Proofreading jobs are ideal for those who are detail oriented, precise and have a good grasp of grammar and spelling. Many proofreaders have a background in writing or editing and many work on a freelance basis. It is also one of the few legitimate careers in which you can work online much of the time, as well as from home.
Many proofreaders work on a freelance basis and the internet has made it easy to find and apply for freelance proofreading jobs, although the industry is highly competitive. Most would-be employers require several years of verifiable experience, or some kind of track record. Online job boards offer everything from large ongoing projects, to one of a kind assignments. Most job boards require you to register before applying for work; many are free, although some do charge a fee. You may also have to ‘bid’ for work, along with other freelancers, sometimes resulting in low paid work.
Many freelance proofreaders start out by writing articles and there are plenty of sites that allow you to write articles, either by claiming a specific assignment, or posting your work in the hopes that somebody will buy it. Most online writing sites require some experience, or want to see a sample of your writing. Many sites also have existing articles that they want rewritten – a useful way to practice your proofreading skills.
If you are serious about becoming a freelance proofreader, at some point you will have to have your own website to promote and market yourself. Ideally, your site should have some before and after examples of any work that you have done – remember, you want to stand out from the crowd. You should post anything that you have written, and of course a resume with any relevant experience is also essential.
It is possible to make a living from taking on line proofreading jobs – in fact, professional proofreaders average around $45 an hour – but it can be difficult. However, if you enjoy grammar, spelling and fact checking, it may be the career for you.
