How to start a proofreading side hustle? A guide

Are you looking for a way to make extra money? Consider starting a proofreading side hustle! This blog post will explain everything you need to know to get started. I will cover topics such as what skills you need, where to find clients, and how much you can expect to earn. So whether you are just starting or already familiar with the proofreading process, read for full details!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; for full disclosure, read here

These days people are always looking for ways to make some extra money. And what better way to do that than by starting your own business? But where do you even begin? How do you know if you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?

There are a lot of questions that need to be answered before taking the plunge into self-employment.

So what exactly is proofreading?

Proofreading is the process of reviewing a document for errors and making corrections. It can include things like grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. Proofreading is a vital step in the publication process, ensuring that the final product is error-free and ready for readers.

Now that you know what proofreading is let’s talk about your skills to be a successful proofreader.

Attention to detail

First and foremost, you must have strong attention to detail. It is essential, as even the most minor errors can make a big difference in the final product. Attention to detail is mandatory to start a proofreading side hustle.

Organizational skills

Another essential skill for proofreaders is organization. It includes tracking changes, keeping track of deadlines, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Communication skills

Proofreaders also need to have strong communication skills. It means being able to explain edits and offer constructive feedback. As a good proofreader, you have to be able to put yourself in the shoes of the reader and understand how they will react to your changes. Good command over grammar is the most critical aspect of proofreading.

So, you should have excellent grammar and punctuation skills. It is also helpful to be familiar with different style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press Stylebook.

You don’t need any degree to start a proofreading side hustle, but learning from a pro is always helpful and helps stand out in the crowd.

If you want to learn how to become a proofreader, you can check the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice from Proofread Anywhere

How much does it cost to start a proofreading side hustle?

The cost of becoming a proofreader varies depending on your needs. For example, if you already have strong grammar and punctuation skills, you may not need to take a course. However, if you need some help honing your skills, plenty of online courses are available for a fee.

Proofreading can be done anywhere in the world, as long as you have a computer and an internet connection. It makes it an excellent option for those who want to work from home or are looking for a flexible side hustle.

One of the courses is by Proofread anywhere. Caitlyn from Proofread anywhere started her journey as a proofreader and made $43,000 in her first year. She now teaches people how they can do the same.

The course is not accessible, costing around $500 for an introductory course. Though the investment is worth it, this will be your job, and you will get paid for it.

You can sign up for a free masterclass for General proofreading: Theory and practice here.

How to find clients?

Now that you know what it takes to be a successful proofreader let’s talk about where you can find clients. The best place to start is by networking with the people you know. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances and let them know you are available for proofreading services

After taking the course, there are three main ways you can find work as a proofreader:

Freelance job boards
Social media
Cold pitching

There are a few different freelance job boards that you can use to find clients, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour. These websites allow you to create a profile and bid on projects.

Networking on social media

You can also find clients by networking on social media or by cold pitching.

Social media is essential in our daily lives as it keeps us connected. So, you can use social media to find clients and market your services as a proofreader.

Cold pitching

Cold pitching is when you reach out to potential clients without going through a job. Instead, you can send an email or LinkedIn message with your services and rates.

You can also search for online job postings or contact companies directly. In addition, many small businesses and entrepreneurs always need proofreading services, so don’t forget to reach out to them!

You may never know if someone is looking for a proofreader and you fit their requirements.

How much can you get paid?

When setting your rates, there is no right or wrong answer. How much you charge will depend on your experience, the type of project, and the client’s budget. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should always start by charging what you’re worth.

Specialize in a niche to start a proofreading side hustle

It is easy to make an impact when specialized in a specific niche. For example, if you work with someone who likes your work, they will refer your name to someone.

Other ways to get started as a Proofreader

There are a few different options available to you. One option is to sign up with a proofreading service, such as ProofreadingPal or Scribendi.

These companies will connect you with clients and handle your payment and other administrative tasks. Let us talk more about the companies where you can find proofreading jobs.

Legitimate places to find proofreading jobs online

1. Scribendi

Founded in 1997, Scribendi is a leading English-language proofreading and editing company. They offer services to businesses, students, job seekers, and authors. They have stated that they strive for 5 star experience with the people they work.

To become a Scribendi proofreader, you must submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample. Once you are in, you will have access to their online training program.

Pay is every two weeks via PayPal or direct deposit. Scribendi offers both part-time and full-time positions, so you can choose the option that best fits your needs.

ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal is a proofreading and editing company that has been in business for a long time. They offer services to businesses, students, and authors. You can work from anywhere worldwide as long as you have a computer and an internet connection.

To become a ProofreadingPal proofreader, you must take a short quiz to assess your skills.

Proofread now

Proofread Now is a proofreading and editing company that has been in business since 1999. You can work from anywhere worldwide as long as you have a computer and an internet connection.

Take a quiz on their website to check your grammar capabilities. Keep an eye on the openings on their employment page.

You can find more places for online proofreading jobs here.

So these are some of the companies which offer online proofreading jobs.

Work from home as a proofreader and editor

If you have strong language skills, an eye for detail, and a passion for reading, then working as a proofreader or editor might be the perfect job for you.

How much can you expect to earn?

Rates will vary depending on factors such as the length of the document, the level of editing required, and the client’s budget. However, a general range is $18-$35 per hour. So if you proofread a document that is 20 pages long, you can expect to earn $500-$700 for your services.

Proofreading helps in building other side hustles.

One of the great things about proofreading is that you can do it entirely from home, which means you can fit it around your other commitments. And because you can set your rates, it’s a great way to earn extra income.

If you’re looking for other ways to make money from home, then be sure to check out this post on ways to make money from home.

Pros of becoming a proofreader

1. You can work from anywhere worldwide with a computer and an internet connection.

2. You can choose to work part-time or full-time, so it’s a great job for stay-at-home moms, students, or anyone looking for flexibility.

3. Rates are generally $18-$25 per hour, so it’s a great way to earn extra money.

4. Proofreading skills help in other areas, such as writing and editing.

Cons of becoming a proofreader

Of course, no job is perfect. It would help if you were some downsides to proofreading re of some downsides before getting started. These include:

Because you are working from home, it can be easy to get distracted by other things in your life. This is why it’s essential to set some ground rules before you start working, such as ensuring a dedicated workspace and developing regular office hours.
Proofreading can be a bit of a solitary job, so if you’re someone who enjoys working in a team environment, it might not be for you.
Some clients can be challenging to work with. But of course, this is true of any job, but because you’re working from home, it can be easy to feel unappreciated.
There is always the possibility that a client will ask for a refund if they are unhappy with your work. This is why it’s essential to ensure you understand the project’s scope before agreeing to take it on.
The work can be repetitive and boring at times.

Overall, a proofreading side hustle is an excellent way to some extra money from home. It’s a flexible job you can do entirely on your terms, and the pay is not bad either. Just set some ground rules before you start working, so you know what to expect and can avoid potential pitfalls.

Rates may be low at the beginning. You can charge more per hour as you gain experience.
You need to be able to work independently and have excellent time management skills.
The work can be repetitive and boring at times.
You will need to invest in some proofreading software and reference books.
You may need to complete a training course before getting started. How much you’ll need to spend depends on your chosen course.

Frequently asked questions

How does proofreading help you financially?

Starting a proofreading side hustle is a great way to make extra money from home. However, it’s not just a great way to make some extra money; it can also help you to improve your financial situation in other ways.

For example, if you’re struggling, becoming a proofreader can help to earn the extra money you need to pay off your debt sooner. Or, if you’re trying to save up for a big purchase, such as a house, the extra income can help you reach your goal quicker.

Is proofreading a good side hustle?

Yes, proofreading is a good side hustle. If you are a native English speaker, it can be a good source of income for you. With more and more content generated each day, proofreaders are in demand to proofread the text.

Are online proofreading jobs legit?

Yes, many proofreading jobs available online are legit, which is a great way to get started in the industry. Many companies provide online work to proofread documents. The pay rate may not be that great initially, but you can grow fast with perseverance and hard work.