How to Become an Online Proofreader Today

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In this blog post, I'll explain what proofreading is, what an online proofreader does, and how you can become an online proofreader.

What is proofreading?

Proofreading Anywhere says the following:

“Proofreading is the last step in the editorial process. It comes after the document has already been through the developmental and copyediting stages.”

What do online proofreaders do?

Proofreaders perform a final check before a document is printed or published online. They proofread books, blog posts, web pages, magazines, newspapers, promotional copy, and more.
A proofreader is responsible for checking documents for errors and typos, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting/layout issues, and ensuring that the document adheres to style guides and more.
They make sure that any content they edit is accurate and flawless.

Skills needed to become an online proofreader

You will need to have excellent spelling and punctuation and English grammar skills.
You will need to have a good eye for detail and be thorough.
You need to be proficient online.
And you need a blog or website to showcase your skills. To start a blog or website, check out my blog post, How to Set up a Money-Making Blog.

Check out this FREE proofreading workshop that teaches you everything you need to know to get started proofreading online

Is there a market for online proofreaders?

Online proofreaders are in high demand and the need for online proofreaders keeps growing because the amount of content that is published online keeps growing. There is a steady need for online proofreaders and a wide variety of online proofreading jobs are available.

Who needs online proofreaders?

Publishing houses are the biggest employers of freelance proofreaders. Many publishers are now also publishing books online.
Target publishers publish work for an audience of specialists that can include work of scholarly, intellectual or creative merit. if you have knowledge of or experience in specific subjects, you may want to contact target publishers who publish books on topics you're familiar with.
Magazine publishers. In addition to using proofreaders for their printed magazines, they often use online proofreaders for their online publications.
Proofreading companies may recruit different proofreaders for different topics and tasks.
Printers often need proofreaders.
Writers. You can network with writers online. Or advertise in magazines targeted to writers such as Writer's Digest. Many writers of print books and ebooks use proofreaders to check their writing before publishing it.
As so many ebooks get published, the market for online proofreading jobs is only growing.
Employment agencies.
Advertising (PR) agencies.
Graphic designers.
Academic proofreading work includes school essays, novels or poems. You may want to contact local colleges to get academic proofreading jobs.

Easy online proofreading jobs for bloggers

Bloggers write a lot of content. They constantly need to add new content to entice people to return to their blog. Many bloggers outsource proofreading jobs to online proofreaders to proofread their content.

Check out this FREE 50-Minute WORKSHOP
at Proofread Anywhere.

How much do proofreaders Make

Salary.com mentions this: The average Proofreader salary in the United States is $57,473 in 2023 and top earners are making $73,073. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
From Salary.com

Glassdoor mentions that proofreaders in the US make an average of $54,000 annually, with the top end of earners making over $68,000 per year.
https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/proofreader-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm

Here are some tips on how to become a proofreader and find proofreading work from home.

Promote your proofreading services on freelance job sites.
Network online and offline. Networking is a good way to get started and get ongoing proofreading jobs from home.
Advertise your proofreading services in business directories, business publications, and writers' publications.
Do volunteer proofreading work to get some experience. Local charities are a good place to offer your volunteer services.
Ask testimonials from the organizations, businesses, or individuals you've done proofreading work for even if it was non-paid work.
Put flyers on bulletin boards at colleges and offer student rates to students working on theses and dissertations.
Get a website to showcase your skills. You can get hosting starting around $3-$4/month and get your own domain name for around $14/year. See how to set up a money-making blog here.
Taking a good proofreading course may help you get some proofreading jobs. I recommend checking out Caitlin’s FREE Introductory Workshop on How to Become a Proofreader.

Learn how you can start your own online proofreading business.

Proofreading work is not for everyone but it can be an interesting work-at-home career for the right person.

If you have an eye for detail, freelance proofreading may be a great way for you to work from home. If you're interested in doing proofreading jobs from home I would recommend that you take a course.

Resources

lean how to become a freelance proofreader free workshop

Check out Caitlin Pyle’s FREE Introductory Workshop
to find out how to become a proofreader!

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