If you want to start working as a proofreader, the first step would be to find entry-level proofreading jobs online. After that, it can become your best side hustle to start earning money or supplement your income.
A proofreader reads any text for grammar, spelling, or punctuation marks to identify errors. Proofreading is often confused with editing.
These two are different terms, though they have a similar goal of perfecting a written piece by correcting it.
Difference between proofreading and editing
Editing: Editing involves making changes and suggestions that will improve the overall quality of your writing, particularly concerning language use and expression.
Proofreading: Proofreading comes after editing and correcting grammar mistakes, punctuation, spelling, and other language errors. Proofreading is the final step in creating a written piece, document, or text.
The demand for proofreaders has increased with the extensive use of the web, blogs, and online courses.
On top of that, it is a location-independent side hustle.
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How much do proofreaders get paid?
It depends on the proofreading experience. Proofreading jobs pay less than writing jobs. Glassdoor’s salary range is $24000 to $49000, averaging $36290.
How to find legitimate proofreading jobs online.
Some companies hire proofreaders and pay money to proofread from home. Working virtually had never been so lucrative and easy. ProofreadAnywhere’s General Proofreading: Theory and Practice can help you get started if you want to work as a proofreader and stay home.
To get hired as a Proofreader, you need specialized skills. Therefore, learning these skills and standing out from the crowd is better. This course will teach you all you need to know about proofreading and prepare you to work from home as a proofreader. The General Proofreading course by Caitlyn of Proofread Anywhere is detailed and comprehensive.
Skills you need to excel at proofreading.
Though you can learn a lot from this course, you still need some skills to start working as a proofreader.
Attention to detail: You need an eagle eye to pick minor errors. Concentration and attention to detail are the most critical skills to succeed at proofreading.
Reading: You have to read a lot while working as a proofreader. Go for it if you can read long-form text with equal concentration and without distraction.
Immaculate English: Yes, after picking up any errors, your goal is to provide a perfect copy of the text. You should be able to insert or delete any extra punctuation marks quickly.
A college degree: Though it is not a requirement, some proofreading companies want you to have a degree. A degree in journalism or English can make these careers easy for you.
Check the General Proofreading course here
Here are some companies where you can look for proofreading work and get hired to proofread documents.
1. Babbletype
This company/website hires proofreaders for proofreading services. You will get paid around $0.13-0.18 per word.
Proofreaders who are native English speakers from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand can get hired.
2. Domainite.com
The writing and editing tasks at Domainite are pretty straightforward, so you don’t need to have previous experience, but you need to respond to their emails quickly.
You can grab more work and make more money if you pay attention to detail.
Here, you will find easy-to-do editing tasks that require no previous experience.
The only requirements are a computer, a high-speed internet connection, and Microsoft Word on your computer. Then, you’re set for work.
3. Edit 911
This company needs you to have a Ph.D. in English or a related field to get hired. Also, you must have verifiable skills as a published writer.
4. Edit fast
Edit fast needs freelance proofreaders and editors to edit the documents for clients. You may not get consistent work here, but you will be paid 60% of any project. Payments are made through PayPal.
5. Editor live
Editor lives to hire editors/proofreaders occasionally for proofreading jobs. Their requirements are
- Be currently employed or enrolled in an accredited university in the United States and have a minimum G.P.A of 3.6
- Have a bachelor’s degree with five years of experience in proofreading.
6. English Trackers
To work with English Trackers, you should be a native English speaker with at least 2 years of experience editing academic documents.
7. Gramarlee
Gramlee hires proofreaders for proofreading services. Requirements are a computer with Microsoft software and the Internet. Also, you need a background in writing or journalism 8. Guru
Guru is a marketplace for freelancers. You can find proofreading work on this site. You need to register with them and sign up. Afterward, you can browse the openings and apply for the job according to your skills.
9. Indeed
We all know that it is a great place to find jobs. The same is true for editing/proofreading jobs. You can find a lot of proofreading jobs on Indeed. Some of these may be remote jobs, which you can do while at home.
10. Life tips
Life Tips provides helpful tips for its readers to hire editors, a salaried position.
11. Managed editing
Managed to edit and hired proofreaders as independent contractors. They have a detailed application, so complete it and keep your information in their database.
12. One space
One space is the place where editing and proofreading jobs are posted.
You can also make an account on this site and apply for jobs. If you don’t find a job that fits your skills, you can use it, and if they find any job that fits your skills, they may contact you.
13. Peopleperhour
Peopleperhour is a place where you can find freelance work. You must sign up with them; your skill sets will match the clients.
14. Proofreading services
You can join this company even if you are an entry-level proofreader. But you have to pass their test to be considered for work. You should score 95% on this test.
15. Proofreading 247
You will get hired if you have a master’s or Ph.D. in any stream. Proofreading 247 works for academic or business proofreading.
16. Sibia Proofreading
Sibia Proofreading hires editors for scientific, medical, and academic journals. You must have good experience in editing and proofreading to be considered for proofreading and know one of the fields.
17. Writer’s relief
Writers Relief provides proofreading services for which they need proofreaders. However, they say they are very selective in choosing the applicants, and only 2 % of applicants get hired.
18. Wordy
Registration will take around an hour. Registrations for proofreaders /editors will be open anytime in Q1 2019.
They are updating the platform, so you have to wait until it gets updated.
19. Publications professionals
This is a great place to find occasional proofreading and editing work.
You can work remotely, but you must pass their proofreading test at their Virginia office.
20. Proofreading pal
Proofreading Pal hires proofreaders regularly and pays good money. They require you to be a graduate or pursuing a graduate degree in the US.
Or it would help if you were a graduate with five years of extensive experience in proofreading.
21. Polished Paper
Polished paper hires professional proofreaders to work on their projects. To join this website, submit the application with a resume and required information and pass their editing test.
22. Scribber
Scribber is the place for academic writers and editors where you can find proofreading work to work remotely and earn some money.
23. Scribendi
Scribendi has a lot of job opportunities available for editing and proofreading. You can find on-site as well as off-site work.
24. WordsRU
WordsRU requires a Master’s degree, Ph.D., or equivalent professional experience in any academic discipline. Be proficient in MS Word and have at least two years of experience in proofreading.
25. Wordadvice
Wordadvice hires editors who have two years of experience editing. You can get hired for proofreading work if you have the required skills.
26. Flex Jobs
File jobs are a great place to find remote jobs, and proofreading jobs are one of them. The only catch is that you must pay a monthly fee of $15 for membership. You can cancel it anytime you want.
26. Fiverr.com
Fiverr.com is also a great place to get started as a proofreader. It provides legitimate online proofreading jobs for beginners.
27. Proofread Now
These companies provide proofreading and editing work. Some of them provide work as an individual contractor, and you get to be paid as you complete the task.
More options are here to look for legitimate proofreading jobs online
28. Editor World
29. Kirkus Media
30. Cactuc Communications
31. Wordfirm Inc.
32. Book Editing
33. Kibin
34. Grammar Chic
35. Reedsy
If you want to kickstart your career as a freelance proofreader, you can check out Caitlyn Pyle’s free masterclass here.
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need?
Most online proofreading jobs don’t require formal qualifications, but having a background in English, journalism, or communications can be beneficial.
Some clients might request prior experience or a portfolio of completed work.
Attention to detail, knowledge of style guides (like APA, MLA, or Chicago), and strong grammar skills are essential.
How much do online proofreaders earn?
The pay rate for proofreaders varies depending on the type of work, experience, and location. Entry-level proofreaders may earn between $10 and $20 per hour on freelance platforms.
Experienced proofreaders or those specializing in legal or medical proofreading can charge up to $40 per hour or more.
Some platforms pay per word or project instead of hourly, with rates typically ranging from $0.01 to $0.05 per word.
How can I get started?
To start, create a profile on freelance websites and showcase your skills, portfolio, and experience. You can also take an online proofreading course to enhance your skills and confidence.
Start applying for small gigs to build your reputation and, over time, increase your rates.
Do I need any special software or tools?
While proofreaders can use essential word processing tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, specialized software such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Hemingway Editor can help spot errors more efficiently.
However, nothing replaces the human eye for catching subtle mistakes or understanding context.
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