Years of experience reveal freelance remote content writers made it their job to proofread their own work. Today, this isn’t so much the case.
A quick search on the internet and you’ll find companies offering jobs for editors, specifically copy editors.
Why? Remote proof reading jobs have become one of the most sought after positions for companies that are looking to outsource proofreader jobs.
This remote position allows a proofreader to work from home with flexible hours. So proofreading as a job easily makes you a freelance writer who can work for more than one company at a time.
Learn how to manage your time when serving multiple clients here.
Do You Need Qualifications To be a Proofreader?
While some companies state that you must have a bachelor s degree, you can get a job with evidence of previous proofreading experience.
This is where a good proofreader portfolio comes in handy. So that you don’t miss out on that lucrative remote proofreader job you’ve been eyeing for months.
However, most proofreaders often have at least a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or English from a reputable institution of higher learning.
These same institutions also offer professionals seeking remote proofreader jobs certification courses. Training takes place either on their own websites or via other reputable online platforms like edX.
But these courses are better suited for established professionals who want to add to their existing job qualifications.
For example, a pharmacologist may want to increase his knowledge of proofreading research and written content within their field. So their certificate enables them to apply for proofreader jobs.
Or an editor who’s been editing print publications for decades may want to either refresh their existing knowledge and/or learn about new tools used in their job. And the list goes on.
Truth is, the internet has blown up. Everyone is publishing and/or uploading content. So there’s an increasing demand for online proofreading jobs as a standalone vocation.
This comprehensive list of 80 authority websites offering proofreader jobs says it all. EIGHTY!
We know how the wild wild web can be overwhelming. So we’ve collated a shorter list of legitimate companies looking for a remote proofreader, such as yourself.
Let’s dig in, shall we?
1: Cambridge Proofreading LLC
Cambridge Proofreading LLC is a company that provides expert remote proofreader jobs in various subjects which include:
- business and economics
- medical sciences
- social sciences
- life sciences
- engineering and physical sciences.
So, a proofreader who takes a freelance job with Cambridge Proofreading LLC may expect to work on:
- admissions papers,
- research proposals,
- dissertations,
- resumes, and other related documentation.
Sounds like your dream remote freelance job? Great!
But first, you need to meet these requirements to be able to apply for a job:
- Must be experienced in academic proofreading and/or editing
- Must be a native English speaker
- Must hold a bachelor s degree from a British, American (hello New York University?) or another English-speaking university.
If this seems like the perfect online job opportunity for you, send your resume to editingmanager@cambridgeproofreading.com or contact them via phone.
This is only after you’re sure you have the right qualifications (by following the first link in the above section).
However, if this isn’t the right remote proofreader job for you, keep reading because there are plenty of other great online companies offering proofreader jobs.
With these handy tips, you’re officially the perfect proofreader and any company would be lucky to have you. Grab your free cheat sheet now!
2: Kelly Services
This company prides itself on carrying out an elaborate job search. And matching remote freelance workers with the right proofreader job or any other fitting position.
With more than 70 years of experience, Kelly Services offers legitimate remote proofreader jobs and a host of other global remote job opportunities.
As a proofreader, expect a position in predominantly American companies in various fields and industries. Requirements typically depend on a particular job, so feel free to search through each company website for more information.
If you’d like a remote proofreader job through their global network of 7,000 freelance employees, start here.
3: EditFast
For a remote proofreading job at EditFast, follow this link and read through their company website. Search for the finer details that would matter to you not included below.
To secure a job position in this online company, remote freelance proofreaders must have:
- a strong command of the English language
- a university degree
- professional proofreading or editing experience
- specialized knowledge in literature, finance, medical, technical or any other academic field
- a reliable Internet connection.
If you’ve checked all their job requirements and you’re eligible for a proofreading position, follow these steps:
- Register and submit your resume with their Resume Builder.
- Complete some editing tests.
- Create your Web page through the EditFast Web Page Builder and submit a non-disclosure agreement.
Once you’ve completed these steps, wait for the company to approve your resume. This can take between one day and up to two weeks.
If your profile gets activated (which means it’s been approved) you’ll start landing new jobs.
Great! What’s next?
Remote freelance proofreaders bid on different projects. If they have the winning bid, they receive 60% of the earnings from each job (via PayPal) when they complete their part of work.
It’s important to point out that rates vary from project to project so you may not have a fixed job on this company platform.
4: Wordy
Wordy is a job board that works on a first-come-first-served basis. Freelancers from all around the world can find ad hoc remote proofreading and editing jobs in this company. It takes an hour or so to sign up.
According to Wordy, their editors can earn €30.53 per hour if they work at an average speed.
If you have the right expertize and a stable internet connection, this is the perfect remote job for you.
You’re welcome to apply for a remote proofreader or editor position at Wordy.
What’s more, English must NOT be your mother-tongue, but you must pass their test and be well-acquainted with the Wordy style guide.
Before you apply for a vacant position at Wordy, you may want to familiarize yourself with:
- their Terms of use for editors to learn more about detailed job requirements and payment
- expectations for different types of services they offer (i.e. what tasks you’re likely to be given if you land a job there)
Note: At the time of writing this article, Wordy’s website was undergoing an update so they have paused editor registrations
5: Babbletype
Babbletype openly invites dedicated and capable freelance remote proofreaders, transcribers, translators, and writers to join their team.
It’s one of those companies that expect you to work whenever you want but you must meet their deadlines.
The rate typically paid for a Babbletype proofreader job ranges between $0.13 and $0.18 per word depending on the language. They process payments weekly via PayPal.
You’re eligible to apply for remote work here if you are:
- dependable
- a native speaker proficient in English
- own a decent computer with a good Internet connection
- are preferably located in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland or New Zealand
Here’s the standard procedure for applying:
- If you believe you meet their requirements, first, complete this online job application form
- Don’t rush! You must read all the information carefully before you take their short proofreading test (if that’s the position you’re applying for)
You’ll need to wait a few days before they contact you while your application gets approved.
Babbletype posts new jobs at a specific time (usually about 6 p.m. EST) every day. When you accept a job, you must submit it by 22 hours later (at 4 p.m. the next day).
You’re also allowed to take on more than one job assignment per day, including ‘audio auditing’ work (listening to and correcting a failed transcription).
When you’re in their system, you’ll get one email each day in which you’ll find out about newly available job assignments.
- Option a) If you cannot or don’t want to work that day, simply don’t respond
- Option b) If you’d like to work on a specific job, click on the link to their assignment tool, choose the assignment to work on, and sign-up to complete it
Sounds like a good fit for you? Then, go ahead and submit your job application.
How Do I Become a Proofreader Online?
To get paid as a remote freelance proofreader, you need a legit online job that ensures a stable income for you and your family.
Have you worked as a remote proofreader before?
Maybe you’re new to this remote world that affords you a host of proofreader jobs. Perhaps you’re looking to make your job as a paid remote proofreader a permanent position.
If that’s the case, your search has come to an end. We’re the experts when it comes to freelance remote jobs and we’ve got everything you need to succeed.
Read our new hire checklist to get you started with confidence and ease.
As a beginner, you may have to sign up for numerous remote jobs and try working with different companies. Consider this your job experience and you know how much companies love experience!
Overtime two or three of those companies may stick with you. So you can focus on perfecting your niche, book high-quality jobs and eventually increase your rates.
With such job experience under your belt, in case one job falls through, you’ll more easily land another well-paying remote proofreading job.
Or better yet, use your remote proofreading experience to establish an editing firm that provides remote jobs for others. Just like Hamed Bazaz, the founder of Journal Edit.
His firm specializes in academic writing and he has a little bit of advice for people looking to venture into remote scientific proofreader jobs. Freelance or join a company?
Having worked in both, I think there are merits to each type of jobs and it will largely depend on what motivates you.
In my mind, finding jobs through a company is an excellent way to get started quickly and relatively hassle-free. You can decide how much time you want to dedicate for editing, what jobs interest you, etc.
These attributes are particularly valuable for someone who enjoys reading/learning academic content and is pursuing editing as a passion or hobby, rather than as a job.
Operating as an independent remote freelancer can be rewarding in a different way. It is gratifying to see your business grow over time and repeat customers seeking your individual expertise and editing style.
Building a direct rapport with customers is a great way to give and receive feedback.
At the same time, an independent freelancer inherently needs to spend a substantial amount of time on administrative tasks e.g., marketing, billing, customer inquiries, quotes, etc.
These activities may be less interesting for someone who prefers to focus on academic content as their main job.”
Such insightful information, don’t you agree? Try it out yourself.
