Last Updated on 10 months by Anoob P T
Proofreading jobs are a great way to make money online. Here are 11 best websites to find a high-paying proofreading job online.
I started my career as a writer, then an Editor and finally a digital marketer.
I can tell you from experience that finding a good proofreader is hard and once I find a good proofreader, I tend to work with them for many months.
In this post, we look at how to find a good proofreading job online and if you are new to proofreading, I am also listing few courses to train yourself in proofreading.
Proofreading Jobs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Find High-Paying Online Proofreading Job
Table of Contents
What is Proofreading
Proofreading is done as the last step of editing a draft of a text to look for errors or corrections. Proofreading allows for through checking of the draft to ensure prompt rectification.
Difference between proofreading and editing
Proofreaders focus on capitalizations, language usage, punctuations and spellings. Editing is important early in the writing process even while building the copy. Proofreading is the ending process in writing proofreading helps to catch missteps with language use, mechanical issues and formatting errors.
Qualifications for Proofreading Job
You will get an upper hand on other proofreaders if you have a degree in Journalism and English Literature.
You might also need a specialization in a particular subject or field depending about the kind of texts you will be proofreading. In some cases you might also require a PhD.
Freelancing jobs are a good option if you don’t have a degree as they look for experience and efficiency and not qualifications.
How hard is Proofreading?
You have to look for minute details while proofreading. There are four main things you should look out for when you proofread.
The first thing is mechanical accuracy. You have to check if the formatting or organizational guidelines set in the assessment brief are followed.
The second thing to look out for is formatting of references. This is to check if the references are appropriately placed in-text citations. The citation must appear within the sentence that contains information paraphrased from that source.
You also need to check if the text followed formatting details to the letter, is the reference list in proper alphabetical or numerical order, have the references been cross-checked with in-text citations.
Another thing to look out for is punctuation and capitalization. This includes missing full stops and proper use of semicolons. Finally you also have to check the language usage.
So proofreading is not as easy as it looks, you have to go through texts with a fine-tooth comb and not miss anything out as it it the last step before publishing
Best Proofreading Courses that will help you improve your skills
Proofreading Power Basics ( Udemy )
This course is an ideal choice for beginners as it takes you through the intermediate levels of grammar and writing. You are also given plenty of exercises to help improve your error spotting skills.
Price– $9.34
Explore Proofreading Power Basics CourseKickstart a Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork ( Udemy )
This course gives you all the tips and tricks to become an efficient remote bookkeeper. It guides to draft a cover letter and fast-track your online proofreading career.
Price– $9.34
Explore Kickstart a Freelance Editor CourseThe Complete Proofreading Course: Editing and Proofreading ( Udemy )
This course has an ideal blend of proofreading and editing material and will help you identify the importance of style and consistency.
Price– $9.34
Explore The Complete Proofreading CourseHow to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide ( Udemy )
This course will guide you through professional proofreading symbols and their appropriate usage. It not only helps you spot errors in texts but also in graphics and design.
Price– $ 9.34
Average Salary of Proofreaders in US
The average salary of a proofreader can be anywhere from between $25- $52. The level of expertise and experience you have determines the pay bracket. If you have been doing this for long you can even charge $60 per hour.
Freelancers are generally paid depending on the urgency of deadlines and the amount of pages or words. This varies from project to project and sometimes also your location.
11 Best Websites to Find ProofReading Jobs
Proofreading Services
This website offers both full-time and part-time positions. You can get paid anywhere from between $19-$46 per hour depending upon the urgence of the deadline. No degree is required for applying but you will have to pass a test to qualify.
https://www.proofreadingservices.com/pages/careers
ProofreadingPal
This is a good option for graduates who have experience in the field and want to take up a career in proofreading. This is only applicable to graduates from universities in the United States. You are also required to have at least five years of experience in proofreading and editing.
http://proofreadingpal.com/proofreading-career-opportunities.php
Cactus Global
Here you can find jobs that offer you the flexibility to decide your working hours. You require experience in editing and at least a Bachelor’s degree in healthcare, life sciences, medicine and surgery. They also provide accommodation for those with disabilities.
https://jobs.cactusglobal.com/current-openings/freelance-specialist-editors
Edit 911
Edit expects its freelancers to be highly qualified and have proficiency in English. You also need to be an expert in various styles of documentation.
Edit Fast
This is a great option for students who want to delve into the world of proofreading and editing. You only require a degree to qualify. Once you register, your profile will be reviewed and if you pass the review you will be eligible to get client projects.
https://editfast.com/english/editjobs.htm
Scribbr
Anyone fresh out of their undergraduate course can apply for this job. If you have proofreading experience in your subject of expertise then that can improve your chances of being selected.
Wordvice
Anyone who is a graduate can apply irrespective of their field of study. You can directly contact the client using their user friendly interface and the presence of a middle-man is eliminated.
Writer’s Relief
As a part of writer’s relief you will be required to help creative writers in their final stages of publication. Previous experience will give you an upper hand amongst other applicants.
Scribendi
If you have a university degree and editing and proofreading experience this might be the right place to look for a job. They expect you to offer revision services to clients from various sectors from business to academia and also publishing.
https://www.scribendi.com/employment.en.html
Enago
You have to be highly qualified to be hired by engo. The minimum requirement is a Masters degree and at least 5 years of experience in either proofreading or editing .
https://www.enago.com/careers/current-openings.htm#contentanchor
Polished Paper
Polished Paper requires you to upload your resume and pass a 35 question editor test. You can also use outside resources to complete the test including various formatting guidelines.
https://polishedpaper.com/editor/register
R3ciprocity
This website has a unique approach as offers you credits in return for proofreading. It is based on the community concept and once you join you can both submit your own work for proofreading and also proofread others works. The credits that you get can be redeemed as cah or used for getting your work edited.
Life Tips
This website provides both remote and in-house postings. Candidates with SEO knowledge are preferred. You work directly with clients and are provided with full medical benefits along with the salary.
https://www.lifetips.com/about/join-team-editorial.html
Frequently Asked Questions on Proofreading Jobs
How do I become a proofreader?
You can take any online course to become a proofreader. Attending colleges and Universities is also an option- but slightly more expensive.
How much money can you make proofreading?
According to salary.com an average proofreader can make $52,202 per year or between $25-$50 per hour.
What is a proofreader job?
You can say a proofreader is like a Quality Checker who ensures the final text of the publication is accurate before it goes to print. Proofreaders usually work after the author, editor and others have edited and modified the work.
Can you be a proofreader without a degree?
Yes, if you have an eye for detail and you are grammatically sound, you can become a proofreader without a degree.
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