You are here, reading this article, then I am sure you are in search of flexible work from home jobs. If I am predicting it correctly, you are at the right spot. With this article we will discuss one great option, Proofreading jobs.
Today many people are working as proofreaders, full-time or part-time, and you can do that too provided you have a keen eye for details when you read.
Let me begin by asking you a few questions!
Can you pick out grammatical errors or misspelled words when reading a book or browsing an online article?
Do you understand the precision of where to insert commas, or where to leave them?
Do you know how to format and end sentences for easy understanding and enhanced readability?
If your answer to these questions is a confidant YES, Proofreading jobs are made for you. I bet you can make a successful career as a Proofreader.
How Different Is Proofreading From Editing?
Proofreading jobs involves inspecting and reviewing documents for errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
The prime intent of proofreading is to make the documents as error-free as possible.
A good proofreader is detail-oriented, can spot issues, and make the written document look professional.
Alongside “Proofreading” goes “Editing”. For many of you, these terms can be synonymous, but these are two unique processes.
Proofreading emphasis on spelling and grammar mistakes. Rephrasing, and restructuring the sentences or the paragraphs are not the proofreader’s forte.
Unlike an editor, a proofreader only marks errors and leaves the last changes up to the author.
An editor dives into the content and makes all the necessary reorganizing to submit a final publication.
While editing and proofreading jobs require many of the same talents, proofreading can be quicker and easier for beginners.
So, when you search for online proofreading jobs, it’s important to know the difference.
Are Proofreaders In High Demand?
Today there is a high demand for freelance proofreaders and it’s ever-growing. With the boom in the online business, there is an endless supply of written material on the internet.
Bloggers, journalists, content writers, authors, small and big companies, want their published content to be perfect and stand out.
They hire proofreaders to make sure are no typographical or grammatical errors that exist in their published content.
Many businesses from non-English speaking hire a native English-speaking proofreader to go over their website and make grammatical changes.
With content growth across industries like publishing, legal services, advertising, business support, newspaper, book publishing, etc, new opportunities come up for proofreaders every day.
Industries That Hire Proofreaders
The reason I want to discuss these is to segregate them based on the earning potential they have. Some industries are more well paid than others.
Please keep this in mind if you’re planning on approaching companies you’d like to work with directly.
Data USA categorizes these industries as the best and worst-paying.
Best-paying
- Print, digital publications, and related services
- Legal services
- PR, advertising, and related services
- Blogging articles
- Consulting content
Worst-paying
- Newspaper publications
- Business support services
- Colleges, universities, and related educational services
- Self-published novels
- User manuals
- Press releases
- Newsletters
How Much Can You Earn From Proofreading Jobs?
The nature of the work itself says that proofreading is much easier than editing or content writing. As it takes less time and effort, online proofreading jobs pay less compared to the other two.
As with many online jobs, proofreading pay rates vary from very little to very lucrative. How much you earn, depends on the projects or clients you work with.
Most proofreading companies/clients pay per page, per project, or an hourly rate to freelance proofreaders.
If you work as an online freelance proofreader, you’re free to choose your rates. Most freelance proofreaders start with a relatively low hourly wage, then increase rates gradually over time as they build up their portfolio.
When I searched on Upwork and Freelancer at the time of writing the article, 150+ freelancer proofreaders charged an hourly rate between $50 to $80. About 100 of them charged between $30 to $50 and similar numbers changed less than $20.
So, as a beginner, you can set your hourly rate between $10 to $20 and as you gain experience and become more professional, you can charge $30 – $50 or even $100 per hour.
It’s a known fact, freelancers charging higher rates have no trouble finding work because they have the experience and skills to back up the prices they ask for.
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How To Find Good Proofreading Jobs?
There are few skills needed to become a proofreader, but you need excellent spelling and grammar skills and a powerful command of the language you are proofreading.
There are a few different routes you could take the one you will choose depends on whether you want to be a permanent position or a freelancer.
The main options are:
- Use third-party websites that list proofreading jobs.
- Use job boards specifically featuring proofreading jobs.
- Approach companies directly and market yourself. (More suitable for permanent positions).
If you’re applying for a permanent position, most companies may ask you for a proofreading test before confirming the job, So, it’s important to hold a high standard before applying.
To test your skills, you can use various online free tests such as the Ultimate Editing Test from ProEdit or the proofreading test on Web Done Right.
Best Companies To Get Proofreading Jobs
As with any other freelancing jobs, getting started with proofreading jobs can be challenging. Initially, you may face an endless loop of rejection when trying to break into the field, but don’t get disappointed.
An old cliche, you can’t get hired without experience, but you can’t get experience without getting hired. This happens to everybody.
Many companies hire at-home proofreaders, and the pay differs with each company. It is good to check the company websites for their requirements, as they keep changing.
Here are the best companies that hire online proofreaders:
1- ProofreadingServices
ProofreadingServices hires part-time and full-time proofreaders who show superlative proofreading and editing skills.
They pay from $19 to $46 per hour, depending on turnaround time. You have the option to have flexible hours, work when you want, right from your living room, in any time zone.
Before applying, you must complete a 20-minute preliminary test.
2- ProofreadingPal
ProofreadingPal is another company that hires proofreaders and editors regularly. You can apply on their website if you meet one of the following criteria:
1. Have enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited United States college or university and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
2. Have a graduate degree with a minimum of five years of professional proofreading and editing experience.
The company claims that its editors typically earn between $500 to $3,000 per month.
3- Scribbr
The company has a team of over 500 freelance editors and proofreaders.
You will help students with their thesis. To apply, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree with native English-speaking fluency.
4- Wordvice
Wordvice is a platform for many content writers, translators, and freelance editors. You have every chance to find proofreading jobs here.
They mostly offer academic papers as many of their clients are prestigious universities and institutions like Stanford and Columbia University.
5- EditFast
EditFast is a platform that connects freelancers, including proofreaders, with clients. It’s important to create a stunning profile and resume, as these become the basis for you getting hired by the clients. The client can check out your samples and choose whether to hire you.
There is great potential to make money as a proofreader but keep in mind the company keeps 40% of the total project fee.
6- Writer’s Relief
Writer’s Relief offers proofreading services to creative writers who submit their work on the platform.
To be a proofreader for Writer’s Relief is easy, but they only accept a few applicants. Still, it’s worth trying!
7- Polished Paper
This company looks for more experienced proofreaders and offers a higher pay-scale than most sites.
Once you sign up, they will send you a test that you must complete. You get allowed (and encouraged) to use outside resources such as formatting guides to complete the test.
8- Writing Jobz
On Writing Jobz, you can apply for online proofreading jobs based on your level of experience.
The proofreading assignments range from manuscript content to academic writing.
9- Writer’s Job Shop
This website is an online resource for freelancers, including copy editors and online proofreaders.
They frequently update their listing of work on their job board. So you must visit the site regularly and apply for the job you are interested in.
10- Domainite
Domainite is a low-paying online proofreader resource, but it is a great place for a beginner to gain experience.
To get started, fill out the application form and edit a sample they provide.
11- Scribe Media
With Scribe Media, you get to work either full-time or freelancer.
They have openings for proofreading jobs, but not frequently. You can regularly visit their website and sign up to receive job alerts.
12- Gramlee
Gramlee regularly looks for freelance proofreaders.
They offer quick turnaround time to clients. That means there is always work available and all you have to do is fill out their application form to get started.
13- Get Editing Jobs
Get Editing Jobs is a community of editing and proofreading job seekers and employers. Here you can find and apply for various positions.
This is a big directory of freelancing jobs, so writing and editing work is in surplus.
14- MediaBistro
MB is a media-related job board that allows you to browse a variety of freelance jobs.
This is another place where you must do some digging, but the platform allows you to sign up for job alerts.
15- Lionbridge
Lionbridge outsources various parts of a client’s project to freelancers, especially proofreaders.
To get started, sign up and take a skills test. You can then receive proofreading tasks.
16- R3Ciprocity
R3ciprocity is a system based on credits. Members proofread each other’s work and use earned credit to get their work proofed.
The interesting thing is, you can convert your credits into cash.
17- Reedsy
Reedsy is a marketplace that connects freelancers with authors and writers, and once you sign up, you can begin receiving requests from clients.
18- OneSpace Freelancers
OneSpace Freelancers is another online platform that focuses on helping freelancers submit work, receive feedback, and get paid.
This site posts jobs as they become available.
19- Scribendi
Scribendi has over 400 professional freelance editors.
To qualify, you must have a university degree, at least 3 years of editing experience, be a native English speaker with an average editing/proofreading speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour.
20- Proofread Now
Proofread Now occasionally hires proofreaders and editors from time to time.
To get proofreading jobs, you must have at least 5 years’ experience and pass difficult editing tests. But once you get hired, the pay is better than most other companies.
21- Editor World
Editor World usually looks for independent contractors to work remotely. For you to get freelance proofreading jobs, you must be a degree holder, with some prior experience and speak English as your first language.
They also have a test that you must complete before getting assignments.
22- Kirkus Media
Kirkus Media posts jobs for book reviewers, proofreaders, and editors.
To apply, you must submit your sample work and resume.
23- Sibia Proofreading
Sibia Proofreading normally offers proofreading jobs from home, from time to time. They normally look for science experts who have editing or proofreading experience.
You also need to have a Ph.D. or an equivalent, though it’s not mandatory, having it will give you a fair advantage.
24- Cactus Communications
Cactus Communications constantly looks for editors and proofreaders who have a medical background. Occasionally there are some general proofreading opportunities.
To apply, you’ll need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or some form of proven experience in healthcare, life sciences, or medicine, and surgery.
25- Wordy
Wordy provides online proofreading and copy-editing services to its clients, thus they seek editors and proofreaders.
At the time of writing their website was under updates. They will be back soon with job openings.
26- American Journal Experts
AJE hires independent contract editors and proofreaders.
They prefer a graduate degree with good native English proficiency and also need you to have some affiliation with a doctoral university.
27- Edit911
This company only hires PhDs in English with considerable experience as an editor or proofreader.
They also look for exceptional writing skills.
28- Wordsru
This company hires editors and proofreaders with a master’s degree, Ph.D., or relevant experience in any academic discipline.
They also demand at least two years of experience in editing or proofreading.
29- Cambridge Proofreading And Editing
The company usually hires freelance proofreaders.
You must have a bachelor’s degree and expert knowledge of the academic subjects as it handles proofreading in social science, medical science, engineering, etc.
30- Edanz Group
This company hires medical writers, editors, and researchers. For the editing or proofreading job, you need to be a native English speaker with a Ph.D. and 3+ years of editing or scientific research experience.
You also need to pass an editing test. If hired you must undergo a strict training program.
31- IXL Learning
This company hires subject editors and proofreaders from time to time.
You need to have experience in copy editing with exceptional attention to detail.
32- ManagedEditing
ManagedEditing hires freelance editors and proofreaders with a graduate degree and at least five years of experience.
You can apply online on their website and they will get back to you when the openings show up.
33- English Trackers
English Trackers hires online editors and proofreaders with at least two years of professional experience.
You must be a native English speaker with a Ph.D. or an academic editor with experience.
34- Editorlive
The company occasionally hires online proofreaders.
You must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years of experience in professional editing, specifically in writing academic papers.
35- Book Editing Associates
This company hires editors/proofreaders with at least 5+ years of experience.
You will take an editing and proofreading test once selected.
36- Kibin
The company specializes in essay writing and looks for writers, editors, and proofreaders.
They are not hiring currently, but you can register to get an update if it hires again.
37- Prompt
This is a fairly new company and similar to Kibin deals with essay writing.
They hire editors for school essays, book reports, and even social media posts and blog posts.
38- Enago
To work for Enago, you need to have at least five years of editing experience.
They require a master’s or PhD-level editing experience along with a certificate in academic editing, publishing, scientific communication, etc.
39- SmartBrief
SmartBrief is a digital media publisher that targets business news and industry information. They have frequent openings for proofreaders and pay around $15/hr.
40- LifeTips
This company hires editors to edit and proofread content by freelancers.
You need to know about SEO for this job but do not require any prior experience.
41- DotDash
Similar to LifeTips the company looks for proofreads for the content writers on their platform and frequently hires freelance copy editors and proofreaders.
42- Babbletype
This is a transcription company and is frequently looking for skilled proofreaders and editors.
They post assignments daily which you can view and work on. You then have 22 hours to get your assignments completed.
43- Net Transcripts
The company always looks for legal and general transcribers.
They also need transcript proofreaders from time to time.
Other Places To Find Freelance Proofreading Jobs
If you are not lucky to find a proofreading job from one of the above websites, here are a few more platforms to try.
44- FlexJobs
45- LinkedIn
46- Indeed
47- Monster
48- Upwork
49- Fiverr
50- JournalismJobs
51- ProBlogger
52- BloggingPro
53- Freelancer
54- Click Worker
55- Guru
What Skills Do You Need For Proof Reading Jobs?
Each company can have specific requirements for proofreading jobs, however, there are a few common requirements to become a proofreader.
English Grammar
Most of the proofreading projects are in English. Make sure your English and grammar skills are excellent.
Reading
You must have good reading and comprehension skills since your work will involve reading a lot of written material.
Keen Eye For Details
You must pay close attention to catch all errors in the shortest time possible.
Training Or A Degree
While it’s not essential to have an English degree, some companies prefer it.
If you have a master’s degree in journalism or another field closely related to editing or proofreading, you will be ahead of your competition.
However, even with no extra schooling, you can get free training to learn the skills needed to be a proofreader.
Meet Deadlines
Usually, proofreading assignments have less turn around time and have sharp deadlines. To meet the demand, you must be flexible and ready to complete the work on time.
Basic Proofreading Tools
As an expert proofreader, you may require some tools for efficiency. It’s good to invest in some of these tools to enhance your productivity.
Initially, if you are not sure to invest, these tools have free versions to start with.
Though there are many tools out there, here are a few of my favorites:
- Grammarly
- Spellchecker
- Ginger
- Google Docs
- Dropbox
Advance Proofreading Software
When starting your journey the use of the above tools could be sufficient. However, as you grow, it may also be helpful to know how to use professional publishing software.
Here are some you may come across, depending on your industry:
- Adobe Acrobat Vs 8 (Professional) for editing PDFs
- Adobe InDesign
- Movie Magic Screenwriter
- Adobe Framemaker
- DITA and Arbortext Editor
- QuarkXPress
- Final Draft
- iAnnnotate
- LATEX
- Publisher
What If You Don’t Have A Degree Or Experience?
Many companies offering proofreading jobs demand a degree or experience. If you don’t have any of these, that’s not the end of your dream. Good training can do the trick.
If you are interested to get training, there is no better way than Caitlin Pyle’s Proofread Anywhere Course.
This course can become the launchpad for your proofreading career and you will learn a lot of aspects of starting a profitable proofreading business in this course.
If you more insights on this course, here is a 76-minute free workshop that will give you all the details about proofreading and you will get to know if this is the career for you.
Wrapping It Up
Proofreading is a superb job for someone who has good grammar and reading skills. It doesn’t matter if you’re a proofreading beginner as long as you produce a good end product.
Since you can do proofreading jobs online and at home, stay at home moms and students can make these jobs fit their free time. Early morning or late night work hours don’t matter since you’re your boss.
The above list is the collection of the best places to work as a proofreader. It may be difficult to start, but once you do, the opportunities are endless.
You don’t need an advanced education or fancy equipment to get started, just a firm grasp of the English language would do.
Must Read: No Experience Jobs – Don’t Just Sit! Start With Them Today
So what are you waiting for? Your perfect proofreading job awaits!
That’s it from me. Now, it’s your turn to try proofreading jobs and share your feedback comments.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out, I am glad to answer your queries!
Best of luck!
