To write is human, to edit is divine.”
Stephen King
Do you have a love for written words? Can you quickly pick out grammatical errors and typos in other people’s works? Do you love working with words, polishing them up, and breathing life into them?
If you answered yes to all three questions, you are the ideal candidate for editing and proofreading jobs.
With great chunks of written materials being produced every day, you couldn’t have chosen a better time to get into online freelance proofreading.
And the best part is that most online proofreading jobs are flexible, and qualifications aren’t necessary. The jobs revolve around projects and deadlines rather than fixed hours. This means it’s easy to structure the job around your routine.
Even better, getting into online proofreading jobs requires little financial investment. With a desktop computer and basic knowledge in word processing software such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word, you’re ready to start.
You must be wondering, “Can I find a job as a freelance proofreader?” And even if I do, can I make $35 per hour? Is a proofreading job a good side hustle?
This guide answers these questions to ensure you learn everything about proofreading jobs. Spoiler alert: yes, you can earn up to $35 per hour working as a stay-at-home proofreader.
How to Become a Work-From-Home Proofreader
If you’re a beginner kickstarting your career as a proofreader, you only need a few skills to excel as a freelance proofreader.
The best strategy to take is a direct approach when finding work from different platforms. To take a proactive approach, make a list of potential companies hiring proofreaders.
Next, collect their email addresses and pitch your services to them. Your pitch should include the services you can offer and a call to action. You can offer to proofread a section of their content and use it as your application sample.
This will not guarantee you employment; instead, do it sparingly.
If you intend to pursue proofreading professionally rather than as a side hustle, you need to gain exposure in your field. Many hiring managers want a proofreader with editing experience and a professional portfolio.
Sometimes, hiring managers will even overlook qualifications over experience.
Don’t worry, though!
To refine and improve your skill, enroll in a proofreading course.
Basic Skills a Proofreader Needs
Grammar and literature guru? Check. A keen eye for typos and word mistakes? Double check. A diligent wordsmith with a liking for words? Check! Check! Check!
It seems like the stars want you to become the next Max Perkins.
But wait!
Proofreading is more than identifying typographical mistakes or being an English aficionado. It’s a science, or rather, a masterful craft of the English language.
If you want to succeed as a work-from-home freelance proofreader, ensure you can meet the skills and requirements below:
- Have a keen eye for grammar errors, punctuation errors, and can improve sentence structure in written material.
- Review blogs, business materials, and newspaper articles and identify potential problems.
- Provide an accurate and final review of a text.
- Ensure web content is free of formatting and grammatical errors.
- Be a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication or Journalism (optional).
- Be a native English speaker (optional).
- Two years of experience working as a proofreader.
- General proofreading skills.
How Much Can You Earn as a Work-at-Home Proofreader
Similar to most freelancing jobs, you can earn a decent income as an online proofreader.
Compared to writing jobs — which are time-consuming — proofreading jobs take less time.
Even though they pay less money, you can still earn good money working from home as a proofreader.
Most clients tend to charge per word, per project, or an hourly rate. If you charge hourly, often the tricky part takes care of itself.
As a beginner proofreader, you can earn as much as $20 per hour. On the other hand, an established proofreader can command a higher rate ($25 to $35 an hour).
Another option is to charge by the page. Well-established and experienced editors prefer to charge by the page. But there’s a catch to this: if you choose to charge by the page, you need to have experience in different types of editing.
Note: your rates also vary with different clients and your overall experience as a proofreader. According to Caitlin Pyle, founder of Proofread Anywhere and a professional proofreader, you can command higher rates as a proofreader once you have solidified your skills.
According to Payscale.com, a proofreader can earn on average $46,113 per year!
Best Online Proofreading Jobs
The rates above show online proofreaders are making good cash working from home. This means the demand for service is high.
Finding proofreading jobs online is easy. You can either apply for jobs or cold-contact potential employers for placement. If you choose the latter, you need to contact the specific companies and proofread for them.
As a beginner, cold-contacting might not work for you. Instead, build on your existing proofreading skills to gain experience.
Another option is to check online job boards designed for proofreaders and editors searching for proofreading work.
Get Paid to Edit Papers: Best Online Job Boards
Below are the best online job boards that offer proofreading work for editors and proofreaders. Consider these job boards as your greatest resource if you want to earn money proofreading and edit other clients’ work.
- ProBlogger: Even though ProBlogger is tailored for writers, you can find online proofreading jobs.
- JournalismJobs: Tailored to media jobs, but also offer jobs for proofreaders.
- BloggingPro: This platform offers writing jobs and online proofreading jobs for freelance proofreaders.
Best Online Proofreading Websites
Besides job boards, check out these websites tailored for proofreaders and editors.
A majority of these platforms are looking for highly experienced editors, copy editors, and proofreaders. While some may require a graduate degree in communication or journalism, others are open to those with minor qualifications.
- Scribbr: Scribbr hires freelance editors from different languages, making it a great place to start as a non-native English speaker. For educational requirements, a Scribbr editor needs to have a bachelor’s degree.
- Scribe Writing: Formerly known as Book in a Box. Proofreaders here help people (clients) turn their ideas into books. They have full-time opportunities for freelance proofreaders and editors. Once you become a member, they offer fantastic support and training to their members to deliver excellent work.
- American Journal Experts (AJE): AJE hires editors with expert knowledge to proofread and edit manuscripts for global international researchers.
- EditFast: Hires editors, writers, and proofreaders. As an EditFast editor, you need to possess a degree from a recognized university with two years of editing experience. You should also be computer savvy and have a wide variety of learning interests.
Get Started with Freelance Proofreading Today
“The future starts today, not tomorrow.” — Pope John Paul II.
Proofreading is an excellent career option for you if you have the right skills and can comfortably work at home.
Even with no degree or experience, you can get a proofreading job and build your career as a professional proofreader.
Start by taking a proofreading course to improve your skills.
Once your skills have solidified, get out there and build your proofreading business.
What are you waiting for?
Enroll today and start living your dream. Your job awaits you.
