How To Find Proofreading Jobs Online + 13 Places To Get High-paying Clients
this article was written in 2020 for Gloomme.com
Do you enjoy picking up grammatical and spelling mistakes in the things you read? Can you identify the wrong punctuation usage? maybe you know how to rewrite articles to comply with a required citation format.
I am happy to tell you that you are qualified to find proofreading jobs online.
Today, proofreading is among the most demanded skills, especially by writers and content creators.
Every writer certainly wants to delight their reader.
Why? they know the importance of a well-written essay. Without any doubt, poorly written content will surely put off the reader as soon as they begin.
Therefore, proofreaders must ensure these works are publishable.
In this guide, you will learn about the best places to find high-paying proofreading gigs online and how to build a reputation for yourself in the freelance world.
Enjoy.
Proofreading: what it is and what it is NOT
Proofreading is the act of checking an essay to ensure that it is readable and free of errors.
Writing is difficult, not only because it involves a lot of research, but because you cannot avoid errors.
Bottom line is that you cannot write a masterpiece at a go.
Nevertheless, to commit grammatical blunders is human, but to make your audience read it is a choice. And that is why proofreading is usually the last stage of writing.
In this stage, all inaccuracies are corrected. The proofreader ensures the write-up conveys the intended message accurately and the potential reader finds it enjoyable and easy to understand.
The process involves the removal and correction of errors in grammar, typography, and style.
Proofreading is not copy-editing
Many freelancers are paid peanuts for proofreading and copy-editing because they cannot differentiate between the two.
It is quite simple.
What do copy-editors do? they are tasked to carry out more detailed editing, they are allowed to remove and rewrite larger parts of an essay. Basically, they prepare such essays for the proofreading stage.
Copy-editing does not guarantee an essay is ready for publication, proofreading does.
While these terms are often used interchangeably, knowing the difference can make a lot of difference for you in the proofreading gig community.
Online Proofreading jobs offer a lot of benefits
You do not need advanced gadgets to start proofreading.
If you have a laptop, Wi-Fi, and a good reason to correct essay errors, then you are set to find proofreading gigs.
You do not require a portfolio website, all you need to get proofreading jobs is a demonstration of your skills. Some clients will ask you to take a quick test to prove you are truly qualified.
Also, you have 100% control of your work hours. If you enjoy working at night, then you can simply schedule all your work for that time. No hassle, no stress- just working as you like it.
Like other freelance jobs, you only need a workspace to start proofreading jobs, not an office. So if you are a stay-at-home mom, you can keep an eye on your out-of-school kids and earn passive income.
Similarly, working as a freelance proofreader means you are simply your boss. You dictate which job to take or ignore.
You do not require any certification to start.
There is a misconception that proofreading jobs are reserved for nerds and academic scholars, with a first-class certification in English studies and linguistics.
To get proofreading jobs, you do not need any certification. Most proofreaders are self-taught; they gain more expertise through constant practice on the job. Others take free online courses to hone their skill.
If you boast of a decent command of English and an eye for details, you are good enough to start taking proofreading jobs online.
One of the highest-paid jobs is Proofreading.
What I mean is that freelancer rates are higher than the average wage per hour for other employees. In the U.S., the average freelancer earns $31/hour, state employees earn $26.30. In fact, freelancers earn as much as $63,488 annually.
Although not all jobs will pay this rate- especially if you are just starting, you can guarantee a steady pay between $14, which is the lowest, and $31.
Freelance proofreading is a very profitable job that offers flexible hours, you can take as many jobs as you want and earn extra dollars if you manage your time well.
Proofreaders are always in demand, there is always a job for you.
As a proofreader, you certainly enjoy a type of job security most office workers do not. This is because proofreading jobs are always in demand and you can never run out of jobs.
We live in a world of content, the internet amounts to nothing without the millions of blogs and websites on it. Why? because these blogs publish contents that make important information available to the world. Without them, a lot of things will never work.
The quality of information usually determines how long users will stay on a website. Therefore, bloggers and content creators hire proofreaders to ensure their blog contents are qualitative enough.
Therefore, proofreaders are as needed as blogs today. If you say content is king, then you mean proofreaders are kingmakers.
There are various types of proofreading jobs online for you.
It is time to knock off the notion that you cannot get a suitable proofreading job online.
Yes, you can.
Just like blogging, there are various niches in the proofreading gig economy. Proofreaders are content curators, and every content belongs to a niche.
While most of them work across various niches, highly paid proofreaders enjoy writing for a specific niche.
Here are examples of niche areas you can find proofreading jobs for:
- Academic essays
- Medical transcripts
- Blogs posts and online articles
- Newsletters
- Magazines
- Technical manuals
- Fiction/Non-fiction novels
- Legal transcripts
- Press releases.
This is not an exhaustive list, there is a need for a proofreader in Just about any niche you think of.
Best editing tools for Professional proofreaders.
To build a reputation in the proofreading gig economy, you must make use of tools that are essential to working professionally. Proofreaders that earn the most do not work the hardest, they just work smarter than others.
In other words, an excellent command of English grammar, and an eye for details will take your profile to the world, but working with the right tools will keep it there.
While there are lots of proofreading tools, only a few are truly efficient. Therefore, I have listed 4 of my favorite proofreading tools that are recommended by top proofreaders today:
- Google Docs is an amazing writing and editing tool, I enjoy its simple interface and easy navigation better than other alternatives. It automatically highlights all grammatical and spelling errors in your essay and suggests accurate corrections in a click. Google docs help editors work seamlessly with clients or teammates remotely. The best part, it is free to use for all Google account users.
- Grammarly is a great proofreading tool for correcting grammar and spelling errors. Its ability to suggest edits for sentence structures and style proves it is a huge time saver. In addition to that, its free version has enough features to do your job. You can also use it with your WordPress account.
Professional proofreaders are not born, they just grow and use Grammarly.
- Dropbox is the best alternative to google docs for Microsoft Word users to share and edit documents. Similarly, you can use it on any other word processor apps.
- Ginger is a good editing app I use to find more advanced errors.
Where to find proofreading jobs online
There are 2 ways to find proofreading gigs online.
· Searching on job boards
· Selling proofreading service.
Finding proofreading jobs on job boards is more common because it is easier and takes less procedure. Unlike selling proofreading jobs to corporate bodies, you do not need to send cold pitches and keep refreshing your email to see if your potential clients reach out to you already.
All you have to do is check one of the job boards listed below and select the proofreading job you want.
Cold-pitching
A good cold pitch can make all the difference between making 6-figures and earning peanuts, if you know how to craft it, of course. It involves sending unsolicited emails to potential clients for job openings
Although pitching your service to clients can be more demanding and time-consuming because you have to craft an irresistible cold pitch, it can prove to be more profitable. This method allows you to negotiate the amount offered, and you can build professional relationships with high-paying clients.
Now, let’s get down to business.
13 most credible job boards to find proofreading jobs online.
Thousands of job boards place job adverts on the internet daily, but only a few prove to be the best places to find high paying proofreading gigs online.
When I started finding proofreading jobs online, I used some of these job boards and I can tell you it’s just a bootless errand. I responded to hundreds of job offers most but received no response to date. The few responses that came in offered to pay extremely low amounts, or ask me to offer a trial service first.
Truth is, you can avoid this goose chase if you use this list of credible job boards to find proofreading jobs online.
1. Upwork
A great resource for online jobs, Upwork is one of the best places to look for proofreading jobs. Its recommendation comes with a lot of positive experiences.
It is a place for people across all levels of experience, many professional proofreaders today started on Upwork, earned decent per-hour rates, and worked their way to the top.
With good ratings from clients, you can earn way above the average rates on Upwork.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is among the most trusted job boards where you can sell proofreading service today, it has been around for years and has helped many freelancers make a living proofreading online content.
Like UpWork, Fiverr is open to freelancers of all levels. If you are a beginner, Fiverr will offer you free courses to familiarize you with the system; you will learn how to respond to job offers, how to request it, and lots more.
This another great place to find proofreading gigs online, you can earn between $19 and $46 if you register as a proofreader.
Although, the website’s interface is basic, its service is demanded by big names. For example, Vogue, Harvard, and Cisco are partner establishments- so relax, you are in good hands.
4. Flexjobs
Flexjobs is among the leading job boards online. Its personalized job survey ensures the best jobs are curated for you.
Although it offers a premium service-at $15 per month, you can use the basic search to find good jobs.
5. Gramlee is always looking for exceptional editors from anywhere in the world to work remotely. Although they do not require experience or a degree, you must be able to work fast and under pressure. Naturally, you are expected to complete a 3,000-word document in 24-hours.
6. Domainite
This platform is a good place for beginners to test the waters with real proofreading jobs. Compared to other job boards, the pay rate is really low, but you can gain knowledge and position yourself for better opportunities.
7. Guru
Guru is one of the biggest and oldest platforms for finding jobs online. The advanced search filters help you navigate the job boards easily and find proofreading jobs faster.
It is a great place for beginners to start as you can use specialized features to track your records and manage multiple tasks. Also, Guru acts as a middle man between your employer and you, to ensure that you always get paid.
8. LinkedIn:
Although most freelancers do not consider it their first choice place to find proofreading jobs,
LinkedIn is among the best places to find jobs. It helps you build a professional portfolio online. Full-time, part-time, or remote there is just about any type of job on LinkedIn.
You can use the search feature to find proofreading jobs and apply instantly with the “Easy Apply” feature.
9. Freelancer
The job page on freelancer boasts of over 750 work categories, you can select from hundreds of proofreading jobs. It is very easy to begin, all you have to do is set up your profile and start searching for jobs.
10. Babbletype
Babbletype is always on the lookout for editors, and proofreaders, to edit transcriptions. Also, new in-takes are required to take a short test, to ensure they are a good fit for the team.
Similarly, you have the freedom to choose which assignment is good for you. However, your assignment must be completed in 22 hours.
11. Polished Paper
Although it is less popular, Polished paper is a good place to find proofreading jobs. Like babbletype, they select only the proofreaders to pass their unique test, consisting of 35 sets of questions.
12. Indeed
It provided job searchers with a curated list of job openings from various companies across the world. You can use the search bar to find hundreds of listed proofreading jobs.
13. Proofreadingpal
They are strictly looking for students currently enrolled in school with a minimum of 3.5 GPA or graduates with five years of experience.
If this sounds like you, check them out and earn extra cash while learning.
Finding proofreading jobs is a good way to make a living working at home because flexible hours are guaranteed and you do not require the best gadgets to start earning.
It is a great opportunity for students, stay-at-home moms, and people across all levels to make passive income with no major qualification. Whether you use the job boards or cold-pitch your service, a decent command of English grammar and an eye for detail is the least requirement to find proofreading jobs and make a decent living.
