From editorial expert to strategic partner: Position yourself as essential

1pm – 1.55pm BST, 12 September 2026 ‐ 55 mins

Session 3 – breakout (running concurrently)

Many freelance editors and proofreaders are highly skilled but struggle to consistently attract the right clients, communicate their value, or move beyond being seen as a final “polish” at the end of a project. 

This session introduces a simplified marketing and business strategy designed specifically for service-based freelancers. It focuses on shifting from selling tasks to demonstrating strategic value. 

Attendees will learn how to: 

• position their services around client priorities, not just deliverables 
• communicate their value in a way that resonates beyond technical skill 
• simplify their marketing so it becomes consistent and effective, rather than overwhelming.

The session combines practical frameworks with real-world examples, giving attendees a clear and actionable way to evolve their role from service provider to trusted partner. 

Why should delegates attend the session? Because being excellent at editorial work is no longer enough to guarantee consistent, well-paid work. 

Many freelancers either overcomplicate their marketing or avoid it altogether, leading to inconsistent income, undercharging, or working with misaligned clients. 

This session will give delegates: 

• a clear, simplified approach to marketing their services without needing to do more, just better 
• a practical framework to position themselves as commercially aware, client-focused partners 
• tools to communicate their value with confidence, reducing reliance on price-based decisions 
• a better understanding of how to align their work with client pressures such as time, budget and audience expectations. 

Attendees will leave with clarity, direction and immediately usable actions to strengthen both their marketing and their business positioning. 

Speakers

Charlie Clarey

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Charlie Clarey

Charlie is a Marketing Strategist who helps ex-corporate women build businesses that feel structured, strategic, and genuinely exciting to run. With two decades of experience leading multi-million-pound marketing projects for global brands including Coca-Cola, Cadbury, Disney, and Samsung, she brings a rare blend of corporate strategy and entrepreneurial heart to her work.   

A regular speaker and podcast guest, she’s passionate about helping women break free from outdated corporate conditioning and create businesses that reflect who they truly are. Her work centres on empowering women to express themselves fully, build wealth with purpose, and use their influence to create positive change.   

When she’s not supporting clients, you’ll find her out walking her dog Doug, rowing, or hunting down the perfect flat white. She loves connecting with inspiring women but avoids bad coffee at all costs.