Why Online Proofreading Jobs Are Perfect for You
What exactly is proofreading? Proofreading, in simple terms, means going through written text and correcting any errors that you find.
This can be quite different from editing because it does not involve changing the meaning of the text, but only fixing mistakes in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
There are plenty of places to get proofreading jobs online and there are many reasons why these are great opportunities to build your writing career as a freelancer, or even just make some extra cash on the side.
Here’s what you need to know about online proofreading jobs before you start applying for work with companies like yours.
What is proofreading?
Many people, especially students and recent graduates, may ask themselves what proofreading is. Simply put, it is editing a piece of writing to look for errors in spelling, grammar, usage and style. In some jobs you will be expected to check facts as well as fix any mistakes you find.
While editing will generally have been done by another person at a publishing house or magazine, it is important that proofs are proofread before going to print to ensure that no mistakes have crept through.
That’s where online proofreaders come in – these people take their paychecks from companies that want their magazines to be perfect before printing them.
Online proofreading jobs are beneficial in a number of ways. Whether you’re just starting out looking for a job or trying to increase your current income, online proofreading jobs may be what you need.
Companies are always looking for new people to perform proofreading services and these companies include schools, magazines, and publishing houses.
This is an extremely flexible job that can be done from home or anywhere else where there is internet access.
However, most employers will want to see previous experience so it may take some time before you find one that wants to hire you.
As long as you have some idea of what goes into being a proofreader, however, and whether or not it’s something that interests you then online proofreading jobs may be perfect!
Who hires proofreaders?
When it comes to online proofreading jobs, a wide variety of companies will hire you. This includes: publishing houses and book manufacturers, magazines and periodicals, literary agents and agencies, self-publishing firms and independent authors.
Proofreaders can also find work with software developers who create user manuals, websites or other electronic products.
Some industries where proofreaders are in high demand include scientific publishers, legal services providers, education companies, insurance businesses and financial firms.
No matter what industry you’re looking to break into as a proofreader—or if you just want some general proofreading experience—online jobs can be an excellent way to build your skillset (and your resume).
As you can see, there are a number of different ways that online proofreading jobs can help you break into—or progress within—the industry. If you’re ready to take on an online proofreading job or just looking to make some extra cash on your own time, visit us today.
We post a range of available jobs throughout every week so that no matter what day of the week it is, we have one that fits your schedule! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about how we operate or what proofreading means!
What are they looking for?
People are constantly looking for proofreaders to edit their documents and it’s not hard to see why: there’s hardly a job with more flexibility.
Whether you want to set your own hours or take on assignments during vacations, you can earn money when and where you choose.
Plus, once you have a portfolio that proves your skills, it’s easy to move up in terms of pay or find remote work opportunities if you have an established client base. Still wondering who hires proofreaders?
Consider these organizations - Newspapers and magazines (online or print) need copy editors to check facts, spelling, grammar, punctuation and style. A degree in journalism is helpful but not required.
Experience as a writer is helpful but again—not required. If you have strong editing skills (and a desire to write), most newspapers will hire you as an editor/proofreader without much fuss.
In fact, many people start out as interns at local papers before moving into full-time positions after graduation from college.
How do I become a proofreader?
To become a professional proofreader, it is important to pursue a post-secondary education in writing or editing.
Most proofreaders complete two years of post-secondary education at an accredited college or university before seeking employment at a publishing house.
A bachelor's degree in English or Communications may not be necessary, but relevant classes will help you develop your skills and make you more competitive when looking for jobs.
In addition to earning a degree, proofreaders can improve their skills by completing an internship with a publishing company or independent editor.
If you are interested in online proofreading jobs, it is important to note that there are no licensing requirements to become a proofreader. In fact, some countries do not have a minimum wage for proofreaders or editors. However, most employers will require proofreaders to be fluent in English and have an excellent command of grammar. Once you begin looking for online proofreading jobs, it is important to start by building your portfolio.
Can anyone do it?
There’s a misconception out there that online proofreading jobs are reserved only for those with a lot of experience.
The truth is, any human can proofread effectively. It just takes some practice to get really good at it. So you don’t need any special credentials to start proofreading; in fact, it’s an easy way to make money in your spare time.
That said, proofreaders with more experience usually land better-paying gigs on platforms like Fiverr, ProZ and Upwork (more on these later).
How much can I earn as a freelance proofreader?
This is a tough question to answer because it varies based on your location, experience and quality of work.
Some proofreaders charge anywhere from $20-60 an hour, while others (particularly those with advanced degrees in English) earn up to $100 an hour.
The median hourly rate is roughly $35 an hour. However, remember that you have to factor in taxes and any other expenses you have when running your own business.
Still, if you're interested in starting a home-based business—especially one that allows you to set your own hours—proofreading might be a good fit.
Depending on your country, your location and other factors, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to find proofreading jobs that are suitable for you.
If you need money sooner rather than later, be prepared to work with clients from lower-paying countries or those who request less stringent proofreading.
When accepting projects, make sure you're aware of any deadlines or payment policies—and always confirm how long clients will wait before they cancel jobs in case you get tied up with other projects.
If I'm just starting out as a freelance proofreader: As a beginning freelancer, getting started with proofreading is pretty straightforward if you know where to look.
If I'm an experienced proofreader looking to increase my income: It's not easy to take your proofreading career from side gig to full-time job, but there are ways you can get there. For example, focus on growing your network of clients through social media and outreach.
Some freelancers even offer additional services such as editing or translation to boost their income and attract more business.
Other steps you can take include boosting your online presence with a professional website and making sure that you're including key information about yourself and your services on other platforms.
