getting tech. editing work

["Katharine Y. Flight" <kflight -at- NETCOM -dot- COM>]

Hello techwr-l subscribers,

This is my first posting to any mailing list; I feel like the person who calls
into a talk-radio program and turns the radio up to hear her own voice.
The motivation for my first posting is my decision this year to work part-time
as a freelance technical editor.  My main concern is my lack of "job title"
experience.  I have worked in the software industry for eight years and in
graphic arts and publishing-related jobs since college (about 16 years total).
My undergraduate degree is interdisciplinary--communication and chemistry.
While working as an installer and tech. support person, I have written a large
amount of technical documentation, as well as being responsible for revising
and editing tech. notes, etc. coming from my product area.  But I don't have
editing samples.  My writing and editing chores were a primary part of my job,
but not formally organized or recognized.  So, to get to my point, how do I
establish credibility as a competent professional when I don't have any
standard proof.  One thing I have done is take copyediting courses to enhance
my skills.  But I am still uncertain about how to present myself without
looking like a novice.  Any advice or personal anecdotes would be appreciated.

I hope this posting makes it to its destination.

-Katharine Flight
 San Diego California   kflight -at- netcom -dot- com