I have been writing content for the past 5 years, be it a personal blog like this or writing content for my clients. Few of my readers would point out the error, spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and grammatical mistakes. Spelling mistakes and grammatical mistakes not only made me embarrassed but also affected the brand image.
Not only do these blogs depend on proofreaders and there are a lot of professions. Even businesses and brands also depend on proofreaders to make sure they are producing high-quality professional content.
In this informational age, we are consuming more content than ever before, be it social media posts, blogs, documents. The demand for proofreaders is on the rise.
If you are looking for a proofreading job or proofreading-related business, this is the right post for you. Even you can start as a beginner proofreader without any prior experience.
Table of Contents
What is Proofreading?
Proofreading is the process of examining the final draft. It is not only limited to looking for spelling errors, grammar, and punctuation errors but to inconsistency and fonts & format issues. It doesn’t include any re-writing or changing the form of the sentences. Instead, a list of corrections will be noted (usually by the track changes option) and sent to the writer.
Proofreading is an indispensable step in the writing process without which an individual or a company may lose its credibility.
Proofreading vs Copyediting
Some of them think that both proofreading and copyediting are the same. But it’s not.
As mentioned earlier, a proofreader will look for misspelling, inconsistencies, punctuation errors, etc.
Copy editing or editing is the process of rectifying the sentence construction, rewriting wordiness, jargon and bringing language clarity. It improves the readability and tone of the text.
Minimum Qualification/ Skill Needed to Become Proofreader?
- A bachelor’s degree in English or journalism (not mandatory)
- Attention to detail
- Familiarity with or ability to understand the necessary tools and software such as Google Docs, MS Word, Grammarly, and Jarvis.
- Ability to focus for a long period
- Managing deadlines
How Much Money Does a Proofreader Make?
As per Salary.com, the median pay of a proofreader in the United States is around $53,000. The typical range includes $47,000-$61,000. Keep in mind that the salary range can vary depending on many factors such as education, certifications, and experience.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Professional Proofreader?
It totally depends on your progress. You can become a professional proofreader within just 50 hours if you choose the right course.
In case you want to learn on your own, it will take a month or so.
Best Places to Find Proofreading Jobs
We have curated a list of sites where you could find Proofreading jobs. Below mentioned sites are 100% legit where you could find 1000s of Proofreading Jobs regularly. You can choose whichever project you want.
Fiverr
Fiverr is the go-to place for finding any freelancing work you want ranging from Website design, Logo design to Online proofreading. You can start with Fiverr to get started with your online proofreading jobs.
You can offer extra services on top of your proofreading offering but that is closely related to the same domain such as blog post writing, writing reviews, etc.
Upwork
Upwork is the world’s largest freelance and work marketplace where you are able to find almost all freelancing gigs from sales & marketing to writing & translations. Upwork is named for a highly rated freelancer marketplace where you are able to charge much higher than any other platform.
Proofreadingservices.com
Proofreadingservices.com is the dedicated platform for proofreading, editing, publishing, and translation. It comprises a team of professionals that supports more than 10,000 clients.
You can join their team by completing the 20-minute preliminary test. Perks include flexible work hours and competitive pay of $19 to $46 per hour depending on turnaround time (TAT).
Flexjobs
Flexjobs is the best place for finding remote and work-from-home jobs. In Flexjobs, you are able to discover a lot of freelance gigs related to Proofreading services.
LinkedIn is the social network for professionals and businesses where you are able to interact with other professionals to hone your skills and be updated on what is happening in your industry. You can easily get connected with small businesses and startups who are looking for your services.
Step by Step Procedure for Getting Your Proofreading Jobs
- Take an online proofreading course: This helps you to understand how the proofreading industry works, prerequisite skills that are needed to become great proofreaders, and hacks to speed up your proofreading skills.
- Register on all Freelancing Gig Sites: Don’t rely on a single freelancer platform.Register on almost all freelancing sites that list proofreading jobs. Only by having options do you have the courage to increase your hourly rate.
- Create a personal portfolio blog: Create a personal portfolio blog and share your experience through writing blog posts. This not only stands apart from other proofreaders and this helps you gain trust among your client.
- Leverage LinkedIn: You can leverage LinkedIn by creating content and reaching out to small businesses and startups that are looking for your proofreading services through email or messages.
- Leverage Twitter: Twitter is only a palace where founders and leaders share their thought process continuously. You can reach out to any founder and leaders that are looking for your services.
- Master all necessary tools: Master any tools that level up your proofreading services. Learning a shortcut in Google Docs may increase your overall productivity in the long term.
- Inspire other proofreaders through Blogs and Social Media: This is where you will build your personal brand. If you are taking a proofreading career as a serious gig, then building your brand is essential in this hyper-connected world.
Tools Needed for Proofreading
- Grammarly: Grammarly makes proofreading easy and faster. It automatically detects grammar, spelling, punctuation mistakes and gives effective suggestions.
- Google Docs: Google doc is the primary tool for proofreaders where you are able to comment, alter and share them easily.
- Microsoft Word: Large enterprises are still relevant on Microsoft applications and it is where most content-related works are happening.
- Jarvis.ai: Jarvis.ai is AI content writing and copywriting software and you can use Jarvis to rephrase certain words that elevate your client’s work.