Make Money Proofreading: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

Last updated on March 9th, 2024

Getting started proofreading to make extra money can be a great way to earn a few extra bucks on the side. Whether you’re a college student looking for a flexible way to earn extra income or a stay-at-home parent with some free time on your hands, proofreading is a skill that can be monetized easily. 

In today’s digital age, there are plenty of opportunities for freelance proofreading work, and in this article, I will show you how to get started.

Proofreading vs. Editing

Before we dive into how to get started proofreading, it’s important to differentiate between proofreading and editing. 

While many people use the terms interchangeably, it’s essential to know the difference because this will help you identify the types of jobs that you can handle.

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is the process of checking what someone has written for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. As a proofreader, your main task is to ensure that a text is free from errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. 

Here is a list of tasks that a proofreader typically performs:

It’s worth noting that the tasks a proofreader performs may vary depending on the specific requirements of the project and the client’s preferences. Nonetheless, these tasks provide a general idea of what a proofreader typically does.

What is Editing?

In contrast, editing involves more substantial changes to the text than proofreading. Here is a list of tasks that typically fall under editing:

1. Reviewing Overall Structure: Editors assess the overall structure and organization of the content. They may suggest reordering paragraphs, sections, or chapters to improve the logical flow and coherence of the text.
2. Rewriting and Paraphrasing: Editors may rewrite or paraphrase sections of the text to improve clarity, coherence, and readability. They ensure that the message is effectively conveyed to the target audience.
3. Enhancing Clarity and Conciseness: Editors work to make the language more concise, eliminating wordiness and unnecessary repetition. They simplify complex sentences and improve the overall clarity of the content.
4. Checking Tone and Voice: Editors ensure that the text maintains a consistent tone and voice throughout. They may suggest changes to match the desired tone, whether it’s formal, informal, persuasive, or informative.
5. Fact-Checking and Research: Editors verify the accuracy of facts, figures, statistics, and references used in the content. They research to confirm the information presented and ensure that it is reliable and up-to-date.
6. Ensuring Consistency: Editors check for consistency in terms of language, style, and formatting. They ensure that the text adheres to any specific style guides or brand guidelines.
7. Adapting Style and Tone: Depending on the target audience and purpose of the content, editors may make adjustments to the style and tone of the writing. They tailor the language and approach to suit the intended readers.
8. Cutting or Expanding Content: Editors may suggest cutting out unnecessary or redundant content to improve clarity and focus. Conversely, they may recommend expanding certain sections to provide more depth or context.
9. Checking for Transitions: Editors ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections. They make sure that ideas flow logically and cohesively by using appropriate linking words and phrases.
10. Collaborating with Writers: Editors work closely with writers to understand their intentions and goals for the text. They provide feedback and suggestions to help writers improve their writing skills and enhance the overall quality of their work.

It’s important to note that the line between proofreading and editing can sometimes blur, and different clients or projects may have different expectations for what falls under each category. However, these tasks generally reflect the primary responsibilities of an editor.

Getting Started Proofreading: Step-by-Step Guide

 Here are the things you need to know to get started making money proofreading. 

1. Identify Your Skillset

Proofreading requires keen attention to detail and a solid understanding of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If you have an English degree or experience writing, editing, or proofreading, you’re already off to a great start. However, even if you lack formal qualifications, you can still hone your skills and develop your eye for detail.

2. Invest in Resources

Investing in a few essential resources can set you up for success as a proofreader. First, take the time to familiarize yourself with the latest latest and most trusted writing guides, such as the Chicago Manual and the AP Stylebook. These resources offer clear, comprehensive guidance on the rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. For instance, you’ll learn the proper use of common mistakes like homophones, punctuation marks, and spelling.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice makes perfect, and the same applies to proofreading. Look for opportunities to practice your proofreading skills, such as reviewing emails, social media posts, and online articles. Though it’s essential to avoid proofreading everything you see, it’s helpful to brush up on your knowledge continually.

4. Build Your Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of your proofreading work that you showcase to potential clients to demonstrate your skills and experience. Create a digital portfolio using free tools like Canva or Adobe Portfolio and start building from there. Your portfolio should include examples of various types of proofreading work that you’ve done, such as blog posts, e-books, and website content.  To get started initially and build up your portfolio and your reputation as a sought-after proofreader, you can take on lower-paying jobs (only to begin with) on platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr, volunteer to edit writing projects for friends and family, and explore the ProBlogger job board that lists writing, blogging, and copywriting jobs.

5. Market Yourself

Once you have a portfolio, you can start marketing yourself to potential clients. The easiest way to start marketing yourself is by joining platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr. Upwork is a leading freelance marketplace that allows freelancers to create profiles and offer their services to clients globally. With LinkedIn, build a clean and professional profile to showcase your skills and share your portfolio with potential clients. On both sites, you’ll generally need to take some tests to prove your proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. I’ll be discussing Fiverr in-depth just a little further down in this post. These platforms help to set you up for success as they come with an audience that is actively looking for proofreaders, and ready-to-use contracts that protect both parties on either side of the agreement.

Here is a list of platforms that you can market services on and make money proofreading:

1. Upwork: Upwork is a popular freelancing platform that connects businesses and freelancers from various fields, including proofreading. Users can create profiles, bid on projects, and collaborate with clients remotely.
2. Freelancer: Freelancer is another well-known freelancing platform that offers a wide range of job opportunities, including proofreading. Users can create profiles, submit proposals, and work on projects from clients worldwide. 
3. Fiverr: Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where freelancers can offer their services, including proofreading, in the form of “gigs”. Users can set up their gigs, attract clients, and receive payments for their services. 
4. FlexJobs: FlexJobs is a job board that specializes in flexible and remote work opportunities. It features various job categories, including proofreading, and provides curated job listings from reputable companies.
5. Indeed: Indeed is a widely used job search engine that aggregates job postings from different sources. Users can search for proofreading jobs based on location, experience level, and other criteria, and apply directly to the employers. 
6. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that also offers job listings. Users can create professional profiles, connect with potential employers, and search for proofreading jobs through its job search feature.
7. Guru: Guru is a freelancing platform that connects freelancers with clients globally. It offers various job categories, including proofreading, and allows freelancers to showcase their skills, find projects, and collaborate with clients.
8. Scribendi: Scribendi is a company specializing in proofreading, editing, and translation services. They hire freelance proofreaders and editors to work on a range of documents and projects. 
9. EditFast: EditFast is a platform where clients can submit their projects for editing and proofreading. Freelance editors and proofreaders can take on those projects based on their expertise and availability. 
10. ProofreadingServices.com: ProofreadingServices.com is a company that provides professional proofreading and editing services to clients. They occasionally hire remote proofreaders with exceptional skills and experience. 

Please note that while these platforms offer proofreading job opportunities, it’s important to carefully review their terms, payment structure, and guidelines before applying or accepting any jobs.

6. Determine Your Rates

As a beginner, it’s essential to note that the rates for proofreading jobs will vary depending on the industry and the level of experience. As you gain experience and reviews, you can raise your rates. A good rule of thumb to start with is to charge by the hour or by word with an understanding of what the going rates are in the industry. Check sites like Glassdoor or ZipRecruiter to have an idea of the average rates. These show you average rates for employed proofreaders, rather than freelance proofreaders, but will give you an idea of what the going rates and pay are for proofreaders.

Proofreading resources

Here are a few resources to help you with your proofreading journey. 

1. Grammarly Editor

Grammarly Editor is an online proofreading tool that uses AI technology to spot errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. It offers a free version for basic grammar and spelling checks, and for professional use, it has premium plans.

2. Hemingway Editor

The Hemingway Editor is another online proofreading tool that analyzes language for clarity and simplicity. It highlights areas of your text that require simplification or clarification and suggestions to improve readability. It has a free online version, and there is a desktop app available for $19.99.

3. Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)

The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a free online resource that provides comprehensive guides on grammar, punctuation, and style. It covers everything from basic grammar to specific writing genres, making it a great resource for both beginners and seasoned proofreaders.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you really make money proofreading?

Yes, it is possible to make money proofreading. Many individuals and businesses hire proofreaders to ensure that their written content is free from errors and is polished before publication.

There are several opportunities to make money proofreading, whether as a freelancer or through online platforms that connect proofreaders with clients. Proofreaders are often in demand for various types of content, such as books, articles, blog posts, academic papers, websites, and even marketing materials.

While it is possible to make money proofreading, success may vary depending on individual circumstances and the effort put into building and growing a proofreading business.

 

How Much Money Does a Proofreader Make?

According to the information provided on Salary.com, the average salary of a proofreader in the United States is $57,473 per year. However, it’s important to note that salary ranges can vary widely depending on factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.

Another source (Indeed.com) states that the average hourly wage for a proofreader in the United States is $22.03². This source also mentions that the salary can vary depending on the company and job location².

Keep in mind that these figures can vary depending on various factors and the specific circumstances of the job.

Sources:

1. Source: Salary.com ↩ ↩²

2. Source: Indeed ↩ ↩²

 

How can you make money Proofreading on fiverr.com? 

To make money proofreading on Fiverr.com, you can follow these steps:

1. Create a Fiverr Account: Sign up for a Fiverr account if you don’t already have one. It’s free to join.
2. Set up Your Gig: Create a gig that highlights your proofreading services. Describe your expertise, turnaround time, any certifications or qualifications you have, and any additional services you offer (e.g., formatting, editing, etc.). Include clear pricing options and add relevant samples of your work.
3. Optimize Your Gig: Use appropriate keywords in your gig title, description, and tags to improve your visibility in search results. Make sure your gig showcases your strengths and differentiates you from other proofreaders on the platform.
4. Offer Competitive Pricing: Research what other proofreaders are charging for similar services on Fiverr. Consider your expertise level, turnaround time, and the value you provide when setting your prices. It’s also a good idea to start with lower prices initially to attract clients and build your reputation.
5. Promote Your Gig: Share your gig on social media, with your family, friends, and professional contacts that might help you spread the word, your personal blog or website if you have one, or other relevant platforms to attract potential clients. Actively engage with the writing community and participate in Facebook groups, forums, or discussions related to proofreading or writing to establish yourself as an expert.
6. Deliver High-Quality Work: Once you start receiving orders, make sure to provide exceptional proofreading services. Meet the agreed-upon deadlines, communicate effectively with clients, and deliver error-free and polished work.

How much can you make proofreading on fiverr.com?

As for how much you can make proofreading on Fiverr.com, the earning potential varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of projects, your level of expertise, and the demand for your services. On Fiverr, proofreading gigs can start as low as $5, but you can charge higher prices as well as create packages that will earn you more money for extensive or specialized services.

It’s important to note that building a reputation and client base on Fiverr takes time and effort. Success on the platform depends on factors such as the quality of your work, client satisfaction, and positive reviews.

To get an idea of the potential earnings, you can browse through the proofreading section on Fiverr to see what other proofreaders are charging for their services. 

It’s important to conduct thorough research and consider your unique skills and experience when setting your prices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting started proofreading is an excellent way to monetize your skills and earn some extra income. With a little investment in resources, practice, marketing, and a portfolio, you can comfortably nurture this skill and have a highly rewarding and profitable freelancing career while making money proofreading!

I wish you MUCH success!

~ Teresa