Do you have a sharp eye for detail, a passion for reading, and you know styles of writing (CMS, MLA, APA or AP)? If yes, you may have what it takes to land a job in proofreading and earn between $35,000 – $60,000 a year.
In this post, I’ll go over what it takes to get into proof reading and 20 proof-reading jobs you can apply to today.
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Online proof-reader job
Virtually every business needs content to be written.
The main job of a proof-reader is to ensure that written content is free of errors, both grammatical and typographical.
Content can include anything from blog posts to academic papers to sales copy.
Proof readers catch mistakes and make sure everything is polished, concise and accurate.
Get your first job as a proof reader reviewing books for Reedsy Discovery.
Pros of working as a proofreader
One of the great things about working as a proof-reader is that it’s a job you can do from anywhere.
As long as you have a computer and an internet connection, you can work from the comfort of your own home or from a coffee shop, library, or coworking space.
It also gives the freedom and flexibility to work on your own terms. You choose the number of clients, you choose what you want to proof read. You choose when. You choose for how long.
Cons of proofreading jobs (remote)
Of course, like any job, proofreading does come with its own set of challenges.
One of the biggest is simply staying focused and motivated when you’re working alone. When you’re proofreading for hours on end, it can be easy to get bored or distracted.
Another challenge is ensuring that you’re providing high-quality work to your clients. While it might seem like a simple job, proofreading requires a great deal of skill and attention to detail. It’s important to be able to catch even the tiniest mistakes, and to know when to suggest changes to improve the overall readability and effectiveness of the content.
Is proofreading in demand?
With the rise of digital content and many self-publishing authors, there are increasing opportunities for freelance and remote work in proofreading.
Findings on Job search websites such as Indeed, Reed, and Totaljobs show that job postings for proof-reader positions are always recurring. So it’s a good time to get started.
How much do you make proofreading?
You can expect to be paid an average of $15 – $25 an hour. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average proof reader salary was $41,670 as of May 2020.
That said, the amount of money you get paid to proofread can vary depending on several factors such as:
- Industry and specialization: You may earn more if you proof read documents in highly specialized fields such as medical or legal.
- Your experience and education
- Where you live; the demand for proofreading services may vary by region, leading to differences in pay rates.
- Whether you are Freelance vs. employed: Freelance proof-readers can set their own rates and potentially earn more.
Freelance proof readers may be able to earn more per hour or per project, depending on their level of experience and the type of documents they proof read.
Would you like to test your ability to become a proof-reader?
Freelance Writing and Editing tests have some free tests you can take online.
It should give you a fair idea of your readiness to get going with proof-reading.
Legitimate online proofreading jobs from home
Now let’s dive in to where you can find legit proofreading jobs. This list is not exhaustive. Social media is a good place to find proof-reading gigs. For example if you join facebook groups for book authors or bloggers, you may be able to network and find clients.
1. Reedsy Discovery
Reedsy hires proof-readers from around the world. At Reedsy you work as a freelancer and you get to proof-read books.
Once you apply and you have been accepted. You are free to respond to author requests for reviews with a quote.
Authors can only accept quotes from 5 reviewers so it’s much easier to get a job on Reedsy than it is on several other freelance job sites.
2. Freelancewriting.com
Another freelance job board is freelancewriting.com. You can work at freelancewriting.com from any country.
Freelance writers can create a profile on the site to showcase their skills and apply for relevant job postings. In addition to job postings, FreelanceWriting.com offers a range of resources for writers, including writing tips, advice on how to find clients, and information about industry trends.
FreelanceWriting.com offers both free and paid membership options. The free membership allows you to access job postings and some of the resources on the site. The paid membership offers additional benefits, such as access to more job postings and discounts on writing courses and other resources.
3. Scribendi
Scribendi is an online editing and proofreading service that also hires remote freelance proofreaders to work on various projects.
To be considered for a proofreading position at Scribendi, you would need to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, as well as a strong command of the English language. You would also need to have experience in proofreading and editing, as well as excellent attention to detail and time-management skills.
If you’re interested in applying for a proofreading job at Scribendi, you can visit their website and click on the “Careers” tab to see their current job openings. From there, you can submit your application and resume, and the company will contact you if they’re interested in moving forward with your application.
4. ProofreadingServices.com
Proofreading services hires proof-readers from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. The pay can be up to $45/hr.
One thing to bear in mind is that a preliminary test is usually given as part of the application process.
5. ProofreadingPal
ProofreadingPal hires proofreaders from the United States.
However they only accept experienced proof readers who have a minimum of 5 years of experience.
The application process is online with a quick turn around time of 5-10 working days.
6. Wordvice
Wordvice hires proofreaders from the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom and you’ll have the opportunity to work with clients from around the world.
To apply you need a graduate degree in a relevant field such as English, Journalism or communication . You should also have a track record that shows you are good at editing and proof-reading.
Pay rates are competitive and range between $20-$30 per hour. You get paid biweekly.
7. Cactus Communications
Cactus hires proof-readers from around the world. You need a graduate degree and 2 years of experience to get in.
The application requires you to complete a form, which includes your resume, cover letter and samples of your work.
What qualifications are needed for a proofreader?
You’ll need:
- Excellent knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently
- Familiarity with style guides
- Computer literacy
- Time management skills
Many successful proof-readers have gained experience and developed their skills through on-the-job training and self-study.
That being said, taking a course can provide you with valuable insights, techniques, and strategies for proofreading, as well as help you learn industry-specific terminology and standards. Some of the most useful courses I know can be found on Skillshare, Udemy, Knowadays and Universal class. Choose from one of the following:
Writing Editing Masterclass by Skillshare.
How to find and correct writing errors: The proofreading guide by Udemy.
Becoming a proof-reader by Knowadays.
Proof-reading and copy editing 101 by Universal class.
In addition to courses on writing and editing, make it a priority to learn about proof-reading/editing software. It will be beneficial to level up your proof-reading abilities.
Some of the best software for proof-reading include Grammarly, Quillbot, Scribens and ProWritingAid.
Remember the intention is not to pass on the work to these tools, but to use these tools to improve your efficiency and output.
8. Scribe Media
Scribe hires proof-readers from the United States. You can choose to work full-time or part-time as a freelancer.
9. Kirkus Media
Kirkus is looking for book proof-readers based in the United States. The expected turn around time for book reviews is 2 weeks.
The expectation is that any review of a book will be at least 350 words.
10. Enago
Hires from around the world.
11. EditFast
Editfast will hire you if you are from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. They offer part-time roles.
After you are registered, you’ll see that notifications will be sent out whenever a job becomes available.
12. Edit911
This company Hires proofreaders from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
13. Cambridge Proofreading Worldwide
This company hires proof-readers from around the world.
They are particularly interested in remote academics because most of their clients want reviewing of academic pieces i.e. dissertations, thesis. Having a first degree is required. The pay rate is competitive at $20-$30 per hour.
14. Polished Paper
To work with polished paper, you need to be in the United States or Canada.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to send in an application and your resume. A practical test to check your skills will be conducted at the final interview stage.
15. Gramlee
At Gramlee you work as a freelancer and can work on a variety of projects, including academic papers, business reports, and personal documents. It’s likely a fast paced work environment since they offer clients a quick turnaround time (24hrs).
16. Prompt Proofing
This is for proof-readers in Canada.
17. Upwork
One of the best freelance platforms to get proofreading jobs.
Although it is a very competitive platform. Bidding for jobs is a good place to start if you are a beginner or new to proof-reading.
18. Fiverr
One of the best freelance platforms to get proofreading jobs.
Although it is competitive, it’s a good place to start if you are beginner and new to proof-reading.
19. Flexjobs
Flexjobs is a great job board. At flexjobs, various companies post listings of open vacancies. You’ll need to apply to be considered.
20. People per hour
Not just a job board, but also an online community of freelancers.
Proofreading services to offer.
Niching down is not something you hear very often in the proof-reading world, however it is actually beneficial to choose an area to focus on.
For example you can choose between technical, creative writing, academic, or medical proof-reading, depending on your qualification.
Whilst niching down may be seen as narrowing your options, it actually gives you competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
How to start proofreading as a beginner
There are a couple of things you can do if you are just beginning and have no experience.
- Practice on your own: Read articles, books, and other written content, and look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Take courses to learn.
- Start small: Consider offering your proofreading services to friends, family, or small businesses. This can give you some experience and help you build a portfolio of work.
- Volunteer to gain experience: Look for opportunities to volunteer as a proof reader, such as at a local non-profit organization or student newspaper.
- Network: Join professional organizations or online communities for proof readers and editors. This can help you connect with other professionals in the field and learn about job opportunities.
Creating your portfolio or profile for a proof-reading job
Here are some important things to include:
- Samples of all the work you have proof read or edited, no matter how informal
- Testimonials and references
- Certifications and training
- Writing samples
- Your resume
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