To become a proofreader, you don’t need any specific degree. Still, it would help if you had some particular skills to become a Proofreader: attention to detail and the ability to pick errors with a glance of the eye. Also, you should be detail-oriented. If you feel like these are your best traits, then read further.
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Often proofreading is confused with editing. Both these terms are different though their end goal is the same, to make a piece of text error-free. Editing comes before proofreading.
Editing: Editing is changing vast pieces of text, either by changing sentence structure or deleting the paragraphs to make the copy readable.
Proofreading: Proofreading is the final touch given by correcting any grammatical mistakes, punctuation marks, or spellings.
Proofreaders are detail-oriented people who can spot minute errors that the normal eye cannot catch. You could be a great proofreader if you think you have these qualities. But moreover, you will need some more skills to flourish in this area.
1. Detail-oriented
As you know, proofreading is the final touch given to the written text; you should be able to read the text and find every minor error. It is the single quality without which you cannot succeed as a proofreader.
2. Good command of English
Because most of the work is in English and you will be proofreading documents written in English, good knowledge of English will be required in this field. You should be able to correct spelling, grammar mistakes, and punctuation.
3. Have a good business sense
If you would love to go solo in this business, you should be able to market your services. Marketing is the key to building any business. If you do not sell your skills in the right place, you will miss any opportunity to grow beyond a level.
4. You should be an avid reader
One more critical trait you need to become a successful proofreader is to be a great reader. While working as a Proofreader, you must come across lengthy written pieces on any topic. It will be easy for you to read if you have a knack for reading and don’t get bored quickly.
5. Ability to concentrate for long hours
As a proofreader, you must read long texts with concentration to pinpoint minor errors. If you have got a brief attention span, you will need to improve on it.
How to become a proofreader
As said, you don’t require a professional degree to work as a proofreader, but training helps you stand out in the crowd. So, if possible, go for training.
General Proofreading: Theory and Practice by Caitlyn of proofreading is a comprehensive course that can help you learn the required skills. This course is designed to help stay-at-home moms, dads, or anyone who wants to work from home.
This is a detailed course for beginners to start their proofreading services business correctly.
If you want to get an idea about this course, Caitlyn has put together a free workshop for you. You can register for the workshop here.
It has got different modules to teach these step-wise steps.
- 40 + LESSONS IN 8 MODULES
- 8 GRAMMAR SPECIFIC WORKSHEETS
- BONUS RESOURCE GUIDES FOR ALL TYPES OF SERVICE PROVIDER MARKETS
- 40 + REAL-LIFE JOB EXAMPLES
The course has two levels: Ignite and ignite plus
With ignite, you get lifetime access to the course, and with ignite plus, you get lifetime access to the system and a chance to sit for a hand-grated exam.
How to get clients for your services and business
I can tell you from my own experience that getting clients for your business is the hardest part. And more challenging is getting the first client. So Caitlyn has included an entire module on how to market your skills and find clients by selling them at the right place to make it a little bit easier.
How much can you earn as a proofreader?
It depends on your experience and skills. As you go, your skills, as well as the pay rate, will improve. At the start of your career, you can expect to make around $15, but as you get some experience in the field, you can start charging more. For example, the median pay rate for proofreaders is $25. (this is for Australia).
But the pay rate should be similar or more for other countries.
How to find your first client or gig
There are many online websites where you can look for online proofreading jobs. Sign up with these online job boards and get started
- Babbletype
- Domainite.com
- Edit 911
- Edit fast
- Guru
- Indeed
- Life tips
- Editor World
- Kirkus Media
- Cactus Communications
- Wordfirm Inc.
- Book Editing
- Kibin
- Grammar Chic
- Reedsy
To find work with these companies, check their requisites and how they work. It will help you in building your portfolio and gain some experience. With some experience, starting your services and going solo will be easy.
If you want to build your services yourself, you will need a website showing your expertise and portfolio. It is a lot easy to showcase your abilities with a website.
I hope this will help you build your own proofreading business.
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