What if I told you that you can make $50+/hour drinking coffee from your favorite mug and proofreading from home? you might be in disbelief!
Trust me when I say that if you’re looking to channel all of your energy into providing a niched service that is in high demand, then proofreading may just be the ticket.
Proofreading is a great fit for those that have a love for words, are avid readers, and genuinely want to seize a lucrative work-from-home opportunity.
The truth is, businesses often don’t have time to read over and revise their own work. So, subcontractors are brought on board to help proofread everything from email campaigns to white papers.
The best thing about proofreading is that it is a service that is always in demand.
Juggling several side hustles isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone that wants to gain experience in one service and market yourself as an expert then proofreading is a great route to go.
These 21 online proofreading jobs are perfect for beginners just starting out. Before we take a deep dive into the opportunities out there, let’s clarify a few important things.
This post may contain affiliate links. It means that at no additional cost to you, I might be compensated from your purchase. I only recommend products and services I personally love and trust.
Are Editing and Proofreading the Same Thing?
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The short answer is no.
Think of proofreading as making sure that all of the ingredients set out to bake the cake belong and make sense. Proofreading assesses the piece and helps the writer realize that they probably shouldn’t put mustard in the cake. Editing is removing the mustard from the counter and replacing it with eggs instead. An editor may even suggest scrapping the whole cake idea and making brownies instead.
Proofreaders are the observers while editors are brought on board to make physical edits to the piece.
Obviously, a writer would be lost without the proofreader and the editor. Although the roles both hold the same purpose of making the written piece ready for publication, the tasks are different.
With that being said, it’s common to see the terms proofreader and editor used interchangeably in job posts. If you’re eager to proofread, but the idea of editing makes the color drain out of your face then be sure to have a clear understanding of the projects that you apply for.
Is Proofreading Right for Me?
I’m a huge advocate for pursuing proofreading to help supplement income or to meet personal financial goals!
Here’s why I love it:
- Extremely minimal costs to invest into proofreading. If you have a working computer and a wifi connection then you’re ready to get started.
- The work is versatile. You’ll rarely have to read about the same topic twice unless you want to
- Flexibility! Many proofreading projects allow you to work within very reasonable deadlines and at your own pace.
- The money can be great! Once you gain confidence in your abilities and market your proven expertise then the proofreading opportunities are endless. You may choose to work for a larger agency or even build your own business
If you’re not sure if proofreading is right for you then I can help. Use these questions to gauge your interest and readiness for the proofreading niche.
- Does the opportunity to bring in extra income remotely appeal to you?
- Are you comfortable working independently or do you need constant team input?
- Do you enjoy reading and keeping your eyes open for grammatical errors?
- Would you be willing to read about subjects that aren’t particularly interesting to you?
How Much Do Proofreaders Earn?
As is true with many freelance opportunities, exact income projections are difficult to nail down for proofreading. Some proofreaders may regularly earn $50+/hour while others average $15/hour. There are a lot of factors that play into earnings for proofreaders:
- The content that they are having to review. If the content is more comprehensive or the length of the project is longer then the pay is usually higher. For example, proofreading technical articles may generate more income than proofreading a small business newsletter.
- Experience also plays a large role in pay. A more experienced proofreader with proven success will be privy to higher paying projects. It’s important to have portfolios or well written online profiles outlining past projects, applicable certifications, and testimonials to help quantify experience.
- Freelance platforms ratings. It’s vital to keep customer service in mind while working via freelance platforms such as Fiverr Clients can rate you during and after the project. Those ratings can and will most likely directly affect your ability to get future work.
- Optimize your income by offering special perks to clients. Having the ability to take on last-minute projects is an instant way to increase your hourly rate. Sometimes proofreading projects get delegated to clients last-minute and they need someone that can provide a quick turnaround. You’ll be well compensated for those quick deliveries! Another incentive for clients to pay extra is offering a second round of proofreading after edits are made on their end. These add-on services can really boost your ratings and your income.
If you are ready to move forward with being a proofreader and are eager to learn about the many opportunities out there waiting for you then, keep reading! Grab that favorite mug of coffee and let’s get started.
21 Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners
All of the listed platforms and/or agencies are ready for applicants today! Simply click on the hyperlinked title to seize the day.
Fiverr
Go ahead and bookmark Fiverr’s site and download the app! Their user-friendly platform allows freelancers to search for their dream job opportunities. Simply search for proofreading and the sky will be the limit! Fiverr also takes a lot of care in creating a safe platform for freelancers to receive payment for projects.
Tip: Start your proofreading profile by offering competitive low rates for the first month. This will allow you to gain experience and ratings more quickly. Then, slowly raise prices over time.
ProofreadingServices.com
The pay is competitive at Proofreading Services. Beginning at $19/hour and ranging to $46/hour for projects that require quick turnarounds. Proofreading Services also has really valuable resources for proofreaders on their website.
Tip: Watch the free webinar at “Proofread Anywhere” to grow your skill set.
Use your LinkedIn profile to help generate client leads for your proofreading venture. It’s an incredibly helpful platform! You can search for proofreading jobs, network with other proofreaders, and read helpful articles about the gig economy all in one place!
Tip: Be sure to opt in for proofreading job alerts and grow your network with businesses that could use your services.
Use your time that you already spend on Facebook to your advantage. Join groups for freelancers to search for jobs and network with other proofreading professionals. Groups like these will help you gauge how much you should charge hourly, how long certain projects typically take, and tips for interacting with clients.
Tip: Be helpful to other members in the group. Being intentional about networking will help you gain leads for new proofreading projects.
Polished Paper
Polished Paper is at the top of its class when it comes to proofreading services. This worldwide proofreading and editing service has some big-name clients on their list. If you are new to proofreading, but have high confidence in your attention to detail then go ahead and fill out the application. Polished Paper does have an intensive application process, but the compensation is excellent!
Tip: Consider marketing your proofreading services for free by using Instagram. Research relevant hashtags and use them to promote your skills.
Scribbr
You can play a role in helping college students obtain their degree. Scribbr is an editing service for college students. Join the team and help students get their papers in tip-top shape this term!
Tip: Use Canva to create a one-pager portfolio highlighting your proofreading experience. Having this on hand for potential clients can make all the difference in securing the job.
Start Your Own Proofreading Business
Establish your own business and market your services with a website and paid ads.
Buying a website domain and registering as a business does require a financial investment, but with careful planning you can cover those costs with your first paid proofreading projects.
Tip: If you’re on the fence about establishing your services as a business then check out resources from professional proofreaders and what they have to say.
Writer’s Relief
Writer’s Relief exists to help writers become published authors. The whole idea of their business is really neat. Proofreaders help writers by examining their submissions closely prior to publication. Applicants don’t have to jump through a lot of hoops, but spaces for proofreaders are limited. Only a small amount of proofreading opportunities open a year.
Tip: Accept projects with financial goals in mind. Setting a bar for how much you want to make through proofreading each month will help you take projects that align best with your goals.
Guru
Another platform to familiarize yourself with is Guru. Similar to Upwork, Guru is a platform for freelancers to find projects that align with their skills set.
You will be able to create a profile outlining your proofreading experience. Project rates vary so keep in mind that patience is key when finding the most lucrative jobs.
Tip: Don’t forget. Your project rate will be subject to the administrative fees of the platform you use. Budget about 25% of your proposal rate for the fees that are deducted from Upwork, Guru, etc.
Prompt
Prompt assists students in evaluating their essays and coaching them through proofreading and editing.
It’s important to note that Prompt only accepts applications for “writing coaches” from those that have completed a bachelor’s degree. Average proofreading jobs on Prompt pays $25-$30 hourly.
Tip: Be mindful of the projects you enjoy most and use that information as motivation to niche in a particular sector later on. For example, if you love proofreading technical pieces then niching in academic projects may be a great way to market your services and be happy while doing it!
Gramlee
Starting under the guidance of one agency rather than having multiple freelance clients is ideal for a lot of reasons. Knowing the expectations and scope of the work week in and week out is helpful as you gain experience. Gramlee is always recruiting new proofreaders.
University Writing Centers
Check with universities to see if they are hiring proofreaders in their writing centers. You can use your proofreading skills to help students soar this academic year!
Pay may not be as high as it would be via a freelance platform or private agency, but the networking opportunities would be phenomenal! If academic writing is your ideal niche then try reaching out to multiple universities and track their responses on a spreadsheet.
EditFast
Proofreaders create their personal profile and upload their resume on EditFast. Those needing proofreading services will reach out if they come across your profile and believe that you are the best fit for the project. EditFast does withhold 40% of the final project payout.
People Per Hour
Unlike Upwork, People Per Hour requires that all applicants take an assessment test. The extra requirements make this platform an attractive option for businesses that need freelancers with proven expertise. As a proofreader, you can expect to have new job opportunities to apply to every day!
Tip: To avoid continuous “platform fees”, try mixing it up! Scout for clients on freelance platforms, LinkedIn, and organic networking.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs provides a substantial safety net to users by researching and validating the businesses posting job opportunities. The added security is a nice addition for freelancers that are new to remote work; giving them one less thing to worry about. Easily search for proofreading jobs according to the scope of work, deadlines, and qualifications.
Upwork
Many people have heard of Upwork and turn to it for various freelance projects. Upwork houses gig opportunities covering everything from graphic design to proofreading.
Filter your search to find the project that is perfect for you. Clients can choose to pay hourly or by project.
Tip: Know the worth of your work. Research proofreading rates and establish your rate according to your experience, scope of the project, and your personal financial goals. Freelancers often undervalue their work. Price your work to where it is fair to you!
CACTUS Communications
Calling all lovers of science and technology! CACTUS has a team of editors, proofreaders, and transcribers that help take scientific pieces and make them shine! If you’re eager to jump on board then visit their site today and fill out the application.
Wordvice
As a larger and more established agency, Wordvice has multiple opportunities to join their team. Editing is on the list!
Some opportunities are specific to freelancers while others are employee positions. You can search the full scope of their vacancies here.
Freelancer
The platform has over 43 million freelancers registered! Although it may seem a bit competitive (to say the least!), there are more than enough projects to go around. Sign up for a Freelancer account today and search for proofreading jobs from home!
Tip: Make your profile pop on freelancer platforms! Because the market is saturated, it’s important to put your best work front and center. Learn how to create profiles that stand out and cover letters that “Wow!” through online courses on platforms such as Teachable or Udemy.
Local Businesses
Proofreading may not seem like a common need for small businesses, but that’s where you come in! If you’re feeling adventurous, talk to local businesses about your proofreading services. Whether you offer to help with their ads, blogs, website copy, or publications, local businesses could use the hand up!
Course Creators
Entrepreneurs are turning to course creation at a rapid rate. The endeavor comes with high stakes. For example, a life coach may create a course on the importance of a positive mindset. Not only is the course a huge financial undertaking, but also represents their entire brand just as a website would.
Reaching out to course creators that you network with on social media is a great proofreading opportunity. They need to know that the teaching material given to students is going to be a great reflection of their brand.
Tip: Grab a mentor! If you know someone that has found success as a freelancer then reach out to them for helpful tips and to keep you accountable to your goals.
Key Takeaways
If you’re already spending free time reading then why not get paid for it? Getting paid for something you enjoy is absolutely freeing.
Proofreading can be an extremely lucrative route and a less hectic alternative to managing multiple side hustles. With some tenacity and careful planning, you can even replace your day job by proofreading full time! Familiarize yourself with helpful resources for proofreaders. It’s perfectly acceptable to learn as you go!
I am already looking forward to hearing about your ventures in proofreading. Tell me, what are your favorite platforms for finding freelance work?
Fiverr is at the top of my list and they have an amazing promo right now! Sign up for Fiverr today and start a freelancer account right here.