Online Proofreading

What is Proofreading

A proofreaders job is to catch things like spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. They also look at the formatting to make certain all elements are correctly written and appear as they should. Types of errors you will need to be on a look out for as a proofreader:

• Typing errors
• Commas and semicolons
• Capitalisation
• Apostrophes
• Hyphens
• Quotation marks
• Numbers
• Subject/verbs
• Noun/pronouns

Editors vs. Copyeditors vs. Proofreaders

Editors mostly perform tasks such as planning content, assigning work, reviewing submissions, and making revisions.

Copyeditors often work with authors throughout the writing process. They provide spelling and grammar edits. Copyeditors also fulfil the task of overseeing rewrites and large-scale restructuring of the work. Copyeditors can also check for grammatical errors, continuity fails, and other inconsistencies. By the time the work reaches a proofreader, all rewrites should be perfect and complete.

Proofreaders are the last step of the writing process. They give a piece a final once-over before the work is published. Looking for any errors which may have been overlooked by earlier edits. The proofreaders job is to ensure that the final product is error-free. Keep in mind, that some businesses may expect proofreaders to assume greater responsibilities.

Who needs Proofreaders?

• Businesses use proofreaders for various assignments such as marketing material, press releases, and company reports.
• Students often want their work proofread before they hand it in.
• Writers want to make sure their work is perfect before they publish it.
• Content Creators often want proofreaders to help them.

How Much Money Do Proofreaders Make?
As of Mar 6, 2022, the average annual pay for a freelance proofreader in the United States is $51,000 per year. Which works out to be approximately $25 per hour. This is the equivalent of $988 per week or $4,300 per month. As a part-time job, proofreading is one of the better ways to make extra money in 2022. Industries with the highest levels of employment of proofreaders include:

• newspaper industry
• book industry
• directory publishers
• scientific and technical services
• business support services
• employment services
• advertising industry 
• public relation firms

The Required Skills

There’s really no specific educational requirements for proofreaders. For the most employers require candidates to take a proofreading test to show competency. Certain proofreading positions might call for an advanced degree or experience in a particular industry.

As an aspiring proofreaders, you want to be strong in communication and pay close attention to detail. Applicants should have the ability to work independently and to meet deadlines. Most modern proofreading tasks gets performed on computers. Familiarity with word processing, editorial software, and spreadsheets will get you a long way.

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree or an English degree to become a successful proofreader. In fact, many online proofreaders in the industry have never set foot in a university. So no matter your background, you can become a proofreader.

Online Proofreading Courses

Will it benefit you to take an online course in proofreading before jumping into things? Well, while learning on the job and teaching yourself can work, my personal opinion is that the quickest route to becoming a freelance proofreader is to take an online course from someone with personal success in the industry. Someone who can teach you the skills you need, and how to land gigs and build a business fast. This can save you months, if not years of hard work.

A Proofreaders Tools

Here are three tools that will help you become a successful proofreader

• Google Docs will allow you to share documents with clients and leave comments easily.

• Microsoft Word is the perfect place for you to edit your work and look at the tiny details.

• Grammarly will help you with the basic grammar and sentence structure editing.

Your Online Proofreading Business

Remember that you are in control of what clients you accept, when you work, and how much you make. You can be in charge of your own proofreading business. Many earn a good living doing this alone. The first step is building your own website and creating a community of customers there. Make sure to expand your network by contacting student organisations and local businesses. For even faster results you can advertising on social media. Join Facebook groups that specialise in freelancer work. Connect with people. If you are persistent, you’ll land your first proofreading job in no time.