If you’re looking for a way to earn extra money that’s both simple and flexible, consider becoming an online proofreader. Writing is incomplete without proofreading. It may be done on any day or night, ideal for a stay-at-home parent or a part-time career.
Where would we be if there were no people to proofread our work? Otherwise, the English language would be filled with typos. There’s a decent chance you’ve questioned if you’d be excellent at proofreading. There is only one way to discover the answer: to give it a go. There is no other option.
On this page, we’ll go through how to start a career as an online proofreader and the finest firms that hire proofreaders with little or no experience.
What Is Proofreading, and Why Is It Necessary?
A proofreader checks written information to verify that it is free of grammatical problems such as misspellings, typographical errors, incorrect formatting, and syntax errors.
As a newbie or someone who doesn’t truly grasp what proofreading is, I’d want to spend some time training you. It’s a good idea to have a professional proofreader.
Copy Editing vs. Proofreading
The terms proofreading and copyediting are often confused and even used interchangeably. As a prospective online proofreader, it is important to know the difference between the two.
Grammar, style, spelling, and typographical faults may all be found during proofreading. There is considerable attention paid to the fine points of the writing by a proofreader.
Editing is making final adjustments to a manuscript before it is ready for publication. An editor is engaged in the document’s overall structure.
Is There A Demand For Proofreaders?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, proofreading jobs are in high demand, and that trend is expected to continue. The need for internet enterprises is growing at an ever-increasing rate.
Companies, writers, bloggers, and small enterprises all use proofreaders to ensure that their content is error-free. To ensure that their website is free of grammatical errors, several international companies pay an English-native proofreader to look through it.
Can You Make Money Proofreading?
According to salary.com, online proofreaders may expect to earn a yearly income of $52,202, according to salary.com.
Be aware that a proofreader’s hourly rate will determine how much money they earn. Some independent proofreaders earn between $25 and $50 an hour.
The more experience you have, the more money you may expect to earn each hour.
Working for yourself means determining your own salary. If you are employed by someone else, they will be the ones to decide how much money you earn every hour.
As an online proofreader, what do I need to know?
An excellent proofreader should have an eye for detail and the ability to notice errors quickly and effortlessly. You must be fluent in both grammar and spelling.
You must also be able to slow down in order to catch errors that the original author overlooked. Often, we don’t even realize that our brains can accurately interpret misspelled words. In haste to finish a paper, these mistakes might slip between the cracks.
Is a Degree Necessary to Proofreading Jobs?
A college degree isn’t essential if you’re working as a freelance proofreader. Customers that use freelance proofreaders place a higher value on a proofreader’s previous work and outcomes.
A degree in English or journalism may be required for a firm employee, depending on the customer. Don’t worry if you don’t have this at the moment. Numerous customers will employ you based only on your track record and reputation.
The Online Proofreading Toolbox
Investment in technologies that will help you maximize your time as a proofreader working online may be sensible. Here are a couple of my personal favorites from among the many options available:
Grammarly – Google Docs has a free plugin for Grammarly users, which is ideal for Grammarly users. Both the free and premium versions are available. Use whatever you consider to be the most beneficial to you!
Spellchecker – Make sure to use the proofreader that is included with the word processor you are working with. We often overlook the most fundamental feature of our computers, one that might nevertheless preserve our sanity in a mistake.
Ginger – Ginger is a proofreading tool that you may use. This tool may help you discover more complex problems that you would have otherwise overlooked!
Using Google Docs is the most frequent and most straightforward approach to sending a document. A free Google Drive account is all that is needed. Your customer can email you a link to a document that you may edit.
If your customer doesn’t utilize Google Docs, Dropbox is arguably the second most popular means of document sharing. It’s good to start off with the free account.
Listed below are the most reputable firms that employ newcomers as online proofreaders:
Upwork
UpWork is a good location to begin your search for online proofreading jobs for beginners. This online work-from-home platform has something for everyone, and I like sharing it with others.
Apply for entry-level editing opportunities on Upwork.com. If you’re fascinated by working from home as a proofreader, Upwork is an excellent place to start.
Fiverr
You are a newbie proofreader, and you are looking for freelance proofreading employment. You may want to check out Fiverr.com first. Websites like this one have been around for some time. It is, however, intended for all kinds of proofreaders.
It’s possible to earn a little bit of money initially if you sign up for Fiverr. The more you work, the more money you’ll make in the future!
Guru
If you’re looking for proofreading work online, Guru.com is another good option. You may be able to obtain a proofreading job on this site even if you have no prior experience.
As long as you’re willing to put in the effort, you may just achieve success with this platform.
Many people compare Guru.com to Fiverr, but I believe that any platform can benefit you if you put in the effort to make it so. Ensure that your profile is complete, and don’t give up until you’ve found your groove!
In addition, LinkedIn is a great place to connect.
LinkedIn’s not easy to remember, but it’s a great location to locate proofreading employment.
There are many career opportunities on LinkedIn, and you may not be successful at first. You’ll have your first proofreading job if you keep trying and applying!
Freelance
Freelancer, also a freelancing marketplace, is extremely similar to UpWork. It’s accessible to freelancers of all kinds, not just proofreaders.
Once you’ve completed your profile, you’ll be able to bid on open positions.
SmartBrief
Business news and industry information are the focus of SmartBrief, an online media company that publishes digital content. If you’re interested in working from home as an editor or proofreader, check out their job listings.
Polished Paper
For proofreaders with greater expertise, Polished Paper offers a higher rate. Take the 35-question exam to join up for the program.
It’s a touch over-the-top, but they’re known for their excellent customer service. They want you to be able to spot some of the more difficult problems that less experienced proofreaders may overlook.
Scribbr
Scribbr requires all potential editors to complete an initial language test before they can begin working with the platform. Whether you’re successful, they’ll review your resume to see if you’re a suitable match for the company.
If they believe that you would be a good addition to the team, you will be invited to the Scribbr Academy, where you will be responsible for editing between two and five simulation orders. Scribbr will provide you with feedback and recommendations on your proofreading.
Once you’ve completed the academy, you’ll be able to work with Scribbr as a paid editor.
Domaine
Although Domainite is a viable alternative for a complete newcomer to proofreading, it is also one of the lowest paying. If you’re struggling to get customers, it’s a great way to build your portfolio.
There are an application and example letters required to be approved as a freelancer on the company’s website.
An Overview of Proofreading Jobs
A huge opportunity for someone willing to put in the effort to improve their grammar and writing skills is proofreading jobs. As long as the quality of your work is satisfactory, it does not matter whether you are just starting in proofreading.
Stay-at-home parents may incorporate proofreading jobs into their schedules since most work can be done online and from the comfort of their own homes. Being your boss and free from standard business hours means that your work schedule doesn’t have to be set in stone.
Thanks in advance if you have any feedback as an online proofreader. Did it provide you with the independence you desired? Learn more about making money online with our blog.
