There are many proofreading jobs you can get from home. Proofreading is a flexible online vocation you can make extra cash from and even make a full-time career out of.
If you often notice spelling mistakes and grammar errors when reading text online, proofreading could be a good job for you.
Proofreading is an in-demand skill. Which is great for those wanting to work remotely! Even if you haven’t had any experience as a proofreader, it’s possible to pick up proofreading work.
To give yourself the best chance of being successful, it’s advised to get a little training under your belt.
As an affiliate partner of various brands and sponsored content, HerPaperRoute may earn commission on qualifying purchases. Disclaimer | Advertise With Us
And don’t worry if you have no money for this, I’ll detail below where you can get free and affordable proofreading training.
In addition to this big list of proofreading job opportunities, I recommend that you enroll in Proofread Everywhere.
What Does a Proofreader Do?
A proofreader checks and edits written documents, books, articles and posts before they are published. You are basically the last quality check to ensure the text is free from errors.
No sentence re-writing or revising is involved like with copy editing.
A proofreader ensures there are no grammatical, typographical, spelling, punctuation, syntax formatting and any other type of errors.
What Specific Skills Do Proofreaders Need?
To get one of the proofreading jobs from home, it helps if you have a few skills. Some you may possess naturally, but you can always pick up any required skills to become a better proofreader.
Here are some basic proofreading skills you need to get started;
- An attention to detail
- A good command of the English language including grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Highly motivated and the ability to work unsupervised
- The ability to stay focused, even when a document is long
- A decent knowledge of Microsoft Word and using editing/track changes
Are There Many Proofreading Jobs from Home Available?
Proofreading is actually an in-demand skill. With many people starting their own online businesses and businesses wanting an online presence, there is a lot of potential to get paid proofreading work.
It’s possible to find work as a remote proofreader for one company or to work as a freelance proofreader. Later in this article, I’ll detail many online publications hiring proofreaders, even if you’re a beginner.
Related:
- Best Online Research Jobs
- 40+ Websites You Can Make Money Writing For
Is Proofreading Profitable Even as a Beginner?
If you start as a freelance proofreader, you can set your own rates. If you take a look at freelancer sites like Upwork and Fiverr, you’ll see proofreaders with varying rates like $25-$100 an hour. Or some will charge by word count.
If you work for a company as a junior proofreader, you may have to prove your worth on a lower rate. But as your expertise grows, you can work on getting a pay rise.
How to Become a Successful Proofreader?
Start by getting some free or cheap proofreading training. This is especially important if you don’t have a college degree or some sort of editing/proofreading experience.
Some of the best places to get free and affordable proofreading training are;
- Proofread Anywhere
- Writing and editing masterclass
- The Writers Toolkit: 6 steps to a successful writing habit
- Udemy: Proofreading power basics
- Udemy: How to find and correct writing errors: the proofreading guide
- Udemy: Kick start a freelance editor and proofreader career on Upwork
It’s also important to put a proofreading portfolio together, showing examples of your work.
You can do this by offering to proofread friends’ content for free. Another idea for freelance proofreaders is to offer the first job for free in exchange for a testimonial.
The more skills and testimonials you have to back up what you do, the more proofreading work you’ll get.
23 Best Proofreading Jobs from Home
When you’re starting out as a beginner proofreader, just like any field of work it can be tough to get the first few clients.
Know that we all have to start somewhere and you have to stay strong, even through rejections.
Now we will look at the best proofreading jobs from home, anyone at any level can start with. Make sure you have your CV, portfolio of example work and the details of any courses you’ve taken to show.
Don’t be afraid to set yourself up on multiple freelancer platforms. And apply to multiple proofreading jobs. You won’t know till you try, what works for you.
1. LinkedIn
If you’re looking for proofreading work and you’re not on LinkedIn, you’re missing out! LinkedIn is a platform where businesses and people looking for work congregate.
Make sure you set up a clear, relevant profile showing your proofreading experience and any courses you’ve taken.
Once you have a great profile, you can search for proofreading jobs via the search box. Alongside this, take proactive action reaching out to businesses who may need your proofreading services.
You’ll be surprised at how many will.
2. Guru
Guru is similar to Fiverr in the way you can set up a profile showcasing your skills. What is even better about Guru is you can search their job board via the search bar and apply to proofreading gigs you like the look of.
3. Fiverr
Fiverr is an old favourite among freelancers and has started many proofreader’s careers. Because it’s so well-established, it’s a great place to start as a beginner proofreader.
Fiverr definitely deserves a spot on this list of best proofreading jobs from home.
Fiverr gets a lot of traffic, which means plenty of chances to get your first proofreading projects.
Offer your services cheap at the beginning for testimonials, then as you build credibility, start to up your rates.
4. Upwork
Upwork is another well-established freelancer platform really worth putting a profile on. Start by showcasing any experience or courses you’ve taken on your profile.
Next, you can start searching through online proofreading jobs to apply to. Once you see a job you like, you can send in your offer. Be aware there will be a bit of competition when you bid on jobs.
You need to give your prospective employer a reason to choose you like having lower rates or offering a fast turnaround time to finish the job.
5. Freelancer
Freelancer is a great place to find proofreading work. Once you’ve set up your profile, you can bid on jobs.
It’s quite a flexible platform where you’ll find proofreading work and many other types of freelance jobs. Some will be a fixed rate for the project and some an hourly rate.
Have a read through and apply to the proofreading jobs that look a good fit for you.
6. SmartBrief
Smart Brief is an online media publisher, that takes on a variety of remote workers. They don’t always have openings but check back regularly to see if they need proofreaders or work at home editors.
Reportedly, they don’t require proofreaders to have a degree, but the pay is low.
7. Polished Paper
This platform is in need of proofreaders but does prefer you to have experience. To sign up, fill out their application form and you’ll have to finish a 35 question test.
Their sign up process may be a little scarier than others. But, they do want to know if you can catch those not always seen errors. Do some practice before applying here!
8. Domainite
If you’re struggling to get those first few clients, then Domainite is a good place to start. Their sign up process is not as tough as some others, but you will need to provide a sample to be considered for paid work.
Reportedly, they are one of the lowest-paid proofreading gigs, but ideal to get a bit of experience.
9. Scribbr
Scribbr editors are a select group of editors who help students graduate. To become a Scribbr editor, you’ll need to fill out a language quiz, complete a Scribbr test assignment and if you pass, you’ll move on to complete 2-5 simulation orders.
These will be assessed and feedback is given. If good, you’ll move onto the Scribbr Academy where you can take on all types of orders.
10. Wordvice
On Wordvice, you’ll find editing jobs, content writing jobs, freelance translation work, English tutor work, video instructor gigs and sales manager jobs.
Requirements to get proofreading work are that you’ve completed a graduate program, you complete an editing sample and are a native English speaker.
11. Edit911
If you have a PhD or are a published scholar, Edit911 is looking for freelance editors like you. The main editing work they have is dissertations, thesis editing and book editing.
Because of its higher requirements for editors, it is harder to get accepted. But, if your skills fit the bill, send in your resume and a sample to be considered for work.
12. Cactus Communications
Cactus Communications needs editors who are specialized in specific fields like biology, medical or molecular among others. You need to have a degree in your field of genius to be considered for work.
If you do get accepted as a proofreader, they have a steady stream of work on offer and will supply you with many useful resources
13. Gramlee
Gramlee is always on the lookout for great proofreaders. But, they do get many applications a week. The sign-up process is simple – just fill out their application form.
But do think about how you can make yourself stand out, to set yourself apart from the rest.
14. EditFast
The EditFast platform requires you to complete its resume builder, editing tests, non-disclosure agreement and web page builder.
Once this is looked over and accepted, you can move onto receive notifications about new projects. EditFast takes 40% of the final project payment.
15. Scribe Media
Scribe Media is looking for freelance and full-time workers. Have a look through their website to see freelancer interviews and the open positions available.
They don’t always need proofreaders, but you can sign up to be notified when positions open up.
16. Kirkus Media
Kirkus Media needs editors and reviewers to review books. If you have experience in either of these fields, send in your resume along with samples and your reviewing specialties.
17. Writer’s Relief
Writers Relief is an author’s submission platform, helps new writers get published. They need proofreaders to check over submissions to keep the high standards up.
It’s easy to fill out their proofreader application, but only a select few will make the grade.
18. Managed Editing
Managed Editing is looking for freelance, experienced editors to work as independent contractors.
They ask applicants to have a college degree and at least five years’ experience editing. You will be asked for example work and what field you have proven proofreading experience in.
19. Proofreading.com
This company asks you to complete a 20-minute test before you start the application. They look for high-ability proofreaders so bring you’re A-game.
Pay ranges from $10 to $46 per hour, depending on turnaround time.
20. Prompt
Here you can help students out editing their essays, resumes, book reports, social media posts, and even blog posts.
If the written word and Oxford Comma is your thing, you can sign up to become an ‘essay coach’ or ‘writing coach’ with Prompt.
21. LifeTips
LifeTips is a platform that hosts tips and podcasts from a range of freelance writers. They occasionally take on proofreaders to edit content.
Some knowledge of SEO (search engine optimization) is preferred to be considered as a LifeTips editor.
22. LionBridge
Lionbridge employs freelancers in many different fields including proofreading. Other jobs you may see on their platform are website testing, rater work and translation.
Lionbridge has a well-established reputation and it could be a good place to start your proofreading career. Keep an eye open on their jobs page.
23. BabbleType
Babbletype regularly hires editors, transcriptionists and translators for their team. They only take on editors with high-level English and grammar skills.
Babbletype is currently not taking on new proofreaders, but sign up to their monthly newsletter to find out when they open applications again.
Conclusion – the Best Proofreading Jobs from Home
As you can see, there are many platforms to get proofreading work. Some welcome beginners but only if you’ve taken the time to learn proper grammar skills.
Even if you don’t have a degree and lots of proofreading skills, you’ll need to demonstrate you can get the job done…. well.
Proofreading can be a lucrative career or a side hustle for those wanting extra income.
Since you’ll be working from home, you’ll be able to choose your working hours.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve worked for any of the proofreading companies mentioned. What was the experience? I’d love to know!
Not Sure If Proofreading Is Right for You?
You’ll never know until you try it out.
My recommendation is to go try out the free and affordable proofreading courses I mentioned. These will show you what is required of a proofreader.
Plus, you’ll get small tests along the way to practice your proofreading skills.
The best places to get free and affordable proofreading training are:
- Proofread Anywhere
- Writing and editing masterclass
- The Writers Toolkit: 6 steps to a successful writing habit
- Udemy: Proofreading power basics
- Udemy: How to find and correct writing errors: the proofreading guide
- Udemy: Kick start a freelance editor and proofreader career on Upwork
Other Posts You May Like:
- – 15 best online research jobs to make money in your spare time
- – 40+ top websites you can write articles for money (even as a beginner)
- – How to make $50 a day online doing simple tasks
- –19 legit online jobs to earn money from home (beginner friendly)
