Yet I'm uncomfortable moving to Japan and making a major life change, without knowing there's something in the works or a possibility � it's like a catch 22.
I realize editing positions are harder to find than teaching. I try to console myself with the fact that I could always teach, but I wouldn't want to with that kind of attitude. I guess this is the primary question in my uneasy mind right now: Is it remotely possible that with a three-month visa, I might not find editing or proofreading employment � despite my calibre and experience?
I'm probably overexaggerating, but I do get jitteries about this whole thing. I love learning languages and know quite a bit of Japanese already. That part of it really excites me.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

jotham · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Posts: 77

A few more questions:
1. Is there a general Japanese forum for long-term foreigners or expats � like Forumosa in Taiwan, for example? (I've heard that this forum is more for temporary foreigners.)
2. Do you know of any online MSN or Yahoo groups for editors in Japan? We also have one in Taiwan.
By the way, I'm aware of your SWET (Society for Writers, Editors, and Translators), which I think is fantastic. (I wish we had that in Taiwan.)
Sorry to ask so many dull questions.

taikibansei · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Posts: 811 Location: Japan