freelance proofreading jobs for beginners

20 Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners (2024 Guide)

by Joanna Kneller

on May 27, 2024

Searching for ways to work from home and considering online proofreading jobs?

It could be a perfect fit if you have an eye for detail and enjoy polishing other writers’ prose.

But how do you get started?

This post has all the answers you need to become a professional proofreader, whether you want to work online, remotely, be an employee, or freelancer — it’s your choice.

Since proofreading is a major part of the writing process, proofreaders are always in demand.

Ready to learn how to become a proofreader, how much proofreading jobs pay, and the top 20 sites for finding legitimate online proofreading jobs?

Great, let’s go!

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is the process of reading and examining a piece of written work to find errors and mark them for correction. A proofreader is generally the last person to read through a document before publication. Proofreaders scour text for errors missed during the editing process.

They look for:

• Improper grammar
• Misspelled words
• Incorrect punctuation
• Inconsistent spellings of words
• Formatting errors
• Incorrect capitalization
• Typesetting issues

Proofreaders work on all kinds of documents for:

• Academic and student clients
• Business and professional clients
• Creative writers, authors, and publishers
• English as a second language (ESL) writers

Now that we have a better understanding of what proofreading entails, let’s see how it compares to editing.

Proofreading vs. Copyediting

It’s easy to confuse proofreading and editing, as the lines between the two are sometimes blurry. However, they are different.

Copy editing involves correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, inconsistencies, and syntax ( the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences ).

Overall, a copyeditor’s main concern is to ensure their documents are clear, coherent, consistent, and correct. Copy editors often have the responsibility of proofreading, as well.

Proofreading and copyediting do involve some of the same tasks; however, a copy editor is more likely to change the phrasing or structure of a document , while a proofreader is less likely to significantly alter text before it’s published.

In addition, proofreading is considered the final stage of the editing process, so the proofreader can pick up any errors the copy editor may have missed.

The Top 20 Sites for Finding Proofreading Jobs

Before searching for proofreading jobs, consider your interests and what type of documents you’d enjoy proofreading. This will narrow your options and ensure you find suitable jobs.

Some sites listed below include job boards with search bars. Here’s a short list of search terms to start with:

• Remote proofreading jobs
• Freelance proofreading jobs
• Proofreader
• Copyediting
• Editing jobs

Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that connects buyers and sellers while offering high-quality services at every price point, including proofreading services.

It’s different from other marketplaces in this post because buyers seek you out, instead of you bidding or applying for jobs.

Fiverr is a great place to make money as a beginner because it’s totally acceptable to only charge $5 for your services. And as you gain experience, you can increase your prices.

Simply sign up, set up your “Gig,” and offer your services to a worldwide audience.

2. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job site that offers high-quality remote proofreading jobs (amongst others) for freelancers and employees.

You can easily search jobs by keyword, category, or title.

Rest assured, all job listings are legitimate since FlexJobs takes extra precautions to protect job seekers from scams. That’s why, in order to view full job details, FlexJobs charges a small (satisfaction guaranteed) membership fee.

Don’t hesitate to check their listings first — it may be well worth it!

Gramlee is a copyediting site that also provides proofreading services done by independent contractors who work from home.

Their website says they are always looking for exceptional editors, which could mean you!

Applying is simple: fill out the Gramlee Employment Application, and if they like your application, they’ll contact you.

Upwork is one of the largest online job marketplaces.

Clients post projects and jobs, ranging from entry-level to expert, for freelancers to choose from. This is beneficial for beginners looking to get started.

Sign up for a free account, create your profile, and search for proofreading jobs via the search bar or by selecting the Editing & Proofreading category. Once you find a fun project or remote job, submit a proposal and bid for the job.

Just know that Upwork can be highly competitive, so you may initially need to accept low wages and submit multiple proposals before getting hired.

5. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal is a proofreading website that offers a variety of professional proofreading services and utilizes a unique two-editor approach, wherein every document is proofread by two skilled proofreaders. This is a benefit for job seekers since it means a higher demand for proofreaders.

ProofreadingPal editors can earn between $500 and $3,000 per month, but you must be enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student (with at least a 3.5 GPA) in an accredited US college/university OR have a graduate degree and five years of experience as a proofreader.

6. Wordvice

Wordvice is a global leader in providing editing and proofreading services to academic, admissions, and business customers.

They offer remote part-time editing and proofreading jobs to freelancers who are enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree program and have some previous editing experience.

To apply, submit an application (include expected pay rate) and resume, complete an editing sample, and then wait for notification of results.

7. American Journal Experts

American Journal Experts is a team of former academics and publishing professionals who provide manuscript preparation services.

Current proofreader job openings and available freelance job opportunities are listed on the Careers page (scroll down to view contractor opportunities).

American Journal Experts is currently looking to hire independent contractors who are affiliated with specific US research institutions.

8. Domainite

Domainite is a platform that provides marketing services to business owners, including website design, social media marketing, and reputation management.

Before applying to proofread for Domainite, be aware that they may offer low pay. However, if you’re brand new to proofreading, this could be a good opportunity to gain some experience.

The application process is simple: Fill out the short Freelance Editing Job Hire Form and edit the sample text provided.

9. EditFast

EditFast is a platform where freelancers and clients connect to provide and receive services, including editing and proofreading.

Freelancers create their own Web pages (profiles) to promote their skills and talents for clients to view. Clients can either select a freelancer or submit their documents for EditFast to assign an appropriate freelancer for their project.

Complete the registration process to get started, and once EditFast approves your information, your Web page will be activated.

To be hired, EditFast requires a degree from a recognized university and past proofreading experience.

EditFast receives 40% of the project price.

10. ProofreadingServices.com

ProofreadingServices.com provides proofreading, translation, publishing, and professional services.

When you work with them, you’ll proofread “just about everything under the sun” and have access to part-time and full-time online proofreading jobs that pay between $19 and $46 per hour, depending on turnaround time.

To be considered for hire, you’ll need to successfully complete a 20-question proofreading test within 20 minutes and score 95% or above on it.

11. Scribbr

Scribbr provides academic proofreading and editing services to help students earn their degrees.

They look for editors with a passion for language and a bachelor’s degree.

For an editor role, you’ll need to pass Scribbr’s quiz and have your resume reviewed to determine if you’re a good fit. Next, complete an editing assignment, and if you pass, you’ll be invited to join Scribbr Academy to receive training.

After successfully completing two to five simulation orders, you’ll be officially welcomed to the Scribbr editor team.

12. Scribe Media

Scribe Media helps authors write, publish, and market their own books, which includes proofreading services. Scribe Media offers full-time careers as well as freelance and part-time roles.

Full-time employees enjoy plenty of time off, flexible hours, the option to work from home, as well as health and financial benefits.

Check Scribe Media’s “Careers” page for a list of available full-time and freelance opportunities. If there are no open proofreading jobs, simply join the Careers List to receive notification of new roles.

13. Scribendi

Scribendi provides editing and proofreading services to a variety of clients, including those in business, academia, and publishing fields.

They hire both freelancers and in-house employees for editor/proofreader positions.

Freelancers make their own schedules, choose interesting assignments, and interact with in-house staff and other freelancers via an online forum.

Scribendi looks for experienced proofreaders and editors with a bachelor’s degree or higher who are also native-level English speakers (since much of their work is from ESL students and clients).

Simply click on the “Apply Now” button on Scribendi’s Jobs page.

14. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an online business platform for professional networking where you can connect with other professionals to either market your services or find employment.

Open an account, create your profile, and start connecting with everyone you know .

Search for online proofreading jobs by clicking on the “Jobs” icon. When using the search bar, click on the “City, state, or zip code” bar and select “Remote” from the dropdown menu.

If you plan to offer freelance proofreading services to those in your network, be sure to indicate on your profile that you’re providing these services.

15. Polished Paper

Polished Paper offers “world-class” proofreading and editing services to business, academic, personal, author, and ESL clients.

They look for exceptional editors with diverse educational backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

To apply, register for a user account, upload your resume, and take a 35-question editor test. The good news is that Polished Paper encourages the use of outside resources to help you complete this test.

16. Freelancer

Freelancer is an online marketplace that connects employers and freelancers worldwide.

Employers post projects, receive bids from freelancers, and select the best freelancer to complete the job.

Set up your profile and browse proofreading jobs (you can save job searches and get notified when relevant new jobs are posted).

Once you find a job opportunity, write your best pitch , get hired, and deliver high-quality work.

Guru is a platform where freelancers and employers work together.

Employers post a variety of jobs for freelancers to browse and to submit quotes for.

You can easily find proofreading jobs by either selecting the Editing & Proofreading subcategory (under the Writing & Translation category) or by simply entering relevant terms into the search bar.

Sign up on the website, build your profile, view job listings, and submit quotes for proofreading jobs.

Employers evaluate all quotes and choose the best freelancer for the job.

18. Clickworker

Clickworker is an online platform that hires independent contractors called Clickworkers to perform small tasks for clients.

Clickworker takes large, complex jobs and breaks them down into microtasks that include proofreading and copyediting. These tiny tasks are then completed by Clickworkers on a piece-rate basis.

To become a freelance Clickworker, simply sign up on the website, create a user profile, complete some assessments, and then get to work.

19. Get Editing Jobs

Get Editing Jobs is an online community of job seekers and employers that includes a job directory with writing, editing, and proofreading positions.

To find a list of proofreading jobs, start with search terms like “proofreader,” “proofreading,” and “editor.”

It may also be beneficial to create a job seeker account so you can manage your resume, create custom alerts, and receive job notifications.

20. Lionbridge

Lionbridge is a global communications platform with a community of talented, remote workers who help customers with their content.

They outsource various tasks to their workers and often have online proofreading jobs available.

If no proofreading jobs are listed, be sure to join the community , register for proofreading tasks, and take the relevant evaluation tests. Lionbridge will then contact you when proofreading work is available.

How Much Do Proofreading Jobs Pay?

Can you make decent money proofreading?

Salary.com reports that, as of March 29, 2021, the average proofreader salary in the United States was $53,226, with ranges typically falling between $46,709 and $60,779, depending on education, certifications, skills, and number of years in the profession.

For hourly rates, as of April 4, 2021, Payscale.com reports the average proofreader hourly pay to be $18.53, with individual pay ranging from $11.84 to $30.17.

These numbers are likely for full-time proofreading jobs.

When it comes to freelance work, it’s possible to be paid per word, per page, per project, or by the hour. And, as a freelancer, you have the ability to set your own rates .

According to the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), freelance proofreaders can charge between $31 and $45 per hour, OR between $0.02 and $0.039 per word, depending on experience level and type of proofreading job.

This gives you an idea of what to expect, but ultimately your pay depends on your experience and skills, who you’re working for, and how you’re being paid .

Let’s look at the skills and qualifications needed to be a proofreader.

Proofreader Skills & Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field is sometimes required, but it’s not necessary to find proofreading work.

Prior proofreading experience may also be required.

If you’re a beginner proofreader, think about your schooling or past employment. For example, did you do any academic editing while attending college?

Or, how about friends and family? Did you ever proofread correspondence, resumes, or creative writing for them?

Include these experiences in your application or resume.

You’ll also need these proofreading skills:

• Strong language skills to correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Attention to detail  to spot small errors and inconsistencies, which also requires patience and concentration.
• Communication skills to work directly with clients and be able to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to meet deadlines to submit completed work within specific turnaround times.
• Computer skills  to learn formatting, use software, and utilize the Internet.

You should also become familiar with style guides, like The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and The Associated Press Stylebook (AP).

How to Become a Proofreader

If you have a natural tendency for finding errors and noticing inconsistencies while reading, this is a great start. And if you enjoyed English class and scored well, this is good too.

But if you have no prior proofreading experience, it would serve you well to get some training before applying for jobs.

While you don’t necessarily need a college degree, it’d be wise to brush up on those skills you learned in English class.

A multitude of online training courses are available, and most are reasonably priced. A simple Google search for “online proofreading courses” will provide a list of high-quality options.

Two popular courses are Proofread Anywhere ’s General Proofreading and Proofreading Academy ’s Becoming a Proofreader.

Another option is Udemy.com , which offers many inexpensive editing and proofreading courses-some as little as $11.99 during sales.

Once you take a course or two, start updating your resume.

As you find jobs, create a portfolio to show prospective employers or clients your work.

Next, let’s find out what tools you’ll need to do proofreading work from home.

What Tools Do You Need for Remote Proofreading Jobs?

Besides a computer and internet access, some other tools are useful for completing remote proofreading jobs.

Microsoft Word may be the most common word processing program used for online proofreading jobs. Newer versions of Word include a “Review” menu with useful features for proofreading and editing, such as Editor, New Comment, Track Changes, and Compare.

Google Docs works with Google Drive. Drive is like a filing cabinet that stores files, while Docs is the word processing program where you open and work on your files/documents. Drive and Docs allow you to share files (and your work) with your employer or client.

Dropbox is similar to Google Drive and can also be used to share files with your employer or client.

Spell-check is a feature included with your word processing program. Use it! However, don’t fully rely on this as it’s incapable of picking up every error due to homophones and context, etc.

Grammarly (affiliate link) scans your work, points out spelling and grammatical errors , and offers options for correction. ProWritingAid (affiliate link) is another great option, and it comes with a 20% discount. But don’t fully depend on Grammarly or other tools — they’ll miss some errors, depending on context, type of document, etc.

Ready to Do Proofreading Jobs from Home?

So you’ve found a way to work from home AND make money doing what you love.

You’ve also learned how to finally go after and get your dream job.

If you’re new to the idea of proofreading, don’t hesitate. Get some training to build your confidence.

Then, update your resume and search the sites above for interesting proofreading jobs.

If you already have education and experience proofreading, then begin by examining which new skills you can either acquire or improve.

Now, get out there and be the best dang proofreader you can be!

Joanna Kneller

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26 Easy Proofreading Jobs Online (NO Experience Needed)

By: Author Mitch Glass

Posted on Last updated: December 14, 2023

Online proofreading jobs come with many perks — especially for all you grammar snobs out there.

You can work:

✔️ Wherever you want (one of the best jobs for digital nomads ) ✔️ Whenever you want ✔️ As much (or as little) as you want.

And the pay isn’t too shabby either. 

There’s just one problem:

Experience.

Many work-from-home proofreading jobs ask for loads of it, which begs the question…

Is it possible to find proofreading jobs online with no experience?

You bet it is.

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Table of Contents

What is a proofreader?

Who uses proofreaders, is it hard to get proofreading jobs from home with no experience, freelance proofreading vs. freelancing writing: which is better, how to find proofreading jobs online (no experience), 1. polished paper, 2. edit my english, 3. other companies to find entry-level proofreading jobs online (no experience), “recommended” proofreading companies that do not actually hire proofreaders without experience, 2. flexjobs, 3. other job boards to find proofreading jobs for beginners, facebook groups to find proofreading jobs online without experience, how to become a proofreader online, step-by-step, frequently asked questions.

A proofreader is an expert at correcting written language. They’re the ones tearing apart documents in red pen, hunting for mistakes, grammar mishaps, and formatting issues. 

Proofreaders are often confused with copy editors. Proofreaders focus on grammar, spelling, and formatting — the objective stuff. Editors, on the other hand, also scrutinize the structure, flow, and accuracy of the writing.

As a proofreader, you can work as a generalist or specialize in certain niches. 

You might feel like niching down will limit your number of potential clients. But specializing in one area — like medical, legal, or academic papers — can often make it easier to land work. 

Becoming an expert in certain proofreading niches can also lead to higher-paying jobs.

Proofreading is similar to transcription and scoping. Before diving headfirst into the world of proofreading, it’s worth investigating transcriptionist jobs and scopist jobs as well. 

Proofreading is a big deal for companies. If they publish content with errors, they instantly lose credibility with potential customers. 

Because of this, many do not trust software to catch mistakes for them. They want a second set of human eyeballs. 

Some examples of people who hire proofreaders include:

• Authors (books, magazines, newspapers, etc.) 
• Businesses (brand content, manuals, reports, etc.)
• Brands on social media
• Bloggers and content writers
• Marketing companies
• Entrepreneurs writing website copy
• Job seekers writing resumes and cover letters
• Academics publishing studies and research papers

Work-from-home proofreading jobs are flexible and low-stress, but is it really possible to start with no experience?

Of course it is. Every successful proofreader had no experience at one point.

The trick is finding ways to build that experience. The more you have, the easier it gets to find work. 

That said, there is a difference between no experience and no skills. 

To get proofreading jobs, you need to actually know how to proofread. 

That means memorizing spelling and grammar rules like the back of your hand. This is the hardest part. 

But if you learned it once upon a time in elementary school, you can learn it again. 

Just grab an English proofreading book , start studying, and — when you’ve mastered the skills — search for freelance proofreading jobs from home using the strategies below. 

If you want to cut down on the learning curve and start earning faster, you can also take an online proofreading course . 

That said, before paying for anything, it’s a good idea to take this free proofreading class . It’ll help you decide if proofreading is really for you, then show you tricks for attracting your first clients.

I’ve dug through various proofreading courses, so before pulling your wallet, check out my reviews to choose the best one.

• Proofread Anywhere review
• Knowadays review

If you decide proofreading is not for you, don’t fret. There are plenty of awesome freelance job options for beginners . 

If it is for you, here’s everything you need to know. 

How much do proofreaders make an hour?

According to salary data collected by Indeed, the average proofreader in the United States earns roughly $25 per hour (or almost $60,000 per year).

As a proofreading beginner, your rates depend on the quality of your clients and your work speed. 

You’ll likely have to work up to that $25-per-hour rate, but it’s doable. 

The maximum pay for freelance proofreaders is generally less than for freelance writers. 

This is because a good freelance writer is much harder to replace than a good proofreader. 

In a way, proofreading is easier than writing because you don’t have to “create” anything. All you have to do is modify what someone else already created. 

If you’re number one priority is a high income, look into freelance writing. 

I’ve personally made as much as $100/hour (after years of experience), so I can attest to the income potential.

I even made a free course to help you earn your first $1,000 as a freelance writer.

FREE 5-DAY COURSE

Learn the simple step-by-step process I used to easily land my first freelance clients and build a business I can run while traveling the world.

By signing up, you'll also be added to my legendary email list and receive exclusive travel lifesyle tips I don't share anywhere else. 

That said, if the idea of staring at a blank page sounds daunting to you, then writing might not be your jam.

In that case, proofreading is an awesome option — here’s how to find proofreading jobs online.

There’s more than one way to find proofreading jobs online with no experience.

You can either work for a proofreading agency that sends you work and acts as a “middleman” between you and clients. Or you can use job boards and other resources to find and work with clients directly. 

Both options are viable ways to get proofreading jobs from home fast, but let’s start with proofreading agencies. 

Companies that hire proofreaders

If you don’t want to do the grunt work of finding clients on your own, you can join a proofreading company that finds work for you. 

Since you’re essentially working with a middleman, your rates won’t be quite as high. But if you consider the time you save searching for clients (time you’re not paid for), then it may work out in your favor. 

There’s a handful of companies that hire proofreaders with no experience, which makes it a great place to find entry-level proofreading jobs online.

But wait — do you need qualifications to be a proofreader online? 

Some companies may not require previous experience, but they do require a college degree of some sort. (Those are usually the academic proofreading jobs.)

Here’s a list of companies to find proofreading jobs for beginners.

Polished Paper is an awesome company for work-at-home proofreading jobs. They offer proofreading and editing services to clients who need a second set of eyes on:

✔️ Novels ✔️ Blog entries ✔️ Screenplays ✔️ Dissertations ✔️ Journal articles ✔️ Application essays ✔️ Personal statements  ✔️ Business documents ✔️ Resumes/cover letters

Their website doesn’t say anything requiring prior experience. But you will need to pass a 35-question test that shows you know your stuff. 

Edit My English is another online proofreader job that doesn’t require experience.

To proofread for Edit My English, you must be a U.S. citizen and have a degree from a U.S.-based university. 

All editors set their own hours, typically from 10 to 40 hours per week. You earn per page and receive 60% of the client payment. The faster you work, the higher your hourly rate.

There’s a whole slew of proofreading companies that don’t require experience.

To start your job search, check out:

• Kibin . A proofreading company that specializes in academic editing. Kibin needs freelance proofreaders who can offer fast, overnight turnaround times. You must pass a grammar/editing test to be approved. (Note: Kibin mentions that they hire “experienced editors” on their editor’s page, but experience is not mentioned as a requirement on their application page).
• Gramlee . A proofreading company for editing dissertations, copywriting, and other documents. Prior experience is not specified as a requirement.

Many articles online recommend proofreading companies to new proofreaders looking for jobs without experience. 

The problem is, most of the companies they recommend actually DO require experience. Some don’t even offer proofreading services at all!

That’s annoying. And it can end up wasting loads of your time.

To avoid that, here’s a list of recommended proofreading companies that require experience. 

Most of them do not specify how much proofreading experience you need, so feel free to check them out anyway if you have a little experience.

Note: You can save these as potential companies to work for in the future. Just not as your very first job.

• Sibia Proofreading . Proofreading company for fiction manuscripts, job applications, business memos, and doctoral dissertations. 
• Proofreading Pal . Proofreading services for authors, students, businesses, resumes, cover letters, etc.
• Proofreading Services . Proofreading company with 10K+ clients in over 100 countries.
• Edit Fast . Proofreading company for any type of document.
• Words RU . Proofreading company for any type of document. 
• Reedsy . Proofreading for fiction and non-fiction books.
• Wordvice . Proofreading for academic documents written by students, researchers, and business professionals.
• Proofreading.org/Cambridge Proofreading . UK-based company that hires US and UK editors. Purely academic proofreading. Several years of experience is required, plus a college degree and subject matter expertise. 
• Scribbr . Proofreading services for essays, theses, dissertations, etc. Must be a native English speaker with at least a bachelor’s degree, work a minimum of 10 hours a week, and have previous experience proofreading academic texts.
• Scribendi . Proofreading services for academics/students, authors, businesses, and individuals (resumes, cover letters, etc.). 3+ years of experience required in editing, writing, document production, or language-teaching, and an average proofreading speed of 1,000-1,500 words per hour to apply. 
• Quality Proofreading . Proofreading services for students, businesses, and individuals (resumes, cover letters, etc.). Must have an advanced degree from a UK/US institution and 3+ years of proofreading experience.
• Proofread Now . Offers proofreading services in both English and Spanish. “Rigorous” testing is required. 
• Wordy . Hires both editors and proofreaders, but the hiring process is temporarily paused. 

Finally, these companies are commonly recommended to new proofreaders, but in reality, they’re not actually proofreading companies:

• Lifetips. A site where you can share tips and knowledge on various topics.
• Kirkus. A book review company.
• Scribe Media (AKA Book in a Box). A publisher and coach for novelists.
• Babbletype. A translation and transcription service
• Domainite. An editing company (different skill set than proofreading).
• Cactus Global. An editing company (different skill set than proofreading).
• Jobsforeditors.com. An editing company (different skill set than proofreading).

Alrighty, now that we have those time-wasters out of the way, let’s dive into some job boards for proofreaders. 

Job boards to find proofreading jobs from home (no experience) 

Some of these job boards are specific for proofreaders. But most of them are general freelance marketplaces where you can search for proofreading gigs.

On these marketplaces, each job listing has its own specific experience requirements. Some require it; others don’t. Before applying, read each description carefully. 

Upwork is one of the most popular job boards to find online proofreading jobs – or any freelance jobs, for that matter. 

Upwork was originally formed in 2015 after Elance and O-Desk merged. 

Upwork has job postings for nearly every type of freelancing service, including graphic designers, IT specialists, writers, and you guessed it — proofreaders.

Clients post jobs in the marketplace, then freelancers compete against each other to win the job. 

The platform is known to be a bit oversaturated, so you’ll have to decide if Upwork is worth it to you or not. 

It’s full of opportunity, but also competition. Some people have made $10K/mo and even six-figure salaries on Upwork alone. 

Upwork takes a 20% cut of your pay until you make $500. After that, the fee lowers to 10%. 

Flexjobs is a curated job board specifically for remote and flexible online jobs — including proofreading jobs for beginners.

The nice thing about Flexjobs is that all the job postings on Flexjobs are reviewed by editors to catch scams and sketchy-looking ads.

Flexjobs charges a small monthly fee to use the platform, but you can request a refund if you’re not satisfied (like if you don’t find a job). 

That said, you can see all the proofreading job listings for free . Just type it into the search bar. 

Many listings on these job boards require no experience, but some opportunities do require experience.

• Problogger . Writing and editing jobs.
• Fiverr . Freelance opportunities, including proofreading and editing.
• Freelancer . Freelance opportunities, including proofreading and editing.
• LinkedIn . World’s largest business social site where you can connect with potential employers in your industry.
• Remote.co . Remote job listings in many different fields, including proofreading and editing.
• Indeed.com . Job board for all types of jobs, including remote proofreading and editing opportunities.
• Guru . Freelance opportunities, including proofreading and editing.
• People Per Hour . Freelance opportunities, including proofreading and editing.
• MediaBistro . Editing, proofreading, copywriting, graphic design, and other creative jobs.
• WritingJobz . Writing-related job opportunities, including editing and proofreading.
• The Editorial Freelancers Association . Matches businesses with proofreaders, editors, and writers.
• Kelly Services . Job board for a variety of industries, including proofreading and editing positions.
• Virtual Vocations . Job board for specific remote work niches, including editing and proofreading.

Recommended job boards that do not offer proofreading jobs online

Just like with the “proofreading companies” we covered that aren’t actually proofreading companies, there are also job boards that some sites recommend that don’t actually have proofreading jobs. 

• Lionbridge . Translation and interpretation services only.
• Toogit . Job board that does not have proofreading or editing job postings.

Facebook groups are always a great place to find legitimate proofreading jobs online. 

You can either post your offer and wait for opportunities to come your way, or you can search for clients searching for help. 

It’s worth hanging around the following groups to see if you attract some clients:

• Proofreaders Group . Proofreaders trading tips and news, as well as a place where clients come to find proofreading services.
• Beta Reading/Editing/Proofreading . Independent authors, blog writers, and artists post job opportunities for proofreading services.
• Proofreader Needed Today (general proofreaders and editors) . For proofreaders/editors to post their services and writers to post proofreading job opportunities.
• Binders Full of Remote Proofreading and Editing Jobs . A group where members can share proofreading and editing job opportunities.
• Freelance Content Writers, Content Editor, Proofreader & Digital Marketers . Group to offer job opportunities to content writers, digital marketers, editors, and proofreaders.
• Proofreading and Editing Services . Members can either post job opportunities or request them.
• Transcribing, Editing & Proofreading Services. Find or post job opportunities for transcribing, editing, and proofreading.

Remember, the goal isn’t to spam these groups with your services — that won’t fly.

Instead, interact with the group, help people, build relationships, and mention that you are a freelance proofreader. 

Alrighty, now that I’ve firehosed you with information. Let’s revamp how to become a proofreader online, step by step.

• Commit. Take this free course to be 100% sure proofreading is right for you (and learn how to grab your first clients). 
• Master your grammar. Pick up some proofreading books on Amazon or sign up for an online course.
• Build a minimal portfolio. Do a couple free or cheap projects for people in your network, or create sample projects of your own. You can showcase these in a nicely formatted Google doc, or create a simple website. 
• Cast your lines. Treat finding your first clients like a full-time job. Cast your line in all the places mentioned in this guide.

Once you find your first proofreading clients, give them amazing service, then ask for testimonials and referrals.

The bigger you build your portfolio, reputation, and network, the easier it gets to fill your pipeline with work.

Proofreading is a perfect job for students, especially because the rules of grammar are fresh in your mind. Freelance proofreading is also flexible, so you can work around your school schedule. When freelancing, there is no need to share how young you are unless a client asks. 

Proofreading doesn’t require experience, but the more experience you have, the easier it is to find work. Everyone starts somewhere, and the most important thing is having the skills to be a proofreader. Your main goal is to prove to clients that you can complete the job. 

You do not need any special qualifications to be a proofreader, but if you are specialized in certain areas, it may help you find jobs. A proofreading portfolio showcasing your skills can be more convincing to clients than qualifications that they probably have never heard of. 

The key to becoming a skilled proofreader is practice. The more you proofread, the easier it is to spot mistakes. The easier it is to spot mistakes, the faster you finish projects. And the faster you finish projects, the more you can earn per hour.

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21 Websites Offering Legit Freelance Proofreading Jobs

This content may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend products or services that I genuinely like and trust.

Want to become a successful proofreader but struggling to find freelance proofreading jobs? 

Finding clients is one of the most stressful parts of being a freelancer, but it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of online proofreading jobs available; you just have to know where to look. 

I’ve compiled a list of proofreading websites that hire proofreaders and editors to work for them. They find the clients; all you have to worry about is doing the work! 

Of course, working for an agency has pros and cons. You don’t have to do as much marketing, but as a result, you may earn a little less once the company has taken its cut. 

Stick around for the FAQ section at the end of this post, where I share some information about starting your own business. 

Table of Contents

Websites That Provide Freelance Proofreading Jobs

1.  scribendi.

Scribendi  is a Canada-based company that hires editors and proofreaders to edit content for its ESL, academic, professional, and student clients. It has both in-house and freelance positions. 

Suitable for beginners?

No. Scribendi requires that you have at least three years of experience in editing, writing, document production, or language teaching.

Do you need a degree?

Yes, you need to have a university degree in a relevant field. 

Special requirements:

You need to have native level English ability. However, the website states that the company hires proofreaders and editors outside the US and Canada. 

Your computer must have Microsoft Word 2010 or higher. 

2.  Proofed Inc.

Proofed offers proofreading, editing, and formatting services to businesses, students, and academics, and promises to return documents within 24 hours. 

Yes. If you don’t have experience yet, you can take its Knowadays Becoming a Proofreader and Becoming an Editor Courses (formerly Proofreading Academy) first. If you graduate with a score of 80% or higher from both courses, you are guaranteed the chance to work with Proofed.

***Summer Sale Alert: Get 40% off all Knowadays proofreading and copyediting courses until June 30! ***

Sign up for a free trial of the Knowadays Becoming a Proofreader course here!

I wrote a review of the Knowdays (formerly Proofreading Academy) Becoming a Proofreader course here.

Yes. Proofed is looking for meticulous, passionate proofreaders with a PhD, master’s, or undergraduate degree from a top university. However, if you complete its course, it will waive this requirement. 

You must upload a copy of your résumé and cover letter to apply for a role with Proofed. 

3.  ProofreadNOW

ProofreadNOW’s proofreaders and editors have been proofreading business documents since 1999. Its clients include law firms, marketing agencies, universities, healthcare providers, and more. 

ProofreadNOW is not hiring at present, but you can  sign up for its email list to be notified  when it is hiring. 

No. ProofreadNOW requires that you have five years of experience as a proofreader. 

The website doesn’t specify.  

You must pass a series of tedious and difficult tests before being hired.  

4.  Polished Paper

Polished Paper is a proofreading and editing service for students, businesses, and ESL writers. 

Register here to be considered for a position with Polished Paper. 

Possibly. The website doesn’t specify how many years of experience you need. 

You must pass a 35-question editor test before being hired. 

5.  Reedsy

Reedsy connects authors with proofreaders, editors, designers, and marketers who can help them bring their book to life and publish it. 

With Reedsy, you can set your own rates, and it charges a 10% commission. To apply, you must  sign up for a free Reedsy profile , and once you are accepted, you will be added to the marketplace. 

From what I’ve heard it can be quite difficult to get into Reedsy. I believe you need to have some experience already, but the website doesn’t specify. 

The website doesn’t specify. I think experience is more important to them.  

Not aware of any. 

6.  Domainite

Domainite  offers a range of services like marketing, website design, and direct mailing to its business customers. 

Possibly. The website doesn’t specify how much experience you need to have.

You must complete an  editing sample  before being hired. You must also confirm that you are familiar with using track changes in Microsoft Word. 

7.  Gramlee

Gramlee offers copyediting, grammar check, and proofreading services for students and academics.

You need to  fill out Gramlee’s employment form  to be considered for a proofreading or editing position.  

Possibly. The website doesn’t specify how many years of experience the company requires, but the form does ask how much experience you have.

The website doesn’t specify, but the form does ask if you have a degree.   

8.  Wordvice

Wordvice has been editing academic material and admissions essays for ESL clients since 2013. It has service agreements with many universities, academic societies, medical centers, research institutions, and laboratories.

Apply here to become a freelance editor with Wordvice. 

No. You need to have two years’ professional editing experience. It prefers that you have an educational background or have experience in medicine, engineering, or other biomedical and natural science domain.

Yes. You need to have completed or be enrolled in a graduate degree program.  

You must have native fluency in English. You must also have experience with various formatting styles such as APA, AMA, MLA, and Chicago.

9.  CACTUS

CACTUS  specializes in editing scientific and medical documents for academics. It is known for being a good place to work, consistently ranking among the top 20 on the global list of the Top 100 Companies for Telecommute Jobs (Forbes.com) since 2016.

The website states that “prior editing experience would be great.”

Yes. You need to have a PhD/master’s/bachelor’s degree or expertise in one or more specialized subject areas in physical sciences, engineering, materials sciences, healthcare, life sciences, medicine, and surgery. 

In addition to freelance positions where you can work from anywhere in the world, CACTUS also offers some full-time remote positions for people based in India. You may be asked to take an editing test to secure one of these positions. 

10.  Sibia Proofreading

Sibia Proofreading  was founded by Dona, a Harvard graduate. It offers proofreading and editing services for academics including journal articles, dissertations, theses, essays, etc.

The website doesn’t state how many years of experience you need to have; however, it does mention that its editors have experience editing PhDs. 

Yes. Sibia Proofreading carefully selects talented and experienced editing professionals who have graduated from top-tier universities such as Harvard University.

You need to be a native English speaker. 

11.  ProofreadingServices.com

ProofreadingServices.com  has helped thousands of academics, jobseekers, businesspeople, and authors refine their writing. It has part-time and full-time remote positions available.

It offers competitive pay ranging from US$19 to US$46 per hour depending on turnaround time, with the highest pay for the most urgent deadlines.

The website doesn’t specify. 

You need to complete an online application that includes multiple choice questions and a three to four-sentence writing sample.  

12.  ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal  uses a two-proofreader model whereby all documents must be proofed by two proofreaders to ensure it provides the highest-quality proofreading service. 

No. You need to have a minimum of five years of professional proofreading and editing experience or be working toward a degree.

Yes. If you do not already have a degree, you need to be currently employed by or enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited United States college or university and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.

You must have experience with several popular writing styles, such as APA, MLA, CMS, AP, and CSE.

13.  Edit24-7

Edit 24-7  specializes in proofreading and light editing for academics, businesses, and writers.

According to the website, Edit 24-7 has an extensive application process. To apply for a position, you need to send a writing sample and either your resume or a description of your relevant experience to [email protected].

14.  EditFast

The   EditFast  platform allows eligible editors and proofreaders to set up a web page where potential clients can reach out to them. Clients can choose which editor they want to work with or have EditFast choose someone.  

EditFast gets 40% of the final project price. 

The website states a requirement for past editing/proofreading experience, but it doesn’t say how many years.  

You need to have a degree from a recognized university. 

You must keep all communications with clients on the EditFast platform. 

15.  Edit911

Edit911  provides book, dissertation, article, and document editing by editors with PhDs.

The website doesn’t specify how many years of experience you need to have, but it does mention that you should have verifiable experience, so I don’t think it is suitable for beginners.  

Yes. You need to have a PhD in English or another writing-intensive discipline. You must also be a published scholar, with demonstrable talent and skills as a writer.

You need to send your résumé and a sample of your writing to Edit911 to be considered for a position.

16.  First Editing

First Editing provides fiction, nonfiction, and academic editing services. 

The website lists  First Editing’s requirements  here.   

It would be advantageous. First Editing is looking for people with a doctorate degree with experience in technical editing, theses, dissertations, research, article submissions, etc.

It also mentions master’s, bachelor’s, specific editing courses, proofreading certification, publishing seminars, etc.

You must be available to work at least 25 hours per week. Living in an international location may be advantageous, especially one that serves a time zone outside of the continental North American market, especially those editors located in the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, or Hawaii.

17.  Cambridge Proofreading LLC

Cambridge Proofreading  was founded in Cambridge, England, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It matches the clients’ documents with editors who have subject-matter expertise. 

The average pay is US$20 to US$25 per hour, paid twice monthly.

The website states that the company’s preferred candidate will have experience in academic editing or publishing, or as university faculty.

Yes. Cambridge Proofreading boasts that all its editors hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with the majority having master’s or doctoral degrees. 

Expertise in STEM, business, economics, education, and computer science would be advantageous. 

18.  WordsRU

WordsRU   was established in Australia in 2002. It provides a specialist proofreading and editing service to businesses, academics, and writers.

No. You must have at least two years of professional experience as an editor, copyeditor, or proofreader.

Yes. You must hold a master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent professional experience in any academic discipline.

WordsRU is currently in need of qualified editors who are available to work on weekends.

19.  Scribbr

With an office in the Netherlands and a team of over 500 freelancers worldwide,  Scribbr  helps over one million students per month to improve their writing. As a Scribbr proofreader and editor, you would be editing papers, detecting plagiarism, and generating citations. It offers services in ten languages!

On average, Scribbr’s editors edit 1,700 words per hour and earn from €20 to €25 per hour.

No. You must have experience editing academic texts. 

Yes. You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. 

You must be a native English speaker and be available to work for at least ten hours per week. 

To  become a Scribbr editor , you must pass a rigorous application process including a language quiz and two to five simulation orders. 

20.  Stickler

Stickler  specializes in helping academics get published in a top-tier journal, complete their PhDs, or obtain funding by providing world-class proofreading and copyediting services. 

No. You must have significant experience editing academic texts. 

You must be able to turn work of 14,000 words or less around in two to four working days (more time will be allocated for longer jobs). You must also be familiar with Harvard and APA referencing styles (as a minimum).

21.  Editana

Editana  recruits editors and proofreaders from the world’s top universities to edit academic and nonacademic texts. 

No. You must have relevant proofreading experience to apply.  

The website doesn’t specify, but it does say that they actively recruit from universities, so it’s likely you’ll need to be working toward a degree.  

You will need to fill out an application form, provide a cover letter and résumé, and take an editorial test to be considered for a position. You must also be a native-English speaker. 

FAQs about Freelance Proofreading Jobs

Whew, that was a lot of information to get at one time! You probably have a lot of questions now like

• How do I become a freelance proofreader without a degree or experience?
• Can I start my own business instead of working for proofreading and editing companies?
• How much can I earn per hour as a proofreader?

Keep reading for the answers to those questions. 

How do I become a freelance proofreader without a degree?

You probably noticed that many of the proofreading jobs above require their editors and proofreaders have a degree or even a master’s or PhD! So it is even possible to become a proofreader without a degree?

Yes, you don’t need to have a degree to start your own proofreading business. You can market your business to get your own clients without relying on proofreading companies. 

When you work with proofreading agencies, they keep a percentage of the profits—sometimes even as much as 50%! Getting your own clients means that you get to keep all the money for the project (minus transaction fees). 

Start Your Own Proofreading Business

The first step to starting your own proofreading business is making sure that you have the appropriate skills and resources. 

One course that I have personally taken and can recommend is Proofread Anywhere’s  General Proofreading: Theory and Practice course . It includes lots of worksheets and essays so you can practice your proofreading skills as well as an entire module dedicated to teaching you how to market your business to get clients.

***FLASH SALE ALERT: Proofread Anywhere is having a 50% off sale until June 30!** *

Sign up for a  free Intro to Proofreading workshop  to learn how you can become a proofreader. 

Once you have the appropriate training, you need to gather your resources including a laptop/desktop computer, editing software, and  proofreading books and style guides . 

For more details on starting a proofreading business from home, check out my post about  how to become a proofreader without any experience . 

Can you make money proofreading?

One of the most common questions I get asked about working as a proofreader online is “Can you make money proofreading?” The answer is YES! You won’t become a millionaire by proofreading, but you can make a decent living. 

According to ZipRecruiter, a freelance proofreader in the United States can earn an  average of $51,391 per year  or $22/hour (as at August 11, 2020).

Caitlin Pyle of Proofread Anywhere  earned $43,000 a year as a part-time proofreader!

How much should I charge for proofreading per hour?

How much you can charge for proofreading depends on many factors. If you work for a proofreading agency, it will decide how much you will be paid. However, if you start your own proofreading business, you can set your own rates.

Proofreaders can charge per word, per page, per hour, or per project. It depends on the type of document you’re working on. 

Some editorial associations publish median rates that they have compiled by surveying their members. According to the  Editorial Freelancers Association  (EFA), proofreaders can charge between $0.02 and $0.03 per word or between $40 and $50 per hour for proofreading nonfiction (as of January 2024). 

The  Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders  (CIEP) suggests a minimum hourly rate for proofreading of £29.85, and a minimum hourly rate of £34.70 for copyediting (as of March 2024).  

I cover how much proofreaders make in more detail in this post.

Final Thoughts about Online Proofreading Jobs

I hope this post gave you lots of ideas on how to find freelance proofreading jobs online. 

Don’t forget to check out this  free proofreading class  to find out how to become a proofreader with no experience!

Not sold on proofreading? There are tons of other options out there!  Check out this list of 33 home-based business ideas!

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure for more.

21 Legitimate Proofreading Jobs Sites for Beginners + Tips to Get Started

Allan Borch

Allan Borch is the founder of Dotcom Dollar. With almost 10 years of digital marketing experience, he wants to help entrepreneurs and business owners build and monetize their own successful online business. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter and Youtube. Learn more »

Top 21 Places To Look For Proofreading Jobs

Online proofreading: a lucrative work-from-home job, how much money does a proofreader usually make, becoming a proofreader: what do you need, tools that will come in handy for proofreading jobs, different types of proofreading jobs, pros and cons of being a proofreader, tips on finding proofreading jobs, final words.

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Interested to work as a freelance proofreader? You’d be happy to know that prospective freelance proofreading jobs pay well, even at the lowest end of the spectrum. According to Glassdoor, as of June 2020, the lowest base pay is at $34,000/year and the highest is at $66,000/year. This means the average base pay is at $45,222/year.

Not bad, considering you’ll be working from home, or where you’re most comfortable and productive.

Depending on your skills, you can expect to earn within the range specified. You can also use Payscale , a salary comparison research site, to determine your pay rate based on your location.

Overall, working remotely as a freelance proofreader comes with benefits, salary-wise. You just need to find a gig that’s legitimate.

There are plenty of remote job websites that you can use to find proofreading jobs. Having a lot of choices can be a good thing, but you will have to vet these choices one by one and create online profiles on websites that you are not even legit.

Fortunately, we took the liberty of listing 20 legitimate online proofreading job websites that are fit for first-time and long-time online jobseekers. If you learn how you can get freelance clients , getting hired for the job would be easier.

Here are some of the best places with a high chance of landing online proofreading jobs for beginners and pros alike:

Fiverr is one of the best websites for any freelancer, including beginner proofreaders. The pay may not match your expectations, but it is a great place to start acquiring experience.

2. Clickworker

If you are looking for quick jobs, Click Worker has a lot of choices. All you need to do is complete a test and gain access to tons of proofreading jobs once you pass.

3. ProofreadingServices

The best thing about Proofreading Services is the flexible schedule of offered jobs and the salary that ranges from $20 to $40 per hour. Although, getting a high rate may be challenging for beginners.

4. SolidGigs

Why waste hours of your billable time looking for jobs when you can sign up for SolidGigs? SolidGigs does the work for you, sending you the best freelance proofreading jobs every week, so you can get back to doing what you do best.

5. FlexJobs

FlexJobs has many proofreading jobs and other positions that require a similar set of skills. This means you can also explore other projects on top of proofreading. Proofreader gigs vary as full-time, part-time, and temporary.

6. Get Editing Jobs

This community of job seekers and clients offer various editing and writing projects. Proofreading jobs may be scarce, but you can try a different keyword to expand your search.

7. LionBridge

LionBridge requires a skills test to get started, but anyone who is naturally good with grammar can pass.

UpWork has tons of proofreading jobs to offer. However, the screening process is the most challenging part. Make sure you buff up your profile to get a better chance to get in. Once you are in, you will need to spend a little amount of money on “connects” to submit proposals.

9. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a legitimate social media platform for freelancers and professionals. The more connections you make, the higher the chance you get to land a legitimate proofreading job.

10. Scribendi

Scribendi is a fast-growing editing and proofreading service who are always constantly searching for the best work-from-home proofreaders.

11. Contena

Joining Contena takes only about five minutes of your time. They offer tons of jobs for freelancers who specialize in writing, editing, and proofreading.

Guru is a great website if you want to market yourself for almost any type of job inside and outside of writing.

13. Wordvice

Wordvice is a great website if you want to take academic writing and proofreading projects. Because of their clients from prestigious universities in the US, you can gain quite a lot of academic editing and proofreading experience.

14. Craigslist

Craigslist has a couple of interesting proofreading job posts, depending on your area.

15. Scribbr

Scribbr has a meticulous screening process, but once you pass, you will gain access to tons of proofreading projects.

16. Cactus Communications

If you are looking to make working remotely a full-time job and your main source of income, Cactus Communications will allow you to choose. However, you might need a college degree for this option.

17. Polished Paper

Polished Paper has a reputation for giving higher pay. However, it is quite challenging to get in, especially if you don’t have enough experience. It includes a test and various levels of screening.

18. EditFast

EditFast allows you to create a profile to market yourself to clients. However, the fee is quite pricey but good enough for building your work experience.

19. ProofreadingPal

This website is the perfect option for students enrolled in college. They usually hire students and professionals with a minimum of 3.5 GPA.

20. Freelancer

Freelancer is similar to sites like Fiverr and Upwork. However, the number of proofreading jobs on this site tend to be fewer.

21. Gramlee

Signing up for Gramlee is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is fill out the application form and wait for a response. It is a great company that offers flexible hours and remote proofreading jobs.

If you reached this point in the article, then it means you decided to give proofreading a shot. So let’s go into the details about freelance proofreading.

What is proofreading exactly?

Proofreaders, from the name itself, read and proofread almost any online content. Whether it is a blog post, marketing copy, social media post, or anything else in between, a proofreader ensures that the specific content or draft is bulletproof and ready for publishing.

Sounds simple, right?

It is simple in theory, but this job does require focus. It is a meticulous job that requires patience, the utmost attention to detail, and a good handle on the English language, including an extensive amount of grammar knowledge.

Although you might be confused with the terms “proofreader” and “editor,” they are two completely different things. A proofreader can be an editor, and an editor can also become a proofreader.

Sometimes, writers become their own proofreaders, depending on the job or client. However, having a different pair of eyes to proofread an article is highly recommended due to what is called writers’ blind spots or a writer’s own errors that they failed to spot.

No matter how good a writer is, there may still be lapses in their work. This is where proofreaders come in to look for those gaps.

When a final draft is ready for polishing and preparing the content for publishing, proofreading comes into play.

Whether it is an essay, a transcript, a marketing ad campaign, or anything else in between, a proofreader’s job is to make sure that there are no typos or grammatical errors.

The proofreader also needs to make sure that the content is written in the preferred style set by the client or company.

With that said, proofreaders are essential in most writing processes. It only means that just like writers, proofreading jobs are also in demand for online blogs, marketing, and most other industries.

What does a Copy Editor Do?

Just to provide a clear distinction, a copy editor comes in earlier in the process of writing and proofing an article. They do the bulk of edits needed to improve a draft beyond typos, punctuation, and grammar.

Copy editors are there to make the content clear and consistent, and then makes notes for revision. It is a whole back and forth process between the writer and the editor before the draft makes its way to the proofreader.

Copy editing requires the same skills as a proofreader, so you will most likely see these two terms linked together when you start your online job search.

Proofreading salaries can range from 30k to 50k annually.

It is so much more than a minimum wage, without the hassle of the commute, waking up early, and more.

Just like any other freelance job, proofreading salaries will be based on the amount of work you put in.

My mindset towards freelancing is kind of like a sole proprietorship, where clients come to you to hire your services, as opposed to the conventional job scheme.

Most proofreaders charge per project, word count, or hourly rate, and a beginner proofreader can charge around $10 per hour. This rate can significantly increase, once you have proven your skills and gained enough experience.

Before looking for any work-from-home jobs, one of the most important skills you need to learn is proper time management above anything else.

You might have the right skills that will fit the proofreading job description but, without the ability to manage your time properly, you won’t be as productive.

With a flexible schedule, procrastination is your worst enemy. When working from home, there can be a lot of distractions such as chores, hobbies, and more.

The best tip I can give you if you end up working remotely is to isolate yourself from all the distractions as much as possible. If you can set up your workstation in an isolated area in the house, such as a separate room, it will help a lot with productivity.

Aside from time management, here are some of the most important skills every proofreader should have or acquire:

• Excellent Vocabulary – Any proofreader should have an extensive vocabulary. You can always learn a new word each day and list them down for future use.
• Top-Notch Grammar Skills – Catching spelling errors may be a part of the job, but it does not stop there. You should also know your subject-verb-agreement rules, proper uses of a comma, and most of all, consistency.
• Advanced Writing Knowledge – Some jobs require a certain degree and a higher level of education. You can always take an e-learning course to land a higher-paying proofreading job.
• Attention to Detail – Proofreaders are like quality assurance personnel. They make sure an article or write-up is error-free before publishing, and to catch all the bugs and errors, you will need to be focused and take your time.

Some clients may prefer speed over quality, but make sure you focus on quality and work on a productive workflow later.

Proofreading doesn’t require a high-end computer similar to what will be required for gaming, music production, or graphic design. Still, you must have a stable and reliable setup.

As an online proofreader, you will be working with a lot of confidential documents. Aside from the computer specs, you also need to ensure a safe and secure working environment.

Here are some tools that will almost always come in handy for online proofreaders:

• Grammarly – This proofreading tool can never beat a human proofreader, but it can help a lot in making your copy air-tight. Plus, you can install it as an extension for most word processing software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, emails, WordPress, and more.

Aside from Grammarly, there are tons of grammar checking tools you can choose from. Other tools that you will need are:

• The Chicago Manual of Style, AP Stylebook, and Mcgraw-Hill’s Proofreading Handbook – These books will help you significantly as a professional proofreader. It contains plenty of useful tips for being a more efficient proofreader.
• Google Docs – Most remote teams use Google Docs, Google Sheets, and other apps included in the Google Suite. Why? Because of its excellent collaboration features. Google Docs allows remote teams to work on the same document in real-time without trading emails or direct messages. Plus, it enables project managers to build a system for tracking the progress of the whole team.

Make sure you set up your Google Drive account because you will most likely need it when you become a proofreader.

As a proofreader, you will be required to proofread many forms of content from emails to PDF files to manuscripts. Because there are so many types of content, you can choose to focus on one or two types.

Although there are differences in writing styles, the main goal will always be polishing and freeing an article from grammatical, punctuation, and structure errors.

Here are some examples of content that you may or may not come across as a proofreader:

• Social Media Content
• Court Transcripts
• User Manuals
• Press Releases
• School Tests
• Restaurant Menus
• Medical Transcriptions
• Newsletters
• Legal Transcriptions, and more

Basically, anything you see written online, in newspapers, magazines, or a cereal box most likely went through the eyes of a proofreader.

So, if you are worried about the demand for this line of work, there is enough work out there for proofreaders and editors around the globe.

While there are many advantages to becoming a proofreader, there are drawbacks as well. Before deciding if you are willing to take this route, make sure you weigh out the pros and cons first.

• You get to work remotely
• The flexible schedule allows you to manage your own time and become your own boss
• You can get online proofreading jobs without investment
• You can choose to become a part-time or full-time proofreader
• There is a chance to get proofreading jobs from home even without experience
• Proofreading is a skill that comes naturally to many
• If you want to make it big, you might need to get a degree or undergo formal training
• Deadlines are strict
• Working from home is very different from working in an office, and might take a little getting used to

If you have decided on what kind of proofreading work you want to do, you can do a little quick online search to have a glimpse of what is out there.

With so many options, you are going to need to put the right search term to get more tailored results. Here are some helpful keywords you can type in your search engine, or one of the websites that I will mention later in the article:

• Proofreader
• Academic Editor
• Book Editor
• Online Proofreading Jobs
• Line Editor

Useful Tip: It is possible to find jobs where you least expect it such as social media groups. You can also join freelance groups on Reddit or Facebook to get help and ideas from the community.

Plus, most clients often resort to Facebook groups when hiring freelancers to avoid third-party fees, which has some advantages and disadvantages. When getting jobs outside of these groups, you will be dealing with unverified strangers that may or may not scam you. It is ideal to draft your own contracts for instances like these.

The only advantage, however, is that you can get paid more without the service fees. So, if you decide to take this route, make sure you check out your potential client’s reputation online and ask around within the community.

So, if you have a knack for correcting other people’s mistakes and have a good command of English spelling and grammar, you can become an online proofreader and get paid for it handsomely.

Online proofreading jobs are everywhere, and it is a great place to start your freelancing and independent contractor business.

Just remember to take the job seriously once you get in, and you will never run out of clients or projects.

Becoming a proofreader is more of a business than a job, so the more work you do, the higher you get paid, ultimately leading you to financial freedom.

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Written by Allan Borch

Contributor at millo.co.

Allan Borch is the founder of Dotcom Dollar . With almost 10 years of digital marketing experience, he wants to help entrepreneurs and business owners build and monetize their own successful online business. Connect with him on LinkedIn , Twitter and Youtube .

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25 Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners (Legitimate Proofreader Jobs)

Is working from home finally becoming a real thing for you?

I’ve been a freelance writer for six years and have talked to many people about working online from home.

While I love freelance writing, there are many other opportunities and services you can offer from home.

One hot service is proofreading jobs. These types of online jobs serve well for those wanting some side income.

If you have a knack for spelling and grammar, then proofreading may be your side hustle!

In my post, I will dive into what proofreading is, how much proofreaders earn, the best sites for legitimate proofreading jobs, and a case study from a student of mine.

What is Proofreading?

You may hear the terms “proofreading” and “editing” thrown around synonymously, but these are two very different things.

Proofreading skills mainly focus on spelling and grammatical errors. Proofreaders are not usually required to rephrase sentences or restructure sections of text.

So when you’re searching around the web for online proofreading jobs, it’s important to know the difference.

Often, job adverts overlap the terms – either looking for both services or misusing the terms.

Proofreaders cover a wide variety of content, including web content, eBooks, white papers, student thesis/essays, and even user manuals.

How To Become A Proofreader

Not many skills are needed to become a proofreader, but you need excellent spelling and grammar skills and a strong command of the language you are proofreading in – native English speaker, for example.

For beginner proofreaders, this is all you need for a remote job. It’s enough to get you working and earning money online!

However, suppose proofreading jobs from home is something you want to pursue as a significant source of income. In that case, you’ll have to rack up a lot of experience or back your skills up with qualifications from a proofreading test.

While you don’t need a degree to become a proofreader, many high-paying sites require one. They tend to seek a degree in a relevant field, such as English and Journalism.

Worry not, though!

If you’re just starting then, this is not something you need to fret over. A lot of freelancing proofreader jobs tend to rely more heavily on experience and testimonials.

So even without formal education, working toward a lucrative life as a freelance proofreader with the right job opportunity is possible.

The point is to market your services online and  network with industry leaders to help you land your first proofreading job.

How Much Do Online Proofreaders Earn?

Like any online freelancing job, you can get what you put into it.

Because proofreading takes less time and effort than other writing jobs, these jobs tend to pay less. However, you can earn good money proofreading from home.

Clients tend to charge per word, page, project, or hourly rate. As a beginner proofreader, you can probably stand to make about $10 per hour.

Again, this depends on how much legwork you put into finding clients and how much time you can focus on building a business.

According to ZipRecruiter , proofreaders earn, on average, $51 305 per year!

For other online proofreading jobs:

• Freelance proofreading job salary: $51,991/yr
• Content proofreading job salary: $59, 265/yr

That’s likely because these income statements are based on those who work full-time, but no matter how many hours you can spare to focus on online proofreading jobs, the earning potential is there.

25 Online Proofreading Jobs

With an impressive earning potential there is, of course, a demand for this service.

It’s not hard to convince content creators that they need a proofreader or freelance editor – anyone who is serious about their writing and publishing it could benefit from one.

When finding online proofreading jobs, you have two options: Applying for jobs or cold-contacting for jobs.

The latter means you reach out to companies with unsolicited offers to proofread for them.

For beginners, however, it may be best to get some experience by drumming up business through job boards or proofreading services.

The following sites and job boards are perfect for beginner proofreaders (and for an experienced proofreader, too) – most require very little experience. They just want to know you have the skills.

Check out these 25 legitimate proofreading jobs online.

Note: A proofreading website would not be a good source for freelance writing jobs.

If you want to land profitable writing jobs, check out my post on the best job boards for freelance writers .

1. Click Worker

Click Worker is an online service that offers project completion to clients by outsourcing micro-tasks to writers, translators, researchers, data processors, and proofreaders.

When it comes to remote proofreading jobs, they are looking for individuals with good language skills and editing abilities.

Once you sign up, you will be required to take a test. After that, you can access available jobs.

The fee per word depends on the quality level expected for the particular job.

Fiverr is possibly one of the best places to begin looking for freelance proofreading jobs. On their site, you can sell your proofreading services, or “gigs”, at whatever rate.

Remember that people often turn to Fiverr for cheap services, so you likely don’t stand to make a lot of money here.

However, it is a great place to get started and rack up some experience!

3. LinkedIn

I have personally found success in using LinkedIn to market my freelance services! It’s an awesome place to find freelance work, including work at home proofreading jobs.

Using LinkedIn to find jobs takes some time – you’ll need to keep trying and applying to different jobs.

But when you do start gaining clients on this platform, you may just find your proofreading career taking off!

4. Get Editing Jobs

Get Editing Jobs is a community of editing job seekers and employers. Here you can find and apply for various editing positions like a copy editor.

This is a big directory of freelancing jobs, so you’re going to see a lot of writing and editing work.

However, if you search for “proofreader,” or “remote proofreader” you’ll see a few available jobs pop up.

UpWork is another great place to start for online proofreading jobs from home with no experience. Just like Get Editing Jobs, UpWork is a freelance marketplace full of job listings.

This work from home platform is a place for people of all levels of experiences and currently has 1455 job listings for proofreaders.

Note: I don’t recommend this for freelance writing jobs .

6. MediaBistro

MediaBistro is a media-related job board that allows you to browse various freelance jobs.

This is another board where you’ll have to do some digging, but the platform allows you to sign up for job alerts if anything related to proofreading becomes available.

7. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is an online job marketplace for freelancers such as proofreaders. If you search “entry level proofreading jobs,” you can find a proofreading gig looking to be filled.

Pro Tip for Job Boards : You don’t need to narrow your job search by location since you can do them from home!

8. Proof Reading Services

Proof Reading Services offer part-time and full-time remote positions, a flexible schedule, and competitive pay .

You can stand to earn between $19 – $46 per hour.

You do have to complete a test to begin the application process.

For more help, here’s my post on finding the right proofreading service for you!

9. Lionbridge

Lionbridge works much like Click Worker by outsourcing various parts of a client’s project to freelancers – especially proofreaders.

You must sign up and take a skills test to get started. You can then begin to receive proofreading tasks.

10. Proofreading Pal

ProofreadingPal hires individuals enrolled in college (with a minimum GPA of 3.5) or experienced graduates.

This is the perfect spot to find at-home proofreading jobs if you want to earn extra money while studying!

11. R3Ciprocity

R3ciprocity is a neat little system based on credits. Contributors proof each other’s work and use earned credit to get their own work proofed.

May seem pointless if you’re looking to make some money, but you can also turn the credits into cash!

Reedsy is a marketplace that connects freelancers with authors and writers. Once you sign up, you can begin receiving requests from clients and responding with quotes.

Plus, with what they call a bit of “data-science-magic,” Reedsy’s system will pair you up with clients who are likely a good fit.

13. OneSpace Freelancers

OneSpace Freelancers is an online platform focused on helping freelancers submit work, receiving feedback and get paid.

This site will post edit and proofreading jobs as they become available.

14. EditFast

EditFast connects freelancers, including proofreaders, with clients. Once you create a profile and resume, client can then check out your samples and choose whether or not to hire you for some copy editing.

There is a potential on this site to make money but EditFast does keep 40% of the total project price.

15. Polished Paper

Polished Paper looks for more experienced proofreaders but offer a higher pay-scale than most sites.

Once you sign up, they will send you a 35 question editor test. FYI, you are allowed (and encouraged) to use outside resources such as formatting guides to complete the test.

Guru is a platform much like Fiverr where you can find individuals looking for anything from proofreaders to translators to crochet patterns (true story!).

You’ll have to do some searching and browsing for part-time proofreader jobs but you’re sure to find something that suits your schedule and level of experience.

17. Writing Jobz

On Writing Jobz , you can apply for proofreading service jobs based on your level of experience as well as your schedule.

They offer proofreading assignments from manuscript content to academic writing.

18. Writer’s Job Shop

Writer’s Job Shop is an online resource for all kinds of freelancers – editors, copy editors and online proofreaders.

They advertise a steady stream of work through their job board. All you have to do is apply for the job you are interested in.

19. Writer’s Relief

Writer’s Relief is a service that helps creative writers get published by proofreading their submissions.

Applying to be a proofreader for Writer’s Relief is easy but they only accept a small number of applicants. Still, it’s worth trying!

20. Domainite

Domainite is a low-paying online proofreader platform but it is a great place for a beginner to gain experience – especially if you are struggling to land clients.

To get started, simply fill out the application form and edit a sample they provide.

21. Wordvice

Wordvice is a platform for all types of content writers, translators and freelance editors. You can always find proofreading jobs here.

Many of their clients are prestigious university and institutions like Stanford University and Columbia University.

22. Freelancer

Freelancer is yet another freelancing job board (noticing a trend here?) but they have jobs in editing and proofreading posted.

Job boards are a great way to drum up some one-off work for various clients, but you never know when one may turn into something long term!

23. Scribe Media

Scribe Media hires individuals as either full-time employees or freelancers.

They don’t always have jobs posted but you can sign up for job alerts when they do.

24. Gramlee

Gramlee states they are looking for editors but the job description seems to better describe proofreaders.

They offer quick turnaround time to clients which means there is always work available. All you have to do is fill out their application form to get started.

25. Start Your Own Business

If worse comes to worse, you can start your own proofreading business. All it takes is a website to get started.

I tend to write a lot about getting into the freelance writing biz – but the information I share is equally valuable if you are looking to start proofreading.

To get started, you’ll need a website that showcases your personality and samples of your work. You’ll also need to know how to market yourself to potential clients.

Taking this route means that you can be even more flexible about the type of clientele you accept the amount of work you take on.

Case Study: How to Find Your First Proofreading Job

Many of my freelance writing students also offer proofreading services and Wendy wanted to share her story of finding her first proofreading opportunity.

If you are struggling to find a proofreader job, check out how Wendy got started.

I took a proofreading course with Art of Proofreading online. But to be frank, the lessons were very basic and didn’t prepare me for what clients needed and wanted. Proofreading is more than catching errant commas and wrong spellings. It is very rules-based and if you want to make a career of it, you need expertise on publication style guides like Chicago or AP.

I found my first client from Upwork. A blogger who hires non-native English speakers to ghostwrite her posts. I was paid $5/1,000 words. Some articles were easy to proofread but some needed complete rewrite. She usually asks me to do the rewrites. That’s when I decided, I like writing more than proofreading.

I found Twitter and LinkedIn to be the best place to network with proofreaders and copy editors. There’s also a huge creative writing community on Twitter to engage with.  Other services to offer: Beta reading If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+, BIPOC, people with disability community, you can also offer sensitivity reading 

There are several associations that proofreaders can join. They offer courses, seminars, meetups and free resources. They also host Twitter chats regularly.

Aces: The Society for Editors(@copyeditors) EFA: Editorial Freelancers Association CIEP: Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading Editors Canada

As you can see, your first proofreading job may be low-paying but at least you are getting in the door.

Or, if you are a proofreader, share your wisdom and insight in the comments below.

While I suggest to freelance writers to stay away from content mills and freelance marketplaces like Upwork, it might prove to be a starting point for proofreading and editing jobs.

Ready to Get Started?

These are just 25 of the best places to find proofreading work for beginners. Once you have some proofreading experience under your belt, the possibilities are endless!

You don’t need an advanced education or fancy equipment to get started – just a strong grasp of the English language and soon you can call yourself a professional proofreader.

So what are you waiting for? Your side hustle awaits!

For more online jobs, check out these guides:

• 25 Online Editing Jobs to Make Money
• 25 Transcription Jobs for Beginners

Over to you: Let me know why you’re interested in proofreading as a side gig!

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20+ Best Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Do you have a sharp vision for spotting spelling and grammatical mistakes? If yes, then a proofreading job might be the perfect career path. 

Proofreaders are always in demand because all writers make mistakes. More freelance proofreading jobs from home are now available as writers switch to online publishing. 

I’ll help you get paid to proofread with this list of 20 online proofreading jobs for beginners. This guide will also teach you how to make money and improve your skills for a remote position.

Top Sites for Finding Proofreading Jobs

Fiverr is the best platform to find editing and proofreading jobs for beginners. Sell your proofreading service or gig at fair rates. Several clients also look for proofreaders on this site, whether you have a university degree. 

One downside to Fiverr is the high competition yet low prices. Clients often look for proofreaders here because of freelancers’ cheap services. But it’s an excellent place for beginner proofreaders who want to improve their skills in spelling and grammar.

Both entry-level proofreaders and experts can find a job in FlexJobs . It’s a marketplace for online proofreaders who want to earn or start a proofreading business.

FlexJobs also offers content writing and editing jobs. Just search for the job title, category, or any relevant keyword. No matter where you are, you can find a remote job in the comfort of your home.

If you want more access to different freelance jobs, you can try their monthly subscription of $15. This plan lets you search for more proofreading jobs from home. 

Gramlee is a unique online job marketplace that caters to editors and remote proofreaders who want to offer virtual proofreading services. Unlike other sites, this one doesn’t have a wide range of job postings as they only specialize in copyediting.

The website states that they look for exceptional editors from time to time. These freelance jobs offer a salary of three cents per word, asking for revisions in 24 hours. 

If you want to apply at Gramlee, fill out their application form and wait for them to contact you.

Upwork is the biggest freelance marketplace where you will find a variety of clients looking for different services. The fantastic platform provides opportunities for proofreaders who are looking for a job.

Some clients require full-time employees, while others want part-time. You can filter the job offerings based on these settings to give editorial services to your preferred client.

You can get paid to proofread even if you’re only a beginner. Use the communication platform to talk to clients, schedule interviews, and set milestones.

ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal is a great place to find potential clients looking for anyone who can perform proofreading tasks. But you need to become a professional proofreader to step up your freelance proofreading career here.

The website hires anyone earning a college degree or a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5. That means you need to demonstrate proper grammar and exceptional spelling skills to get in. You also need to be knowledgeable in academic writing to enter.

Editors on this website have an average salary of $500 to $3000 per month. The pay is based on your university and educational attainment.

Wordvice is an excellent platform for finding job opportunities in a remote proofreading job. Earn extra money as you edit online content of clients worldwide.

Most private clients in this online marketplace have the English language as their second language, so they need your help. Use your proofreading skills to offer the best service and produce happy clients.

Wordvice asks potential employees to have a graduate program. But they also provide remote and part-time work. 

LinkedIn is like a social media platform for job seekers where you can connect with friends and look for a wide variety of careers. The available opportunities on this website are a mix of freelance writing jobs and on-site jobs at a proofreading company.

The website offers various jobs for proofreaders, writers, and other careers in different industries. You can also access proofreading courses on LinkedIn and kickstart your online business.

If you want to reach more legitimate proofreading jobs, it’s essential to set up your profile. Provide your job description, previous experience, and educational attainment.

American Journal Experts

American Journal Experts is not your typical job-seeking platform. This website comprises academics and professionals who do website proofreading and manuscript preparation.

The proofreading opportunities on this website are up-and-coming. But they require expert spelling and grammar skills along with relevant experience. Check out their Careers page to see the job openings and the types of proofreading projects you may take on.

Potential employees in American Journal Experts will be working in different US research institutions. Ensure you know the AP style and other house style guides for academic papers.

EditFast is the ideal platform for improving your proofreading experience. It provides any career opportunity for aspiring editors and proofreaders with excellent editing skills. Clients and service providers connect on this page to complete different projects.

Just complete the registration process, wait for approval, and get your page activated. Make sure you have a degree from a recognized university to be hired. EditFast also requires previous proofreading experience. 

The online editing jobs range from correcting typing errors to fixing grammatical mistakes. Once the job is done, EditFast receives 40% of the project price, while you get 60%.

ProofreadingServices.Com

ProofreadingServices.Com is a website for experienced proofreaders who want to offer professional services for writers. The opportunities on this site go beyond freelance proofreading jobs. Translators, publishers, and editors are also welcome here.

You can proofread any type of writing, ranging from social media posts to blogs and academic papers. 

But you need to have advanced English language skills to be considered for hire. The application process is easy. You need to complete a 20-minute screening test with a score of 95%.

Lionbridge will give you a fantastic opportunity to apply for different proofreader jobs. It’s a global communications website for aspiring remote employees with a high level of experience managing content.

Qualified proofreaders from Lionbridge will allow you to edit and proofread different works. You’ll also be able to work with experts in sharing insights and connecting with the world.

If no proofreading jobs are currently available on the Lionbridge, you can join the community. Then, register for proofreading tasks and take the required tests. Wait for the company to contact you once an available job is open.

Get Editing Jobs

Get Editing Jobs offers a massive list of proofreading jobs you can apply for, no matter your experience level. Employers can also use this platform to look for skilled proofreaders who can solve their writing needs. 

The platform offers competitive pay rates which employers set. The online job directory typically requires academic editing experience or previous experience editing online blogs.

To find the perfect job for you, enter the word “proofreader,” “proofreading,” or “editor” in the search box. It will help if you create an account to set custom alerts and job notifications and manage your resume. 

Scribe Writing

Scribe Writing is a company that specializes in proofreading. It’s looking for skilled employees who can correct spelling and grammatical errors. Unlike other job opportunities, Scribe Writing lets you connect with authors and writers to customize your job according to their needs.

There are no exact details on the requirements and qualifications of becoming a proofreader for Scribe. However, we all know that a certain level of experience will increase your chances of getting hired. 

You can submit your editing sample to potential clients to give them an understanding of your skill level.

Babbletype is an online platform where you can apply as a proofreader. The website only requires you to be a native English speaker. You should also have basic knowledge of grammar rules to be hired.

Applications on this platform are easy. Once you’re hired, all you have to do is perform the weekly tasks, and they will pay you through PayPal. The salary is done on a freelance basis.

Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media isn’t just for English proofreaders. The online platform is also looking for book reviewers in Spanish. Most of the book proofreading tasks are composed of 350 words and are due in 2 weeks.

The job is relatively easy if you’re an intermediate editor or proofreader. Applying is also more straightforward than other sites. I recommend submitting writing samples to increase your probability of getting accepted. 

Polished Paper

Polished Paper is one of the best platforms for finding a proofreading job if you consider yourself on the professional tier. Fill out their application form and take the 35-question test to check if you’re qualified.

They have strict guidelines on getting hired, but it’s all worth it! Polished Paper guarantees that they pay their skilled proofreaders accordingly. Make sure you have a sharp eye for tough spelling , style, and grammar errors in the content . 

Scribbr is a famous platform for finding a job in editing or proofreading. First, you need to pass a language quiz before the team looks at your CV. Once they see you as compatible with the job, the company will take you to Scribbr Academy for a workshop.

The company will require you to edit about two to five simulation orders. Scribbr will evaluate your work and give you more tips as you go about the job. 

It’s a lengthy application process, but the salary is worthwhile. 

Another option for aspiring proofreaders and editors is Domainite . While it’s designed for beginner proofreaders with little to no experience, the platform will help you improve your skills as time goes by.

Domainite is the perfect choice for anyone with trouble landing clients due to a lack of experience. You have to complete the application form, submit sample works, and they will accept you as a freelancer.

Second to the last on this list of online proofreading jobs is Edit911 . However, you are only qualified if you have a Ph.D. There’s a good chance of getting hired if you’re a book editor or published scholar with verifiable experience.

Edit911 is an excellent option despite the high expectations. It’s for certified professionals who are looking for quality proofreading jobs. 

ClickWorker

ClickWorker is a crowdsourcing platform for clients looking for freelancers who can complete micro-tasks like proofreading. Independent proofreaders and editors are called “clickworkers” who can quickly log in and look for jobs that can hone their skills.

It’s great for newbie proofreaders who want to get their feet wet because they perform small tasks on a large project. To get hired, you need to be an author with enough experience. 

Complete a few content creation jobs until you’re skilled enough to take a proofreading assessment.  Also, take a look at our post on Amazon proofreading jobs .

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is a type of job concerned with performing final checks on a written document. Before being published or going to print, proofreaders check the work for any missed errors or typos.

One of the primary duties of a proofreader is to review and edit the final manuscript’s spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. They can also fix any syntax, usage, voice, and consistency mistakes the editor missed.

Proofreaders ensure the accuracy of any referenced facts. This process is critical for websites, newspapers, and academic works. They also ensure that the page numbers, headings, captions, and other formatting options are consistent. 

Note that every proofreader’s job description is different across companies and clients. Some are only concerned with formatting, while others also perform editing jobs. But your main task will always be to review a piece of content and make sure it’s perfect. 

The typical proofreader’s salary is about $53,135. Senior proofreaders earn up to $68,000 a year.

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Proofreading vs. Copyediting

Despite the overlaps in their responsibilities, proofreading and copyediting are two different jobs . The differences in their tasks rely on the stage of the editing process.

Copy editing occurs once the writer has finished their draft. A copy editor will ensure that the piece of writing follows the preferred style guide. They also guarantee that the whole document is readable and accurate.

Proofreading happens at the last editing phase, right before it goes into print. Once the piece of writing has been copyedited, the proofreader will examine the test version of the book’s printed version. 

The proofreader will have one last check of the author’s spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Then they focus on the pages, index section, alignment of the text, and other format settings. 

But the proofreader’s task can be broader. It depends on the genre of the piece and the company’s standards. For example, if you’re a proofreader for magazines, you might be in charge of fact-checking the copy. 

Some editing companies and freelancers offer two-in-one services. After copyediting the writing piece, the author produces a final digital ebook version or a printed copy of the work. Then, they ask the professional to proofread it.

However, getting a separate copy editor and proofreader is always better. A different proofreader offers a fresh pair of eyes for the task. 

How Do I Become a Proofreader Online

Before looking for a job, it’s essential to know the steps you need to take before becoming an online proofreader. 

Decide What Discipline You Want to Specialize

Do you have an area of interest when proofreading? Some proofreaders work in the blogging industry for different niches, while others concentrate on academic disciplines. 

You might need additional training depending on the standards of the industry. For example, you need to learn how to fact-check in journalistic writing. In scientific research articles, you need to know the scientific process. 

Take a Proofreading Course

Proofreading goes beyond making sentences more readable while ensuring that the piece of writing has a consistent format. I recommend taking a proofreading course, especially if you do not have a degree in English, Communication, Literature, or other related programs.

Taking a proofreading course is also essential for beginners with no experience yet. Doing so will familiarize them with the responsibilities they will have. 

Some proofreading courses are tailored to specific writing genres. You can take a general class or focus on fiction, non-fiction, or other writing types. Do your research on the best curriculum for your niche.

Take a Proofreading Test

Once you have finished the proofreading course, it’s time to test your knowledge. Try multiple-choice quizzes, practice tests , and other examinations to measure your skills. The test results will also decide in which areas you need more improvement.

Look for Job Vacancies Online

The internet is full of proofreading jobs. Depending on your preferred specialty, you can type “online proofreading jobs” for general careers or “medical proofreading jobs.”

Most sites that offer job opportunities offer free sign-ups. You can also customize settings like the preferred level of expertise, part-time or full-time, and the rates. 

Another option is to list the service you want to offer on freelance marketing sites. If you don’t want to be bombarded with unrelated job offers, go straight to proofreading and editing websites. 

Some proofreading services specialize in business, while others focus on educational content. Your task also depends on the company. For instance, some proofreading jobs only deal with formatting. Other jobs ask you to fix spelling and grammatical errors.

Set Your Rates

Most freelance proofreading jobs will allow you to set your rates. Never undercharge for a professional service. Think about your level of experience, education, and the quality of work you can deliver. You also want to consider how many words you can proofread daily.

Build Your Resume

Once you have perfected your resume and portfolio, it will become easier to find a job and ask for higher pay. Don’t forget to keep building your resume even if you already have a job. It should stay updated every time you complete a milestone in your career.

If you are looking for a proofreading job that focuses on legal writing, include projects with the same elements. That way, you will find a client whose needs align with your skills.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Proofreader?

Different routes exist for aspiring proofreaders. Some start with a college degree, while others take several online courses for proofreading. 

Others invest in work experience, although this usually takes longer before one becomes a professional. 

For most companies, a bachelor’s degree is a must. You should hold a degree in Communication, English, or Journalism. This is especially true if you will be working in the news industry or a research institution.

What most employers look for in a proofreader:

• Attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication skills. 
• Knowledge of the English language.
• Time management.
• Ability to work well with writers and copy editors.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use a computer and proofreading software programs.
• Ability to edit different formats of a written document.
• Ability to fact-check.  

How Do I Get Hired as a Proofreader?

If you want to know how to make money as a proofreader, here are some tips to increase your chances of getting hired.

Enjoy Reading 

Proofreaders should be passionate about reading because most of their job includes this task. Imagine yourself reading several hours a day, analyzing each word, sentence, and paragraph.

It would be best if you also were a flexible reader. Whether it’s a journal article, fictional book, or fitness blog post, your ability to catch mistakes is essential. 

Know the Different Style Guides

A proofreader’s role also includes understanding the different style guides. Writing style guides ensure that the piece of writing is consistent and clear across the project and the whole company. 

Several writing styles exist, but the most common ones include:

• AP style (for journalism).
• APA style (for academic papers).
• MLA (for academic papers). 
• Chicago style (for publishing).

Market Yourself

Sometimes, looking for job postings and competing with other job seekers isn’t easy. You need to learn how to market yourself so that companies and clients will approach you. 

Try marketing yourself on social media. Update your Twitter, LinkedIn, and business account on Instagram to make it look like you’re a professional proofreader. Post relevant information, follow writers and engage with them until you’ve built a network.

You can also market yourself on freelance and proofreading websites. Make sure to display your previous experience and describe what makes you a unique proofreader. 

Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Review the list of skills required in a proofreading job. Examine which one you need to improve on the most and practice them. Then, choose one skill you excel in and use it as your unique selling point. 

Be Confident

Do not let anxiety keep you from improving your proofreading skills and getting the perfect job. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, negotiate your salary, and put more effort into your career. After all, most expert proofreaders also started as passionate readers. 

Are Proofreaders in Demand?

According to Recruiter.com, the demand for proofreaders is expected to rise despite the decline during the past years. It’s expected that 3,510 new proofreading careers will be filled by 2029, which is 5.29% more in the next two years.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also confirmed that the demand for proofreaders is continuously rising. That’s because so many people are establishing their online writing businesses. Most eCommerce sites also post blog entries that require proofreaders.

Even businesses unrelated to the writing industry now hire proofreaders to ensure accuracy in their business letters. They also hire editors for social media posts, training materials, and other written content. 

You will also find in-demand proofreaders in foreign businesses. They look for native English-speaking proofreaders who will make their online content sound more fluent. 

Do You Need Certifications to Be a Proofreader?

It depends on the company or client who’s hiring. But most clients do not require special certificates or diplomas for proofreading . Instead, they will look at your portfolio to check if you produce high-quality work. 

Some companies require a college degree or higher, especially if you’ll be proofreading research articles. These writing pieces typically require more expertise, so companies look for long experience and high educational attainment. 

How Long to Proofread a Thousand Words?

It should only take less than one hour for a professional proofreader to proofread 1000 words . Most clients and companies expect proofreaders to check 2000-3000 words per hour. So, if you work full-time, that’s at least 12,000 words per day.

But some businesses only require about 10,000 words in five days. That means you have to proofread about 2000 words daily. If you’re an expert, you should be able to complete more. Of course, this is all made easier with the help of proofreading software like Grammarly or ProWritingAid.

Set Yourself Up for Proofreading Success

Now you know the different steps to take before getting paid to proofread. I hope this list of online proofreading jobs for beginners helped you kickstart your freelance career.

Several proofreading jobs from home now exist. Just continue developing and highlighting your skills until you land your dream job. Make sure to keep updating your resume with relevant information. All the best for your future endeavors!

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31 Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners (Up to $35 Per Hour)

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Proofreading Jobs from Home No Experience

Table of Contents

Do you have the skill to correct punctuation and spelling errors?

If yes, then you have what it takes to become an online proofreader with an income potential between $36k-$60k a year.

Online proofreading jobs are in demand, because there is an increase in online content and marketing, which means more job opportunities for proofreaders.

A good number of bloggers and online businesses need help to proofread blogs, books and other digital content. They require a second pair of eyes to check and correct mistakes and edit errors before the article is published and goes live.

There are many online proofreading jobs for beginners who are interested in working either full-time or part-time.

If want to begin online proofreading jobs from home, you will find this to be a flexible work from home option that is not country-specific.

Online Proofreader Job Role

It’s a known fact that businesses and individuals need writing.

Writing covers tons of digital space, from emails to website “About Us” pages to product descriptions to eBooks and more. But what about the rest of the writing process?

Companies don’t just need someone to put pen to paper; they need someone to make sure the writing is clear, clean, and error-free. That’s where proofreaders come in.

Proofreaders make sure that writing is concise and accurate.

It’s great work for a detail-oriented individual who likes a challenge. Knowing what goes into solid proofreading is important, as it lets you earn more and helps you build a stable career.

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is a vital part of editing.

It’s the process of reading through a piece of writing and marking any errors you find so that they can be fixed before publication.

Proofreading is normally one of the last steps before a piece is published, and it’s used to catch smaller errors that might not have been caught in the initial drafts or developmental edits.

Proofreading jobs require you to take a piece of content written by someone (like a blog post or an email) and make it perfect.

It’s the final stage of editing, which involves correcting grammatical errors like misplaced commas and spelling errors.

Proofreaders look for:

• Simple grammar mistakes like improper spelling or punctuation errors.
• Strange sentence structure or word choice which makes the writing hard to read.
• Factual inconsistencies or small plot holes.

Catching and fixing these errors adds polish to pieces and gets them ready for professional publication.

It can make the work appear more authoritative and trustworthy, which is especially important to businesses and individuals looking to be seen as experts on a particular topic.

Here are a few types of online content that require proofreading:

• Blogs/websites
• eBooks, novels
• Email Newsletters
• Online Marketing Material – advertisements and brochures
• Social Media Posts
• Essay editing
• Research papers
• Resumes and cover letters

How Do You Make Money Proofreading?

While some publishing companies will hire in-house proofreaders, most people who make money from proofreading are freelancers.

Freelancers work on a project-by-project basis with a variety of clients; they aren’t full-time employees of a particular agency, and instead, work for themselves.

Getting started as a freelance proofreader is as simple as signing up for a job listing site (or multiple sites) and putting together a proofreading resume, which should focus on your experience and expertise with the English language.

In today’s post we will be taking a look at some proofreading companies that offer online proofreading jobs for beginners.

These sites let companies post listings for individual projects or longer-term contracts that you can apply to work on remotely.

Do You Need Qualifications to Become a Proofreader?

Since proofreading is often done on a freelance basis, there’s no one set of qualifications a proofreader needs to start working in the field.

Findings on Indeed suggest that proofreaders should be proficient in various academic writing styles, as well as familiar with editing software like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.

Many employers will administer their own proofreading competency tests to applicants, which on its own is enough to get many entry-level proofreading jobs.

How Do You Become a Proofreader?

If you are good with the red marker and can spot errors easily, you are halfway there.

The next half requires you to learn about the proofreading industry, how to run a proofreading business from home and to land clients.

For that I would recommend you take a look at this online training – Proofread Anywhere . It teaches you everything you need to become a proofreader.

Don’t forget to check out this free online proofreading workshop , so you can learn to use your word skills to make money from home.

How Much Do Online Proofreaders Make Per Hour as a Beginner?

According to Salary.com , the hourly rate for entry-level proofreaders are $20 an hour, the average pay rate is $26 an hour and the highest level of pay is $33 an hour.

So, a proofreader with no experience can still expect to make at least $20 an hour, making it more lucrative than many entry-level jobs.

Read our interview with a stay-at-home mom earning $1,000+/month with Proofread Anywhere’s online training .  

How to Land Entry Level Proofreading Jobs Online

Caitlin Pyle, creator and owner of Proofread Anywhere , has created a comprehensive online training suitable for aspiring proofreaders with no proofreading background or experience.

She has taught over 15,000 students in the last 7 years to become online proofreaders.

If you would like a taster session, feel free to watch Caitlin’s introductory video on proofreading, to see if this is the career  you are interested to pursue.

Proofread Anywhere’s online training teaches:

• How to proofread research papers, blogs and books
• Everything you need to know about proofreading
• How to find potential prospects
• Avoid common mistakes made by beginner proofreaders
• Practical step-by-step lessons
• Everything from basics to marketing!

The training also gives you access to a support team and a student community to help provide guidance and answer question as a new proofreader. 

For proofreaders not knowing where to start, this would be the best way to land entry level proofreading jobs online, with support and assistance to help you along the way.

Check out Cailtin’s free online video workshop to understand how to start and run a proofreading business at home.

31 Legitimate Online Proofreading jobs from home

The first few on the list are entry-level online proofreading jobs, while the options further down are for more experienced proofreaders.

While these are just some places to find remote proofreading jobs, social media and networking can land you more gigs. Joining Facebook blogger groups can help you connect with online business owners – a great way to network and find clients.

Let’s now take a look at these proofreading jobs that you can do either part-time or as a full time career.

1. Click Worker

At Click Worker, you get to work on a freelance basis in content creation, proofreading, editing or app testing. With the freedom to work whenever you like, this can be a flexible work at home job for stay at home moms.

Payments to you are made by PayPal either weekly or monthly.

Upwork is one of the best online platforms to find any type of freelance work, including proofreading jobs. 

They offer both short term and long term projects that can last up to 6 months.

Glancing at Upwork, you will see the pay rate for proofreaders are $16-$30 an hour. Definitely a worth checking out Upwork.

Fiverr is the best place to search for online proofreading jobs for beginners.

While the pay can be on the low scale, this makes a good starting point for entry-level proofreading to find work and experience.

Another freelance job board when you can use their search box to narrow down results for online proofreading jobs.

At Guru, jobs are offered at a fixed price or an hourly rate.

5. We Work Remotely

Offering a number of writing and copyediting jobs, We Work Remotely is another site to keep track, when searching for remote jobs.

6. Lionbridge

Lionbridge offer proofreading jobs online. Most of their job openings have very basic requirements which include a high school diploma.

7. Clear Voice

Clear Voice offers freelance proofreading jobs that hire worldwide.

The type of jobs they have available range from writing to proofreading. You get the opportunity to work as a freelancer, following a flexible work schedule.

Payments are made to you weekly or monthly by PayPal.

8. Polished Paper

To apply for an opportunity with Polished Paper, you will need to submit an application form and upload your resume. And the final stage is a 35 questionnaire editor test.

9. Kirkus Media

They are looking for freelance book reviewers in English and Spanish.

Reviews need to be 350 words and due 2 weeks after the book is assigned. Submit some of your writing samples to increase your chance of being accepted.

10. Babbletype

The criteria for eligibility is that you are a native English speaker with a fluency in English and basic grammar knowledge.

They pay weekly via PayPal and is a great place to start for beginner proofreaders.

11. Proofreadingservices.com

Pay is between $19-$46 an hour and you can apply from any country.

You will need to complete a 20-minute preliminary test to begin the application process. They have both full-time and part-time work opportunities.

12. Get Editing

They offer freelance editing and proofreading jobs.

If you sign up to their email listing, you will receive weekly new job openings in your inbox.

13. Writing Jobz

Writing Jobz offer a wide range of work for writers such as copywriting, essay writing and proofreading.

With over 100 jobs posted daily on a variety of topics, Writing Jobz can be the best place for freelancers to find proofreading work.

14. Ubiqus On Demand

Primarily a job site for transcriptionists, Ubiqus also offer jobs for proofreaders and copywriters.

15. Cambridge Proofreading

They are actively recruiting remote academic editors.

A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement due to the academic nature of the work.

You can expect to be proofreading and editing a wide range of materials but predominantly dissertations and theses from ESL students and academics.

Typical rates of pay are $20-30 per hour, depending on your editing speed.

16. Domainite Editing Jobs

You can apply by filling out an online application form. They require you to edit a sample as part of the application process.

17. Gramlee Jobs

Their website accepts clients that need editing completed within 24 hours. 

This means there is constant work coming in through the door – more opportunity for you. You can submit your application form right here .

18. Edit Fast

Edit Fast offers part-time proofreading jobs from home.

They will send you notifications when there is potential work available from clients, so you need to sign up with them to be notified.

19. English Trackers

They have a job board directory that you can check regularly to see if there is a suitable job vacancy.

You can also sign up with them to get weekly job listings delivered to your inbox.

20. eCorrectors

Whether you are a professional proofreader or a translator, you can apply with eCorrector. Just email them your resume to be eligible.

They occasionally hire proofreaders and freelance editors. Good to check them out to see if they are hiring.

You can choose to work either full time or as a freelance proofreader. If you see a job that doesn’t suit you, subscribe to get email alerts to be notified of new job openings.

They have been on the top 20 list of the best telecommuting jobs by Forbes in 2016.

To apply you need to have a degree in the subjects listed here.  Prior editing experience is not necessary but can be an advantage.

24. ProofreadingPal

They require you to have a minimum of 5 years of work experience and you can earn up to $3,000 a month.

If you are eligible to apply, there is an online independent contractor form that needs to be completed and you should hear back from them within 5-10 business days.

25. Scribbr

Scribbr offers a wide range of essay editing jobs online.

They provide work from home proofreading jobs with a flexible schedule – accept/decline job offers according to your preference.

You will also need to be a native English speaker and be available for work at least 10 hours a week.

If you are interested in editing papers online – try Scribbr.

26. Wordvice

You need to be a qualified and experienced freelance editor to apply.

They don’t specify how many years of experience is needed, although typical work involves editing research articles, thesis, and essays.

27. Sibia Proofreading

Currently not accepting new applications. But be sure to check back to apply.

28. Proofread Now

They require you to have a minimum of 5 years of work experience to apply. You can sign up to their newsletter to be notified of new job openings.

29. Words RU

They are looking for highly qualified proofreaders from any country. They are currently hiring, so you can apply if you meet their requirements.

30. Scribendi

Experience is required for editors and proofreaders to apply.

31. Managed Editing

You will need to have a college degree and at least 5 years of editing experience in order to apply.

How to Find Online Proofreading Jobs?

If you are looking for freelance proofreading jobs on a large platform, here are a couple of places you can find work.

Freelancing is a great way for entry level proofreaders to build a portfolio.

While searching for a job, apart from using online proofreading companies, also browse the internet using keywords such as editing jobs, copy editing jobs, or remote proofreading jobs to broaden your search results.

Job boards:

Job board directories are also great to find new jobs on a regular basis. Because of their massive reach and database, you have more jobs to choose from, with new vacancies added frequently. Here are two of the biggest websites that hire remote workers.

• People Per Hour
• Pro Blogger
• Virtual Vocations

Start your own website

If you want to ride solo and be your own boss, the best thing to do is to  start your own website .

It costs less than $100 a year to have your own site, which you can use to promote your proofreading services.

You can set your own rates, offer discounted pricing and also provide special offers on certain services.

Create a blog section on your website to showcase samples of your work. You can also post reviews of customer satisfaction on your site.

How do you promote your work?

It’s great when you own your business, but the big question is where can you find clients especially if you are just getting started?

• Start a Facebook page and promote it to family and friends. Word of mouth is the best way to get started as a beginner.
• You can share your services on relevant Facebook groups.
• My best option is Pinterest. It can get the word out a lot faster. You can create pin images of your website and direct readers from Pinterest to site. Here is a more detailed post on how you can do this.

Enroll in Caitlin’s FREE proofreading workshop to see if this is the right career for you.

3 simple ways to tell if proofreading is for you..

• Are you good at catching typos and misplaced punctuation ?
• Do you often correct texts on social media?
• Cringe when a restaurant menu has a misspelled word?

Want to explore further?

Use your proofreading skills to branch out into these 4 online editing jobs that are also high paying.

• Transcription – As a transcriber, you will need to convert a set of live or pre-recorded audio files into text. You can put your proofreading skills to use in this career, as it requires you to type out an error-free document.  Transcribers earn up to $45,000 a year.
• Freelance writing  – Every writer needs their content to be proofread, and as a proofreader, you are going to be able to spot errors instantly. You can offer your writing service on freelance websites or on blogs and websites. Highlighting your proofreading skills will land you high paying gigs, and give you higher chances of being accepted.
• Blogging – Start your own website and put your writing skills to use. There are many bloggers making a 6 figure income working from home, blogging.
• Sell a book  – As a proofreader, you will be able to create an error-free book. You can consider this option if you are looking to make a passive income from home. 

Get Paid to Proofread Online

Proofreading for money is a relatively simple field to break into.

As long as you’re able to prove your mastery of the language, give consistent work of high quality, and manage your own schedule, finding proofreading jobs from home is a great way to earn money on your own schedule.

If you are happy to edit papers for money, this is definitely the career to consider.

Online Proofreading Jobs

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22 Best Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners in 2024

This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclaimer in the footer menu for more information. Thank you for your support!

Are you a proofreader (or an aspiring one) who wants a comprehensive overview of the best online proofreading jobs for beginners? I’ve taken a ton of time to do the investigative work for you to find the best beginner-friendly opportunities and differentiate between companies that hire proofreaders vs. those that only hire editors who are sometimes tasked with proofreading.

A significant difference exists in the scope of work done by a proofreader vs. an editor. If you’re a proofreader like me, you certainly don’t want to take on a job that appears to be for a proofreader but is actually intended for an editor.

Also, if you’re serious about making decent money from proofreading, you’ll need adequate training. In case you haven’t gotten training, I penned a post about becoming a proofreader (with no experience) that discusses reputable proofreading courses.

If you’re prepared to proceed along the paved path to procure payment via online proofreading, let’s pound the pavement! 😉

Table of Contents

Om Proofreading Picks for Beginner Proofreaders

Here’s a glance at my preferences for the best jobs for those new to proofreading.

What Is Proofreading?

It’s essential to know precisely what proofreading entails when you’re looking for jobs.

Please refer to my post about proofreading if you have any doubts.

Proofreading involves finding and fixing punctuation, spelling, grammar, capitalization, and formatting errors. It also entails looking for misused words (usually homophones) and words that have been repeated or omitted.

My Research Process for Developing This Job List

It was often unclear which editorial professionals (proofreaders/copy editors/editors) companies hire because terms like proofreading and editing are used so loosely. Therefore, I reached out to these businesses. I’ve sent numerous emails, filled out several contact forms, and talked to customer service representatives.

I wanted to give you accurate information so you can save lots of time hunting for jobs!

Top-Notch Tip: When searching for proofreading jobs, read the job description carefully to ensure it’s what you’re looking for!

Since proofreading and copyediting overlap, I’ve included three businesses that hire copy editors at the end of this list.

Many proofreaders (including myself) learn copyediting to expand their skill set and make more money .

How This List Is Organized

I’ve grouped the jobs (all are entry-level) listed in this article according to where you can find them:

• Freelance Platforms
• Job Boards with Remote Work Listings
• Online Proofreading and Editing Companies

The online proofreading and editing companies are roughly organized from least to most selective .

Since job availability is subject to change, please visit the websites where you’re interested in applying to see the most up-to-date information.

Note : You’ll notice I haven’t given any information about expected pay rates since many businesses don’t include these numbers on their websites. (Of course, more selective companies tend to offer higher pay.)

Is Experience Needed for the Jobs in This Article?

None of the websites included in this article list proofreading experience as a requirement on their website, except ProofreadingPal. However, you can work for ProofreadingPal—no experience needed—if you meet their education requirement (listed in the next section below).

The job boards listed will have opportunities for beginners, but you’ll also find positions where experience is needed.

Is a Degree Needed for the Jobs in This Article?

Three of the online proofreading and editing companies on the list require applicants to have a college degree:

• Proofessor requires you to have a degree from a UK/Ireland university.
• ProofreadingPal wants you to have a bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a US university as a grad student (with a minimum 3.5 GPA).
• CACTUS Communications (copy editors only) requires you to hold a master’s or PhD.

The Best Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners

FREELANCE PLATFORMS

One of the best ways to start as a beginner proofreader is by working on a freelance platform.

These platforms are marketplaces that bring together buyers (clients) and sellers (freelancers).

Remember that although the platforms take a cut of your pay (usually 10%–20%), you’ll save a lot of time by not having to market yourself.

On the freelance platforms mentioned below, you set up a profile (it’s free) so clients can see who you are and what you offer.

Except for Fiverr, you need to write a proposal (a sales pitch) to every client you’re interested in working with. The most challenging part of selling your services on these marketplaces is getting your first few clients.

Fiverr is one of the most well-known freelance platforms, and it’s where I got my start.

I love that you don’t have to send proposals on Fiverr. Instead, clients come to you if they’re interested.

Fiverr takes 20% of everything you earn.

Requirements: Fiverr isn’t selective.

Availability: A boatload of clients on Fiverr need proofreading and copyediting services; however, you’ll have a lot of competition.

Since getting your first handful of clients will probably be your biggest challenge, I wrote this in-depth article: “How to Succeed on Fiverr: 41 Solid Tips for Fiverr Sellers.” Although the post is relevant to all Fiverr sellers, I customized it for proofreaders and copy editors since you all are my people! 😊

2) Freelancer

Freelancer is another popular freelance platform.

Freelancer takes 10% or $5 (whichever is greater) for fixed-price projects and 10% for hourly projects.

Requirements: Freelancer isn’t selective.

Availability: Proofreading and copyediting jobs are easy to find on Freelancer. Focus on creating a solid profile and writing short but sweet proposals tailored to each job.

Guru is a lesser-known platform, but it’s still a good option.

Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to working on just one marketplace.

Guru takes 5%–9% of your earnings, depending on your membership plan. The basic plan is free, and the rest are paid. Here’s the link to see what you get with each plan.

Requirements: Guru isn’t selective.

Availability: Although many clients on this platform seek programmers and developers, you can still find numerous customers looking for proofreaders and copy editors. These jobs are listed in Guru’s “Writing & Translation” category.

You’ve probably heard about Upwork due to its popularity.

Upwork takes 10% of your pay.

Requirements: Upwork isn’t selective.

Availability: You’ll find plenty of proofreading and copyediting jobs on this platform!

5) PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is another platform to consider. They allow you to send 15 proposals per month for free. You can purchase additional opportunities (credits) to send more proposals. These credits roll over each month if you don’t use them.

PeoplePerHour takes a percentage of your earnings according to your lifetime billings with each client.

Here’s the breakdown:

Requirements: They don’t mention specific requirements; however, you have to apply and be approved to work on the platform. If you’d like to start an application, please click here .

Availability: My guess from looking at this site is that it has fewer jobs than Fiverr, Freelancer, and Upwork. However, I think it’s still a good option since it’s a reasonably well-known platform.

6) Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff Talent is a freelance marketplace where you can start a profile and upload your résumé. A great feature of this platform is that it doesn’t charge buyers or sellers any fees.

“Hubstaff Talent does not take any commission fees and is 100% free of charge.” – Hubstaff Talent

Requirements: You have to submit your profile for approval, which usually takes two business days. This article from Hubstaff Talent will help you through the process of creating a profile.

Availability: The last time I checked, I didn’t see any proofreading jobs. However, many freelancers with a profile on Hubstaff only offer proofreading services, so I assume relevant jobs are occasionally posted.

JOB BOARDS WITH REMOTE WORK LISTINGS

Job boards are another great place to search for freelance proofreading jobs.

These boards (except for FlexJobs) usually post in-house positions; however, you can find opportunities to work from home by typing “remote” into the job location search bar.

Below is a list of some of the most popular job boards online.

7) FlexJobs

FlexJobs has some excellent remote opportunities, but you have to pay to use their website. Here are the fees according to the period you subscribe to their site:

Their research team screens every job they display to ensure you find professional and legitimate opportunities. They have an A+ rating by the BBB and offer a satisfaction guarantee to their users:

“With FlexJobs’ Satisfaction Guarantee, if you are not satisfied with the quality of our service for any reason, simply cancel your subscription and request a refund (by phone, email, or our Client Service virtual chat) within 14 days of account creation or renewal. We will quickly and promptly process your refund.” – FlexJobs

8) Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a decent place to look for proofreading jobs and a super site to find out how well employees and freelancers rate companies.

The ratings on Glassdoor are based on factors like work/life balance, compensation and benefits, and senior management.

Indeed is another great spot to scope out potential jobs. After creating an account on Indeed, you can upload your résumé.

10) Mediabistro

Mediabistro is a site for all types of creative jobs. They occasionally have job opportunities for freelance proofreaders. You can upload your résumé after creating an account.

11) SimplyHired

SimplyHired is another site where you can scout out proofreading jobs. After establishing an account, you can upload your résumé.

12) LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t a job board; it’s a popular social networking site for professionals. But it has a board where you can search for remote jobs.

Click the briefcase icon (shown below) to visit the job board.

After creating a LinkedIn profile, you can put the #opentowork badge around your profile picture so recruiters and hiring managers know you’re available.

You can also download the LinkedIn app from the App Store or Google Play to receive notifications of new job opportunities while you’re out and about.

13) Google Jobs Results

This isn’t a job board either, but it’s worth mentioning.

By “Google jobs results,” I’m referring to a job list Google generates if you search in a specific way.

To see the jobs, first type a keyword into Google. Below, I searched for “online proofreading jobs for beginners.”

Next, I clicked on the “Work from home” tab directly below the search bar.

After scrolling down a bit, I saw the list of jobs that Google aggregated from websites:

ONLINE PROOFREADING AND EDITING COMPANIES

Numerous online companies provide proofreading, copyediting, and editing services to clients. They hire a pool of freelancers to do the work their customers need.

Some businesses only hire a small group of workers, so plenty of jobs are available for everyone.

However, other organizations hire so many people that finding consistent work is challenging.

The first company in this section is a crowdsourcing site. Crowdsourcing is relying on a large group of people (usually from the online community) to provide services and ideas.

14) Clickworker

Clickworker is a crowdsourcing platform. If you click the link above, you can learn more about the proofreading jobs offered on this site and register as a Clickworker. After registration, you can take relevant tests to demonstrate your skills.

Requirements: Clickworker isn’t selective.

They say you need to have a strong command of your native language and be able to follow instructions. You have to qualify to take on a few “text creation” jobs before taking the proofreader assessment exam, which you can only take once.

Availability: After you register for a Clickworker account, you’ll gain access to available jobs. Those who continually deliver high-quality work gain access to higher-paying gigs.

However, the consensus is that the pay is quite low, which makes sense due to the lack of selectivity.

15) R3ciprocity

Professor David Maslach is the creator of R3ciprocity. He’s a chemical engineer with a doctorate in strategic management.

David created the platform for academics and grad students to give each other feedback on their writing.

When you edit or proofread the work of others, you earn credits. You can use the credits to have someone edit or proofread your writing.

The platform works on the simple principle of give and take.

Before you can work on other people’s writing, you need to be approved by a R3ciprocity admin. You’ll be required to work on several documents that are less than one page long.

I’ve emailed Dave, and he’s super helpful and kind!

It’s possible to be paid to work on this platform after the admin team receives enough feedback about your work.

Requirements: Anyone can participate on R3ciprocity; however, you’ll need the admin team to verify your skills before you can work for money. The platform charges a minimal fee on each paid transaction.

Availability: To learn about opportunities for paid work, you’ll need to create a profile . You can reach out to the support team from the “contact us” section of your profile.

I’m not sure how much money you can make on R3ciprocity, but it’s a great platform to hone your proofreading skills by helping others. And if you need someone to proofread your writing, you can use your credits.

Here’s a brief video from Dave showing how things work on his site.

16) Grammar Chic

Grammar Chic provides a variety of services including editing, writing, and formatting. They hire proofreaders, copy editors, and editors.

Requirements: I recommend emailing them at [email protected] to learn about their current requirements.

Availability: Unknown

17) Proofessor

Based in the UK, Proofessor provides proofreading, editing, rewriting, paraphrasing services, and more.

Requirements: You need to be a native English speaker who has graduated from a UK/Ireland university. You must also have a strong command of English and achieve an excellent score on their tests.

18) ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal provides proofreading and copyediting for a broad range of documents.

They hire proofreaders and copy editors.

Requirements: To work for ProofreadingPal, you need to meet one of the following criteria:

• Be employed by or enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited US university or college and have a GPA of 3.5 or above
• Have a graduate degree and at least five years of proofreading and editing experience (By “editing” experience, they’re referring to copyediting experience.)

Please visit their website for other preferred qualifications.

Availability: They’re looking for qualified candidates who meet one of the requirements mentioned above. If you’re qualified, you can fill out their brief independent contractor questionnaire .

A ProofreadingPal representative will contact you within five to ten business days. They’ll tell you about the next step of their hiring process, which involves a comprehensive timed exam.

19) Writer’s Relief

Writer’s Relief helps writers who want to get published. I spoke with someone on live chat who said they hire proofreaders from time to time.

Requirements: They prefer proofreaders with experience, but beginners are welcome to apply too. However, according to their website, they only hire the top 2% of applicants.

Here’s what the staff member from Writer’s Relief told me about their hiring process:

“We primarily will refer to the proofreading test given, but having proofreading experience would certainly be helpful.” – Writer’s Relief Staff

20) Gramlee (Copy Editors Only)

Gramlee offers editing, copyediting, and proofreading services. They only hire copy editors and editors.

Requirements: They don’t mention any specific requirements on their site.

Availability: They’re always looking for extraordinary copy editors and editors. If you’d like to work for Gramlee, you can complete the employment application on their website.

They have one application for content editors and one for dissertation editors.

21) EditorLive (Copy Editors Only)

EditorLive.com was created to provide highly qualified editors with a steady stream of work.

They hire editors who are also responsible for proofreading documents. But it may be possible to acquire a job as a copy editor if you can correct the “flow” of texts—a task typically completed by line editors.

Requirements: You need to have experience writing academic papers on various topics and be familiar with Chicago, APA, AP, MLA, CSE, and other style guides. Please see their website for the complete list of requirements and qualifications.

If you meet all the requirements on their site, you can fill out the application and take the editing test.

Availability: They’re currently seeking qualified editors. However, they only hire editors who live in the following states: Texas, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Colorado.

22) CACTUS Communications (Copy Editors Only)

CACTUS Communications aims to make scientific knowledge accessible to everyone worldwide, aiding the development of societies and improving people’s lives.

Requirements: None listed. However, about a year ago they required you to have a master’s or PhD in one or more specialized subject areas in the following:

• physical sciences
• engineering
• materials science
• life sciences

Prior experience was preferred but not mandatory.

Availability: You can check their website to see if they have opportunities for copy editors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are proofreaders still needed.

Yes, proofreaders are still needed.

People’s written word is a reflection of them in their absence. Since errors in writing can undermine someone’s authority and make them look careless, people seek out proofreaders.

Professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and job seekers are all examples of people who hire a second pair of eyes to proofread their content.  

I authored an article about whether proofreaders are still necessary if you’d like to delve deeper into this topic.

How do I get my first proofreading job?

You can employ various tactics to land your first proofreading job.

When fishing for work, it helps to have multiple lines in the water to increase your odds of snagging a gig. But you don’t want to cast so many lines that they become tangled because they’re too much to manage.

Start with a few methods you think will work best, and put all your focus on those.

Here are some solid strategies:

1) Start your own proofreading business online.

Even if your clients don’t find you there initially, having a website shows you’re committed to proofreading. You can display certificates, credentials, and testimonials on your site to attract customers.

Another way to snag your first gig is to hand out business cards to brick-and-mortar companies that may need your services.

Include your website address on your business cards so they can learn more about you.

2) Cold email potential clients.

I know this may not be people’s preferred method, but it can work. If you send thoughtful, tactful, and personalized emails to clients you’d like to work with, you may land some jobs.

For example, try reaching out to the site owners of blogs you enjoy reading.

First, let them know how much you enjoy their content. Then, let them know how you can help.

Although I’m not a fan of advocating that proofreaders do free work, offering a free sample edit can be a way to show the value you can provide. A sample edit means you proofread a small portion (maybe 500 words) of someone’s writing.

3) Establish a profile on LinkedIn.

Even if you choose not to use LinkedIn’s job board to search for proofreading opportunities, I recommend creating a profile on the site.

For best results, fill out your profile completely, and include the badge around your profile picture indicating you’re open to work.

It’s not too difficult to get set up on the site, and your profile can work for you in the background while you take steps that require more effort.

4) Network with other proofreaders and writers.

You can find groups for proofreaders and writers on Facebook and LinkedIn. Joining these groups can lead to information about proofreading companies that are hiring or writers who need a second set of eyes.

To get the most out of these groups, focus on adding value .

Try answering people’s questions and offering helpful information and advice. Then, if the group allows it, you can pitch your services. Just make sure not to come across as too spammy since this can cause more harm than good.

I wrote an article about finding proofreading clients if you’d like a few more ideas about how to get your first job.

How much do beginner online proofreaders make?

According to ZipRecruiter , as of February 2024, the average yearly salary for an online proofreader in the United States is $57,520.

This amount translates to about $28 per hour.

ZipRecruiter shows that the majority of online proofreader salaries range from $42,500 (25th percentile) to $70,000 (75th percentile).

As a beginner proofreader, you can expect to make a salary toward the lower end of this range.

Novice proofreaders make roughly $12–$18 per hour.

Can proofreaders work from home?

Yes! Proofreaders can be home-based .

You’ll find options for part-time and full-time remote proofreading work.

How can I become a proofreader online with no experience?

To become a proofreader online, I recommend taking a reputable proofreading course so you’ll be in a good position to land jobs.

Proofreading entails more than most people realize, so getting proper training is essential.

A comprehensive proofreading class will teach you the needed skills, give you confidence, and enable you to compete with other proofreaders who have received formal training.

What skills and qualifications do I need to be a proofreader?

The only qualification you need to be a proofreader is the appropriate skill set. I created an article about the necessary set of proofreading skills if you’d like to know more.

Although some proofreading jobs require a degree (usually in English or journalism), plenty of opportunities are available to those without a degree.

Finally, having a proofreading certificate is preferable but not absolutely necessary.

Having one gives you an edge since it shows potential clients you’ve received training for the job.

Is proofreading a good side hustle?

Proofreading is a good side hustle because it requires minimal startup costs and can be learned relatively quickly.

Another advantage is that proofreading can be done from home. You can even proofread while you travel as long as you have a solid internet connection.

Om Proofreading has an article about the reasons why proofreading is a great side job if you’d like to learn more.

What tools do online proofreaders need for their work?

Fortunately, online proofreaders don’t need an abundance of expensive tools .

They need a laptop or desktop computer and a stable internet connection. I prefer a laptop so I can be around people while I work.

We can divide the other tools you need into two categories: software and books .

The Software You Need

Online proofreaders need two word processors:

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs

You’ll need a paid version of MS Word.

Free versions aren’t suitable since they can cause formatting problems and don’t offer the same protection for clients’ documents as the paid version.

Proofreaders use the Track Changes feature in MS Word to work on texts.

The earliest version of Word I’d recommend is 2016.

Support for Microsoft Word 2013 ended in April 2023 .

With Google Docs (it’s free), you’ll learn to use the Suggesting feature.

Some proofreaders may want to learn how to use Adobe Acrobat software so they can proofread PDFs. However, this software isn’t necessary since most documents are proofread using Word or Google Docs.

Two Optional Tools for Proofreaders

You may want to consider two other tools to improve your efficiency:

I wrote an in-depth review of Grammarly and a detailed review of PerfectIt if you’d like to know more about how these software programs can help you proofread people’s prose.

The Reference Books You Need

At a minimum, you’ll need two books:

• a good dictionary
• a style guide

I use Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary , 11th Edition , since it’s the dictionary recommended by the most thorough style guide available— The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).

I refer to CMOS for most of my proofreading work. It’s one of the most frequently used and reputable guides and the gold standard in the publishing industry.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary , 11th Edition , and CMOS are available online and as hard copies.

If you’d like to learn about other popular style guides, I discuss them in my post about suggested books for proofreaders .

You may also want to consider purchasing The Best Punctuation Book, Period . It’s inexpensive and beloved by people who work on error patrol! 😉I talk about this book in the post I linked to in the previous paragraph.

What’s the difference between proofreading, copyediting, and editing?

Proofreaders correct grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and formatting errors. They work at the word level to catch mistakes that were overlooked during previous editing stages.

Copy editors work at the sentence level. Their primary focus is to make writing clear, concise, consistent, comprehensive, and correct. They also fix the same types of mistakes that proofreaders do.

Line editors and developmental editors work at the paragraph level and on the overall document, respectively. Line editors focus on improving a text’s language, and developmental editors improve the text’s content and structure.

If you’re an editor, I published a post about jobs for developmental and line editors .

I sincerely hope this article has given you many avenues to find online proofreading work if you’re a beginner.

After you get some experience, you can check out my article about online proofreading work for experienced proofreaders to find more lucrative options.

I wish you luck as you progress on your proofreading path. May it be paved with platinum!

Best wishes to you!

“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” – Roy T. Bennett

Lindsay Babcock

Lindsay is the creator of Om Proofreading. She has a BA in psychology and earned a certificate in proofreading by passing the final exam in Proofread Anywhere’s general proofreading course. She shares what she’s learning in the field and through research to inform and inspire her readers.

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Last updated on Nov 02, 2023

How to Become a Proofreader: the Ultimate Beginner's Guide

This article was written in collaboration with professional editors and proofreaders Allister Thompson , Aja Pollock , David Haviland , and Sally Apokedak . 

Proofreaders are keen-eyed professionals who specialize in going over texts to make sure no typos and grammatical mistakes are present before publication. Essentially, if you choose this career path, you'll be reading for a living, and you can do it from your own home, so what's not to like? 

If you’re interested in having a proofreading career, we’ve contacted some of our top professionals here at Reedsy to put together this comprehensive guide on how to become a proofreader in six steps:

1. Understand the proofreading job description

2. identify what proofreading services you want to offer, 3. take a proofreading course, 4. develop a strong command of style guides, 5. search for freelance proofreading jobs, 6. network and keep building your business portfolio.

Let's take a closer look.

What does a proofreader do? A proofreader does the final check of a piece of text to catch any remaining grammar and punctuation mistakes, spelling errors, or formatting issues before it reaches the eyes of the public, after the author has adjusted the structure based on a developmental editor's feedback and the polished the language based on a copy edit. Their services make news articles, essays, books, website copy, or any other type of text error-free and ready for publication.

More specifically, proofreaders are often freelancers, and they carefully read documents from many types of clients (authors, publishers, businesses, and so on) to double-check for:

• Typographical errors
• Inconsistencies in style or layout
• Awkward page and word breaks
• Missing punctuation and spelling mistakes
• Any other issues that might spoil the reading experience.

Top tip: to keep track of all creative decisions such as alternative spellings of names and places or italics for thoughts, proofreaders often use customized style sheets. You can read more about how to use a style sheet and download two free templates here .

FREE RESOURCE

Editorial Style Sheet Templates

Set up a sleek and easy-to-use style to keep track of all your creative decisions.

While some authors may be tempted to skip over proofreading to save time and money, proofreading is an integral part of making any text look spot-on and professional. “A proofreader is the ‘last line of defense’ between a book that looks professional and one that is obviously amateur and sloppy,” says Allister Thompson , a proofreader with over 25 years of experience. “So a proofreader actually has a lot of responsibility in the publishing process.”

Proofreaders vs copy editors

An important distinction to make is that between copy editors and proofreaders: as opposed to copy editors, proofreaders are not necessarily concerned with the quality of the sentence on a subjective level, but how well it adheres to grammar conventions and the logic of the text. That means that a proofreader will not go into a text and make suggestions for better ways to phrase things, so long as there are no objective spelling errors, missing punctuations, or formatting issues, for example. 

Below is a table that clarifies the different steps of the editorial process. This applies best to books — in article or copywriting you may have content editing followed directly by proofreading, for instance.

Emphasizing the difference between copy editing and proofreading, Aja Pollock , a freelance editor for Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Macmillan, says that “probably the main piece of advice I'd give to new proofreaders is that proofreading is not copyediting. Your job as a proofreader, aside from catching outright errors, is to back up the copy editor and make sure the style they've established is applied consistently, as stated in the style sheet.” 

“If it’s clear and consistent,” she continues, “don’t change it without checking with whoever hired you.” Unauthorized and unnecessary corrections at the proofreading stage can set the whole production schedule back and cause further issues down the line, so “as a proofreader, you need to develop a sense of when to stay in your lane.”

🎓 What qualifications do you need to become a proofreader?

While you don’t necessarily need any specific formal qualifications to become a proofreader, you do need to demonstrate somehow that you have the skills for the job. Most proofreaders will hold bachelor’s degrees in fields like English or Journalism and, most importantly, must have a strong command of language and grammar. To that, Allister Thompson adds that a skilled proofreader must be able to focus for long periods of time: 

“A distracted proofreader is a bad one. The eye always wants to skip over text, especially when you're pressed for time. You can't do that.” 

David Haviland corroborates this statement:

“Proofreading is all about focus and attention to detail. Many of the issues that a proofreader identifies are ones that most educated people would spot, if they were paying attention. But maintaining this kind of focus on every line over the course of an entire manuscript, and then doing the same thing day after day, is an acquired skill.”

Further, you should be able to spot typographical or design errors, as you might be working with laid-out book files and not just text documents.

Having a university degree or special qualifications in the form of certifications, though not strictly required, can be helpful in showcasing that you have the skills and techniques clients expect proofreaders to have, and help you stand out during the job application process.

With that said, you can study in other fields as well, especially if you want to work as a proofreader for technical or academic content. This makes the job quite accessible to students, freelance writers, and just about anyone with a sharp eye and love for wordsmithing . You can also opt for vocational training programs that specifically teach proofreading, and which come with certifications. 

💰 How much do proofreaders make?

According to ZipRecruiter, professional proofreaders make around $23 per hour on average. As of 2023, that means the average salary of proofreaders is around $47k per year. 

That being said, proofreaders with more experience and expertise — or expertise in niche fields — can command even higher fees, with top professionals making between $30-$35 an hour. Professional proofreaders on Reedsy, for instance, can make anywhere between $600–$1,000 working on a book, depending on the book’s genre and length. 

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If you like the job description and the money sounds good, the next step towards becoming a proofreader is to pick your niche, i.e. what type of texts and industries you would like to work with.

Since media content is everywhere nowadays, you get a lot of choices. You can work with authors on books, with content creators on websites and blog posts, with scholars on academic papers, with reporters on news articles — the list goes on. With the right background, you can even proofread medical texts or court reports. 

Now, as you’re building experience, you can try your hand at a variety of projects, though the key to getting a leg up is to find a specific niche. Each field has their specific requirements in terms of language and format, so it’s simply easier to learn them one at a time. Moreover, your niche is your competitive advantage when applying for proofreading jobs: clients will appreciate expert services more than they do a melange of barely related work experiences.

If you want to work in publishing, it’s even beneficial to narrow your focus down to book genres , since they can require quite different skills. Proofreading a fantasy novel, for instance, may demand sharp attention to details and the mechanics of a fictional language, while proofreading picture books may present technical challenges, notes editor and proofreader Sally Apokedak : 

“If I proof PDFs with illustrations, I take into consideration the design of the book. For instance, maybe the text is centered and paragraphs lack indents. Quote marks can present another problem. So, when possible, I proof the work according to the typesetter's  rules to maintain consistency.”

With this in mind, consider where your expertise and genuine interest lie, and work towards eeking out your presence in your desired niche.

If you do not yet possess the skills and qualifications to land the proofreading jobs you’re applying for, you might want to consider bulking up your resume with a proofreading course. Since there’s more to proofreading than just reading and catching a spelling mistake here and there, (and since real-life experience can be hard to come by) we highly recommend signing up to a proofreading course that can guide you through other duties of the job. This is what Aja Pollock did: 

“I took a proofreading class at NYU, just to get some kind of credential under my belt, and a class taught by someone who knows what they're doing is a great way to learn best practices and conventions for proofreading. Someone who's new to proofreading might not think to check for things like stacks and ladders or make sure the folios and running heads are correct; you should be able to come out of a class with a full checklist of things to look for beyond just typos.”

A course not only gives you a head start on understanding style guides (more on this in a bit) and grammar rules, it also allows you to familiarize yourself with editing tools and provides a chance to practice proofreading while getting feedback from veteran professionals. Working together with your course mates while meeting deadlines not only shows that you're a team player, but is also a great way to kick-start your networking efforts; a proofreading course is a great place to meet potential future colleagues and employers, after all. 

Of course, each program offers different things: some might be more tailored to fiction proofreaders, others to legal paperwork; some can offer more theoretical knowledge, others come with a mentorship program. The point is to find a curriculum that provides the best training for your chosen niche. Start your research with our summary of the best proofreading courses in the market right now. 

Beyond the work that a course gives you, here are some other options to hone your proofreading skills:

Practice, practice, practice

They say practice makes perfect, so get going! Make an effort to proofread anywhere and everywhere you go (silently in your head, of course). And don’t stop with correcting grammar and spelling mistakes; think about your punctuation errors and inconsistencies in language as well. 

For more material to work on, offer to proofread a friend’s work for free. Be mindful of the context of each piece — is it a cover letter, an essay, or a website copy? What style guide would it follow? What kind of English is used — British or American? The answers to questions like these will give you the standards which the piece needs to satisfy, which is the basis of your proofreading work, as a competent proofreader knows how to distinguish between objectivity and personal preferences.

Reading texts with these criteria in mind can sharpen your skills. The more you do it, the more competent you’ll be at noticing discrepancies and errors.

Take a proofreading test

Now that you’ve studied up and practiced your proofreading skills, it’s time to test them out! There are tons of tests out there, ranging from multiple-choice quizzes to textual exercises, that are great for gauging your ability to find and recognize key errors and inconsistencies. For some quick tests, check out these sites:

• Freelance Writing
• Editing Tests

As David Haviland says: “One way or another, you need to study the art of writing clearly, stylishly and consistently.” And whether that be through a course or through other avenues, you will have to know how to work with style guides.

Style guides are manuals that provide standard guidelines for the writing and formatting of various documents. If you’re going to become a proofreader, you’re going to want to know them like the back of your hand.

Which style guides you learn, of course, depends on your niche and the types of texts you’ll work with. In many projects, however, the choice will come down to the client so, at the very least, you should acquaint yourself with the following styles:

• Chicago Manual of Style;
• APA Style; and

David Haviland notes that he will always ask his clients what style guides they prefer at the start of a project. If your client doesn’t have a preference, you can refer to whatever style guide you feel most comfortable working with.

“It's handy to have a style guide like Chicago on hand,” Thompson adds. “Or whatever style guide your client uses. It's also handy to have a style sheet for a particular project, so copy editors can be encouraged to make those to explain spellings and style choices in the book.”

“I use the Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (online edition), as well as the house style sheet if I'm working for a publisher who has one,” Aja Pollock says. “When you start out, you may need to consult these a lot until you learn the fundamental style conventions and M-W spelling. That can slow things down when you're new to proofreading, but it's part of the learning process.”

If your niche is academic or scholarly in nature, you might also want to consider learning MLA and Turabian Style. Knowing these style guides will help you maintain objectivity and follow consistent rules whenever you’re editing a manuscript.

You can find the handbooks to these styles (which are essential resources  for editorial professionals) in libraries or on the internet. Having the one you're following on hand is always a plus, even when you become an experienced proofreader!

Once you’re all trained up in the proofreading department, you’re ready for your job search. But first, a word of warning: beginners in any editorial field will have less access to quality projects in their desired specialty or genre. Do take smaller proofreading roles that come in at the beginning of your career, and always keep your eyes out for opportunities that are adjacent to your chosen specialty. 

If you manage to weather this challenging first stage, you’ll emerge on the other side with the skills and track record to pull you through the rest of your proofreading career. 

“Proofreading suits a particular kind of person who loves language, cares about the fine details, and has a critical mindset. It’s quite difficult to do well, so there will always be work for a proofreader who is professional, reliable and fastidious.” — David Haviland

Since most proofreading services are provided by freelancers — even publishing houses  outsource this task often, to be more economical — you’ll find a lot of proofreading jobs on marketplaces like Reedsy or other freelancer job sites which connect you with a community of writers in need of proofreading services.

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Publishing job boards are also useful platforms to check out. And if you feel like working with a specific publisher or a media company, find and follow their editors on Twitter or LinkedIn. Managing and production editors commission proofreading services all the time — they often post something online when new gigs are available.

💡 Pro-tip: Impress your potential clients with this freelance proposal tempate and this invoice template. 

Setting your rates

In most cases, as you’re a freelancer, you’ll get to set your own proofreading rates. Remember not to undercharge! We recommend thinking about how much you need to cover your living and business costs (think office space and time spent on keeping the books) in order to come up with an absolute minimum, below which you should not accept. 

Experience and exposure is too often used as an excuse to underpay, and you should not accept that, especially if you have nailed down the fundamental skills for the job!

Before you know it, you’ll know plenty of people in the industry and will start finding jobs with ease, perhaps even commanding higher pay. But, don’t forget: keep building your résumé and treat everyone as a potential business partner! Make sure your portfolio is always updated and includes the latest projects relevant to your career goals. 

In other words, focus on presenting pieces that reflect what you want to keep working on and cultivate your professional relationships. So if you want to proofread more fantasy novels, highlight projects that involve other-worldly elements, even if they are review articles or short stories. That way, only the suitable clients will send you a request. Or perhaps you'll know a guy who knows a guy who can hook you up with your next project.

And, Sally Apokedak reminds us, even though proofreading is less concerned with the style and flair of the writing, it’s still an art-form which you can practice and get better at: 

“In all proofing, consistency is king because there is some room for art when proofing. Some of it is science—there is never a time when ‘it's’ will be a possessive pronoun, for instance. But some of it is art—some questions could be punctuated with an exclamation point instead of a question mark, for example. So the key is to make a reasoned choice in the beginning about certain gray areas and then be consistent all the way through to the end.”

Proofreading, just like any other editorial job, will come with its challenges. It’s not uncommon for newcomers to have to deal with low wages, competitive job prospects, and long work hours. But if you put your mind to it and really invest in your craft, then making it as a proofreader will be more than worth it in the long run.

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Proofreading Jobs: 38 Best Online Options from Home

Hannah Yang

Proofreading is a necessary step for all written content, including blog posts, journalism articles, fiction, and more.

Becoming a proofreader is a great option if you’re looking for a flexible income stream. You can work from home, set your own schedule, and take on jobs based on your availability.

So, how do you find freelance proofreading jobs?

This article will explain the skills you need to become a proofreader, and show you where to find the best online proofreading jobs.

How to Become an Online Proofreader

Skills needed for proofreading jobs, best proofreading tool, 38 online proofreading jobs, conclusion: let pwa help you become the best online proofreader.

To start your freelance proofreading career, you need to proactively connect with clients and search for new projects.

There are dozens of websites and platforms you can use to start your job search, many of which post online proofreading jobs every day.

Some platforms let you post a profile without going through an application process; others ask for a resume and an application form.

The most competitive websites might ask you to pass a language editing assignment, or complete a proofreading sample, before they allow you to register.

If you have an area of expertise, you might be able to specialize in freelance proofreading jobs within that niche. For example, if you used to work in biology, you can proofread academic biology articles for a higher fee than the average proofreader.

A few high-paying websites and companies require proofreaders to have a degree in a writing-related field. For most freelance proofreading jobs, however, you can use your experience to prove that you are skilled, without the need for formal training.

If you’re worried about your lack of credentials, you can start with an online proofreading course to learn the basics and strengthen your resume.

As a new proofreader, you can expect to make around $10–$20 an hour. As you gain more experience, you can add jobs to your resume, build your proofreading and editing credibility, and increase your salary to match. The average freelance proofreader earns over $50,000 a year.

To succeed as a freelance proofreader, you need five skills: attention to detail, excellent grammatical knowledge, understanding of editorial styles, time management, and proficiency with online tools.

Skill #1: Attention to Detail

To be a successful freelance proofreader, you need a great eye for detail.

Proofreaders are the last line of defense—they examine the manuscript after the writer, developmental editor, copy editor, and the rest of the team have completed their tasks. Their job is to spot the spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and other issues that everyone else missed.

Proofreaders need to ensure that all headings are consistent, there are no double spaces, and all page numbers are formatted in the same way.

You will need to pay strong attention to detail to make sure nothing slips by you.

Skill #2: Excellent Knowledge of English Grammar

When should you use a hyphen , and when should you use an em dash ?

What’s a dangling modifier , and how do you correct it?

Does the period at the end of a parenthetical remark go before or after the closing parenthesis ?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you might need to brush up on your grammar before looking at job listings. All freelance proofreading jobs require excellent knowledge of English grammar.

Skill #3: Understanding of Editorial Styles

Style and grammar are different. Before applying for proofreading jobs, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook . These are the two most common editorial styles.

You don’t need to memorize these manuals, because you can always reference them as you work—you just need to know how and where to find the answers to your style-related questions.

Different clients prefer different styles, depending on the audiences they’re writing for. Each client will have their own guidelines, and ask that you proofread based on that editorial style, so it can help to familiarize yourself with more than one manual.

Skill #4: Time Management

Most freelance proofreading jobs have tight deadlines.

Companies usually set their publishing schedules well in advance. This means that if you don’t finish your freelance proofreading job in time, you might slow down the publication pipeline and damage your reputation with the client.

Time management is important for all freelance work, because you need to set your own schedule. If you take on too many projects at a time, you will not be able to complete them. You have to understand your own capacity, and take on jobs to match.

Skill #5: Proficiency with Online Tools

Most freelance proofreading jobs will require you to use specific software and editing tools.

At the very least, you will need to know how to use editing softwares, such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs . You might also need proficiency in document-sharing softwares, such as DropBox.

For your own records, it can help to be proficient using spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel. Spreadsheets are the easiest way to keep track of your projects and income in a consistent and organized way.

The exact IT skills you’ll need will vary depending on the client or project. Don’t worry if you haven’t used all of these tools before—you can often pick them up as you go.

Even proofreaders can miss mistakes, especially when working with long manuscripts. The best way to succeed as a proofreader is to utilize the most effective tools you can.

You can use a grammar checker like ProWritingAid to help you excel at your freelance proofreading jobs. ProWritingAid’s Consistency Report will highlight capitalization inconsistencies, differently formatted ellipses, and more.

Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account.

Using ProWritingAid’s reports will help you improve your attention to detail, grammar skills, and editorial styles. You’ll be able to deliver clean, error-free writing to your clients every time.

There are dozens of platforms that can connect you to online proofreading jobs.

Some sites post a variety of different clients’ online proofreading jobs, and let you pick which ones interest you. Other sites require you to join their team, and then send pre-chosen work your way. You can decide which style you prefer.

If you’re a beginner, you should start with the least selective platforms and work your way up to more advanced jobs.

So where do you find your first legitimate, remote, high-paying freelance proofreading jobs?

Here’s a list of our 38 favorite options.

Upwork lets you create a personal profile and advertise yourself. You can use terms such as “freelance proofreader,” “online proofreading jobs,” and “remote proofreader” to tell clients what kinds of jobs you’re looking for.

One great perk of using Upwork is that you can see the profiles of other proofreaders. This means that you can compare your rates to them and ensure you’re charging a competitive fee.

2. Freelancer

Freelancer is a platform where you can bid on freelance proofreading jobs. Clients post their projects and describe what type of writer or editor they’re looking for.

You will need a premium account to continue bidding after you reach a certain number of projects, but to start with you can try it out for free. It is a great way to start your job search and land your first online proofreading job.

3. Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff is a zero-fee platform for freelancers that allows you to bid on projects. The perk of using Hubstaff over Freelancer is that bidding is always free.

4. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a site that manually vets freelance writing and editing jobs, so you know you’re always looking at legitimate, high-quality opportunities.

There is a small annual membership fee which will give you access to a trove of remote positions. You can search for the keywords “online proofreading jobs” or “online proofreader” to find high-quality, suitable, remote positions.

5. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great place to search for jobs in any industry.

Many clients will start looking for freelance proofreading services on LinkedIn. You want your profile to show up when they search for proofreaders.

Create a clean, professional profile with a headshot and a summary of the types of jobs you’re looking for. Use the keywords “proofreader,” “editor,” and “freelancer.”

There are also plenty of proofreading job ads on LinkedIn, so you can search them instead of waiting for clients to come to you.

Social media can be a great way to connect with other people in your field and find new opportunities.

Twitter has a thriving community of writers and editors who often post about jobs. Try searching for the hashtags #proofread, #proofreader, or #proofreading to meet other proofreaders. Proofreaders can help each other succeed by pooling their knowledge about where to find relevant, well-paying jobs.

7. Wordvice

Wordvice offers online proofreading and editing services. They have clients worldwide, some of whom speak English as a second language and are looking for native English-speaking proofreaders. Wordvice also has many clients at prestigious universities, such as Stanford and Columbia.

To join Wordvice, you need to go through a detailed application process. You’ll need to send them an application form, your resume, an editing sample, and you normally need a graduate degree to be accepted. If you meet their qualifications, however, Wordvice can be a treasure trove of online proofreading jobs.

8. CACTUS Communications

CACTUS Communications hires both freelance and full-time proofreaders. They specialize in proofreading for specific industries, such as medicine, biology, and chemistry. If you have a degree in a scientific field, you might excel in this company.

9. ProofreadingServices.com

Proofreading Services hires both full-time and part-time proofreaders. Their salary is competitive, ranging from $19 to $46 per hour, and you can work flexible hours from home. You can also connect and collaborate with other proofreaders, which is a great perk.

You don’t need a degree or a lot of experience to get started with this site–all you need is to take a 20-minute preliminary test. This site is another great way to start your job search.

10. SearchTempest

SearchTempest is a search engine that helps you find paid freelance jobs on Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, and Oodle.

You need to vet some of these jobs yourself, because anyone can post a listing, but you can find some great proofreading and editing opportunities if you have the time to sift through the list.

11. Polished Paper

At Polished Paper, you can find plenty of remote proofreading and editing jobs. The site tends to hire more experienced proofreaders, which means they pay more than sites that hire beginners.

To apply, you need to upload your resume and take a 35-question test, which you can use outside resources, such as formatting guides and stylebooks, to complete. If you succeed at these initial steps, they’ll ask you to complete an interview before you can start taking on proofreading jobs.

12. Guru.com

Guru.com is a tried-and-true platform that has been around for a long time. This platform will connect you to clients offering all kinds of jobs, from translating to proofreading and more.

Fill out your profile and start searching for proofreading gigs.

13. Gramlee

Gramlee offers editing services for all writers and they’re often looking to hire new proofreaders.

They charge a starting rate of 3 cents a word for a maximum of 3,000 words, so you’ll be making up to $90 per order. Once you become a senior editor, you can access even better-paid orders.

The application process is simple, you only need to submit a form. Once accepted, you’ll have access to a variety of different remote work projects.

Reedsy connects freelance editors and proofreaders with authors and writers. Clients will send you requests, and you can suggest a fee for their proofreading and editing projects.

Reedsy also has a great matching algorithm, so they’ll be able to pair you up with clients who fit your skills and expertise.

15. Scribbr

The application process for Scribbr is more involved than most of the sites on our list, however, you’ll get legitimate, high-paying jobs in exchange.

To apply, you need to take a language quiz, fill out a motivation statement about why you want to proofread with their team, and complete an editing assessment.

Once you’ve been accepted, you need to go through a short training program called Scribbr Academy where you edit several simulation orders. After completing the academy training, you’ll be ready to edit professionally as part of Scribbr’s team.

Scribbr Academy can also help you improve your own proofreading skills, which will be beneficial if you continue your job search with other sites and platforms.

16. Proofreading Pal

Proofreading Pal has a variety of projects, from academic papers to fiction manuscripts. The average pay for an editor at Proofreading Pal ranges from $500 to $3,000 per month.

To apply, you need a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience. You can also work as a college or graduate student if you have a 3.5 GPA or higher, which is a great way to earn a high proofreading salary if you’re still in school.

17. EditFast

EditFast, which connects editors to various clients, is a quick and efficient way to find new projects.

However, it’s important to note that EditFast retains the rights to 40% of the total project price, and that you can’t communicate with clients outside of the EditFast system.

It’s a good site for building experience as a beginner proofreader, but over time, you may want to migrate to a site that takes a smaller cut.

18. Scribe Media

Scribe Media offers a wide variety of book editing services and you can join as a full-time editor or a freelance editor.

They don’t always have openings available, so you can set up email alerts to be notified when they have open positions.

19. Wordfirm Inc.

Wordfirm Inc. hires skilled editors to work as independent contractors. You need to be a highly skilled professional to be chosen, so this isn’t an option for beginners. On their website, they say that editors should have a college degree and at least five years of editing experience.

You have to fill out a lengthy application, which if you pass, will give you access to a wealth of high-paying proofreading jobs.

20. Click Worker

Click Worker is a site that lets writers and publishers outsource small tasks, such as editing, translation, and proofreading. Clients can create completed projects by hiring different people to do each of these micro-tasks.

Different projects offer a different fee per word depending on the level of experience you have.

You have to take a short proofreading test before you can start applying for available jobs.

21. Lionbridge

Lionbridge offers various types of remote jobs. Like Click Worker, Lionbridge outsources different jobs within each client’s project to freelance contractors.

The application process is fairly straightforward; you need to sign up and take a short skills test before you start taking on proofreading jobs.

22. ProBlogger

ProBlogger Jobs is a job board that specifically caters to bloggers. If you’re interested in proofreading for blog posts, this site can be a great way to find freelance work.

23. Get Editing Jobs

If you google “Get Editing Jobs,” you’ll find an online job board with listings for projects that require editors, proofreaders, and more.

You can check this job board regularly for new listings.

24. Sibia Proofreading

Sibia is a site that offers proofreading and editing services for fiction manuscripts, job applications, business memos, doctoral dissertations, and more.

If you’re a native English speaker and a college graduate, you can apply to join Sibia’s team. This will give you access to a wide variety of projects based on your personal preferences and experience.

25. American Journal Experts

American Journal Experts is a site that specializes in remote academic proofreading.

The application is straightforward, so it’s a great place to look for jobs as a beginner.

26. Quality Proofreading UK

Quality Proofreading UK provides professional proofreading services in the fields of business and academia.

They’re always looking to hire freelance proofreaders and editors who have science or business backgrounds. If you have experience in these fields, joining their team can be a great way to land consistent freelance work.

27. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media helps authors get their books edited and reviewed. You can sign up to be a book reviewer , an editor, or a proofreader. All of these online jobs are fully remote and let you work flexible hours.

28. SmartBrief

SmartBrief specializes in business news and industry information, so if you have a background in a specific industry, this site might be a great way to use that knowledge and experience.

At $15 an hour, their proofreading jobs pay slightly less than most other sites on this list.

29. MediaBistro

MediaBistro compiles various media-related jobs, such as marketing, sales, writing, editing, and more. The site takes some knowledge to navigate, since there are many different job postings, but once you’ve figured it out, it’s a very effective option.

You can start by searching for proofreading jobs to see what they have available. You can also set up notification alerts, so you’ll see new relevant opportunities as soon as they appear.

30. Writer’s Job Shop

Writer’s Job Shop is an online resource for freelance editors, copy editors, and proofreaders. They offer a steady stream of editing and writing jobs.

31. Contenta

Contenta is a job board that tracks companies that hire writers. Almost always, companies that need writers also need proofreaders, so you can reach out to the companies that post ads on Contenta and ask if they need a proofreader.

32. Writer’s Relief

Writer’s Relief is a service that proofreads submissions for creative writers to increase their chances of getting published.

They’re often looking for new proofreaders to join their team, but they’re extremely selective. They accept only a small fraction of their proofreading applicants, however, it’s always worth applying because your skills may match their requirements.

33. Scribendi

Scribendi is a platform specifically designed for proofreaders. All jobs are remote, flexible, and high paying.

To apply, you need to be a native English speaker and a college graduate. They also ask that you be able to proofread at a speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words an hour.

34. WritingJobz

WritingJobz specializes in proofreading for academic papers, online blogs, news sources, and books. You can earn up to $11 a page for proofreading.

35. Managed Editing

Managed Editing requires all proofreaders to have a degree and a few years of experience.

To apply, you’ll need to fill out a form describing the topics you’ve had experience in and they might follow up asking for samples of your proofreading work.

36. Edit911

Edit911 requires more in-depth qualifications than most of the other opportunities on our list. In order to apply, you need a Ph.D. in English or another writing-intensive discipline. You also need to be a master copy editor or book editor.

If you have these qualifications, it’s worth applying to Edit911. As part of this company, you’ll stand out from the crowd.

37. OneSpace Freelancers

OneSpace Freelancers is a job marketplace that posts all kinds of freelance jobs, including proofreading projects.

You can submit an application form and ask them to notify you if they get new proofreading postings. Alternatively, you can check the site periodically to look for jobs on your own.

38. Start Your Own Proofreading Business

Once you’ve gained some proofreading experience, it can be a great idea to start an independent proofreading business. You can create a website detailing the services you offer and the rates you charge. That way, clients can come to you directly, so you don’t have to pay fees to external websites and platforms.

If you’ve stayed in touch with your previous clients, you can let them know that you’re starting your own company and ask if they have any new proofreading needs.

You should consider the business start-up costs, since you may want to pay for a website design, advertisements, and other initial needs. In the long run, however, the extra money you make will cover these costs.

Now you have all the tips and tricks you need to start working as a proofreader.

With the help of ProWritingAid, you can start your proofreading job search! ProWritingAid can help speed up your proofreading process by picking up errors all in one go.

Do you think proofreading might be a good option for you? Let us know in the comments.

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Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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21 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $45/hour)

Last updated on 13th March, 2024 at 12:16 am

Or perhaps you’re still contemplating if this proofreading job is the one for you?

Mind you. I purposely wrote it that way.

So, grammar sleuth. If you’ve got a knack for spotting snazzy mistakes, you’re practically tailor-made for the world of online proofreading jobs .

Now, if you’re seriously eyeing this proofreading job or considering starting your own freelance proofreading business, rest assured that the start-up costs for this job are low, making it an accessible option for beginners looking to break into the industry.

Proofread Anywhere

Like, seriously, what is proofreading.

Imagine proofreading as being the ultimate taste-tester for a mouthwatering dish right before it hits the table.

Just like a chef wouldn’t want a dash of salt where it doesn’t belong, you ensure words play their delicious roles without any accidental seasoning.

It’s that final sprinkle of magic before your content is served—pristine, polished, and ready to wow your audience.

Did you know why “you’re” and “your” are two different words? Because “you’re” mine and I’m yours. Lol! TheGeniusCat.com Tweet

The Proofreading Process

Reviewing the text: You start by thoroughly reading the entire text, paying attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes.

Formatting consistency: You ensure that the formatting of the text is consistent throughout, including headings, font styles, and indentation.

Fact-checking: If any factual information is presented in the text, you verify its accuracy to ensure that it is reliable.

Proofreading vs. Editing: What Sets Them Apart?

You know, it’s a bit like people confusing pasta with noodles – happens more often than you’d think.

Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between proofreading and editing.

Proofreading primarily focuses on ensuring the accuracy and correctness of the text. It involves meticulously reviewing the content for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Editing , on the other hand, goes beyond the surface-level corrections and delves deeper into the content. It involves refining the structure and flow of the text, enhancing clarity, and optimizing the overall coherence.

Weighing the Upsides and Downsides of Being a Proofreader:

Flexible working hours: As a proofreader, you have the flexibility to choose your working hours. This allows you to create a schedule that fits your lifestyle and other commitments.

Low start-up costs: Unlike other professions, starting a career as a proofreader doesn’t require a significant financial investment. The tools and resources needed are minimal, making it a cost-effective way to enter the world of freelancing.

Isolation: Working alone for long periods might not suit everyone, and there’s limited interaction with colleagues.

Uncertainty: Freelance proofreading gigs might not always provide a stable income, and finding consistent work can be challenging.

The Best Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners

Before you start applying for any of the proofreading jobs I’ve lined up for you, there’s something I would highly recommend you do first: take Caitlin’s free 76-minute workshop on kickstarting your proofreading journey.

In this free workshop, you’ll learn how to become a proofreader and start a freelance proofreading business.

You get to work on diverse projects, hone your skills, and be your boss, while clients gain the magic touch of your eagle eye.

But think of it like a crowded market with endless possibilities.

Once you steady your feet, gradually climb the pricing ladder and claim your rightful place at the peak.

Bonus Tip: Don’t just offer generic proofreading services. Highlight specific niches like academic, legal, or creative writing to attract targeted clients willing to pay premium rates.

2. Freelancer

You create a profile showcasing your skills and experience, then you can start browsing through the job listings. From blog posts to e-books, there’s no shortage of content in need of a proofreader’s touch.

Once you find a gig that catches your eye, you can submit a proposal outlining why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

3. PeoplePerHour

Have you ever heard of PeoplePerHour ? This platform’s like a secret handshake for freelancers, connecting you with clients needing your proofreading skills.

This website might not be the flashiest name in the freelance game but don’t underestimate its potential. While programmers and developers may dominate the platform, proofreaders and editors have a place too.

5. ClearVoice

ClearVoice is more like a curated boutique for proofreaders seeking quality gigs. This platform connects you with top brands and serious clients, not just random gigs.

The catch? ClearVoice isn’t open to everyone.

But hey, if you’re confident in your skills and ready to take your freelance game to the next level, it’s worth checking out.

6. FlexJobs

The very first job board that comes to mind is FlexJobs .

I mean, who wants to deal with glitchy connections when you’re trying to hustle, right?

Anyway, back to FlexJobs. This place isn’t just your average job board. It’s like the VIP section for freelancers, offering a legit array of gigs, including sweet proofreading jobs.

So, if you’re serious about scoring some top-notch work-from-home opportunities, that $15 might just be the ticket to your dream job(s).

7. Linkedin

With LinkedIn, you have the potential to connect directly with potential clients without using a third party as a middleman.

Just a little tip: don’t forget to set the #opentowork badge on your profile picture so recruiters know you’re available.

8. ProBlogger

Sure, most gigs are for bloggers and editors, but there’s a hidden corner for proofreading jobs too. It’s perfect for newbies because a lot of the postings come from individual bloggers or small businesses.

That means landing your first project might be easier than you think. But hey, don’t let your guard down – competition can get pretty intense.

Sure, there might be other eager beavers looking for the same prize, but with a sparkling resume and the right keywords, you can snag that first proofreading job and strut your grammar muscles.

10. Glassdoor

Proofreading gigs are cool, but imagine knowing if a company walks the walk. Glassdoor lets you see how employees rate their companies.

Think of it as an x-ray vision for company culture. Now you can find your dream job where you thrive, not just survive.

Proofreading companies offer another path to online editing bliss. They connect you with clients and a steady stream of projects, perfect for those who crave structure and support.

Some companies have more gigs than others, so choose wisely to avoid waiting in the wings for your editing cue.

11. ProofreadingPal

That’s some serious money for polishing up those commas and fixing typos.

12. EditFast

EditFast is all about welcoming skilled freelance proofreaders who know their way around medical jargon, technical manuals, legal documents, and even juicy novels.

You will get paid via PayPal. They keep 40% of each project payment, and you pocket the rest, a sweet 60%.

13. Proofreading Services

But before you can join them, you have to prove your chops. They’ll hit you with a 20-minute test to make sure you’ve got what it takes to join the proofreading party.

Reedsy’s got some fancy algorithms working behind the scenes to match you up with clients who are the perfect fit for your skills.

15. Gramlee

This platform connects you with top-notch clients. They work with freelance proofreaders and editors (that could be you!), offering remote work and the chance to make a real impact.

Applying is as smooth as your future edits – just fill out their online form, and if your skills impress, they’ll be knocking on your virtual door.              

16. CACTUS Communications

We’re talking medical stuff, biology, molecular biology – you name it, they’ve probably got a gig for it.

To hop on board as a freelance proofreader, they prefer you to have a master’s or doctorate in one of these fields, but hey, if you’ve got the skills and the knack for editing, they’re all ears.

17. Lionbridge

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – you might need a bit of prior know-how to hit the ground running here.

18. Scribendi

What sets Scribendi apart is how they go the extra mile to match you with projects that make your heart sing.

19. Wordvice

When you’re applying here, Wordvice gets straight to the point. They want to know what you bring to the table – your expected pay rate and the proofreading and editing services you’re offering.

20. Scribbr

They’re all about helping students make the grade with their academic proofreading and editing services.

Scribbr only hires native English speakers who meet their strict application requirements.

21. Clickworker

While Clickworker offers proofreading opportunities, some say the pay isn’t exactly hitting the jackpot.

Makes sense though, right? They’re not super picky about who joins the team, so the pay might not be top-tier.

Are Proofreaders In Demand or Just a Passing Fad?

Companies and individuals rely on proofreaders to ensure their documents are free from grammar, punctuation, spelling, tense, and readability errors.

From online publications to e-commerce websites, the demand for proofreaders spans across various industries.

But the Real Question Is… How Much Money Can You Rack Up From Proofreading?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says that proofreaders rake in about $23.45 an hour on average, which adds up to around $48,770 a year.

But keep in mind that the average hourly rate for proofreaders can vary depending on factors such as experience, specialization, and location.

Again, these figures are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances.

What Proofreading Skills and Qualifications Do I Need?

Good Grasp of Grammar: Know your stuff when it comes to grammar rules. This means understanding common mistakes and how to fix them. Think subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Strong Communication Skills: Whether it’s making sure you understand what they want or chatting about changes, being clear is super important for doing a great job.

Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to learn new things will set you apart as a proofreader.

How Do I Become a Proofreader With No Experience?

A lot of online proofreading jobs out there want someone with some serious know-how under their belt.

That’s why I’m here to tell you – getting some legit training under your belt before you start applying for jobs is key.

Back in 2014, Caitlin Pyle rocked the freelance world by pulling in over $43,000 as a proofreader .

After her big success, she wasn’t content just keeping all the proofreading secrets to herself. She decided to spread the love and help others learn the ropes too.

And get this – Caitlin’s offering a jam-packed 76-minute FREE workshop that’s packed with all the juicy details you need to know before applying for any online proofreading jobs from home .

What Proofreading Tools Do I Need For Remote Proofreading Jobs?

Google docs.

It’s a grammar checker tool that scans your text for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and even style errors. While it’s not perfect and shouldn’t be solely relied upon, it can catch mistakes you might miss, especially with its ability to detect context-specific issues.

Microsoft Word

Is being a proofreader a good job for introverts.

I mean think about it – you’re in your own space, doing what you love, without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of an office.

Does Proofreading Require a Degree?

Now, sure, some companies might throw around the word “degree” like it’s essential, but here’s the truth: countless successful proofreaders have defied this myth .

Are Online Proofreading Jobs Legit?

But here’s the good news: there are trustworthy and legitimate proofreading jobs waiting for you.

Legitimate proofreading jobs will typically pay you for your skills, not the other way around.

Ready to Start Proofreading Jobs From Home Now?

I’ve heard nothing but positive reviews about her “ Proofread Anywhere ” course and that free 76-minute workshop of hers.

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All the Best Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners (50+)

Last updated September 12, 2023 By Dylan Houlihan 8

Note: We may earn a commission from affiliate links on this page. These do not affect our ratings or recommendations.

Have a good eye for detail? Love to read? If so, these online proofreading jobs for beginners might suit you perfectly.

Stick around to learn:

• How to find freelance proofreading clients
• Which companies are hiring independent contract proofreaders (both beginners and experts)
• Where to find work from home employment in proofreading and editing

This is a great resource for new proofreaders and editors, or veterans looking for job leads. Screening out the scams I came up with over 50 opportunities and client-finding techniques to help you stay paid!

Before we get into the paid jobs though, if you ARE new to proofreading (or simply want a refresher), let's go over some important basics:

Table of Contents

What is proofreading, proofreading vs. editing.

• 6 Skills Every Proofreader Should Have
• Do These Proofreading Jobs Require Training?

Types of Proofreading and Editing Jobs

• What to Search for When Job Hunting

How to Find Freelance Proofreading Jobs

Companies with contract proofreading jobs, companies with work from home proofreading jobs, other ways to make money as a proofreader, final thoughts.

Proofreading is the act of finding and removing errors from a piece of writing.

A proofreader is typically the last one to read through something before it gets published.

If you think about it, proofreaders are sort of like exterminators. But instead of looking for bugs in buildings, they inspect documents for errors involving:

• Punctuation

Then they crush them (with a red marker).

Proofreaders will also typically make sure a document follows a specific style guide (e.g the Chicago Manual of Style ).

Keep in mind, proofreaders don't actually change a piece of writing. They simply make sure it's free of errors.

Rewriting sentences and such is actually an editor's job, but the two are often mistaken as being the same.

Let's clear that up next:

Learn how to make an extra $500+ a month with this FREE beginner's guide. Includes 7 main money-making strategies ranging from easy to advanced + dozens of mini-opportunities in-between.

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As you browse through the online proofreading jobs below you'll quickly notice that many of them put proofreading and editing in the same basket.

This makes sense as proofreading is a type of editing, but it doesn't show the full picture.

There are actually multiple types of editing, including:

• Developmental editing – This typically happens first. A developmental editor helps a writer, well, develop their ideas.
• Line editing – This type of editing is all about the style 😎. Line editors essentially help make writing sound better.
• Copy editing – Most commonly confused with proofreaders, copy editors look for punctuation, grammar, spelling mistakes, etc. just the same, but they also help writers make sentences sound better by suggesting different word usage, fixing inconsistencies, and more.
• (and finally) Proofreading – As mentioned above, a proofreader goes through at the end and looks for all the errors the copy editor missed. They're the last line of defence.

There are technically more , but those are the common ones you'll see.

So why does all this matter?

It matters because you as a proofreader can make more money — more consistently — by expanding your skillset.

You don't have to learn how to do every single stage of editing, but if you're going to try to make money proofreading, it's probably a good idea to know how to at least do copy editing as well.

This will open you up to more job opportunities and make you more marketable, allowing you to charge more and offer more value to your clients.

Also, as a proofreader, you already possess most of the skills needed to copy edit, so it's an easy service to add on to your offerings.

Speaking of skills…

The 6 Skills That Make a Good Proofreader

Although there are quite a few proofreaders out there, there aren't a lot of high-quality ones.

That's because there are certain skills — both proofreader specific ones and more general work from home skills — that set the best proofreaders apart from the mediocre.

Why is this a good thing for you?

Because if you can learn these skills and package them with your proofreading services, your clients will love you.

Here they are:

• Language expertise – You don't need to know every single grammar rule or every word in the dictionary, but you should be very familiar with the language you plan on proofreading in. You should also know where to reference certain facts and language rules when in doubt.
• Attention to detail – If you want to be able to spot every little mistake down to that last misplaced comma, your eyes need to be sharp.
• Communication – Your clients won't want to wait around for days trying to get a hold of you. You need to be committed to responding to them as soon as you can. Good customer service is what sets apart the good from the great.
• Ability to meet deadlines – A lot of proofreading work involves tight deadlines so a good work ethic is essential. If you can offer quick turn-around times, you can charge more, too.
• Patience – As a proofreader, you may have to read the same thing several times to catch every last error. It can get pretty repetitive.
• Tech skills – You don't need to be a tech wizard to make money proofreading, but you should know how to work a computer, be willing to learn new things, and know your way around Microsoft Word (knowing how to use the Track Changes feature is essential for many online proofreading jobs).

Do These Beginner Proofreading Jobs Require Training?

The word beginner can be misleading. Let's make things a bit more clear:

These jobs are for trained proofreaders who are just entering the world of paid proofreading.

They're not just for any random person who wants to work from home.

Although proofreading can seem like an easy-entry online job, it requires a lot more than just familiarity with a language. That's a start, but you also need to understand:

• Style guides
• Grammar rules
• Punctuation; and more.

I know it's a hassle (in an ideal world you'd be able to start making money right away), but clients and contracting companies want to hire proofreaders who know what they're doing.

By getting training, you'll also be more confident in your services, which will make it easier to sell your services/skills.

And get this:

You don't have to go back to school for years or invest thousands of dollars before you can make money proofreading.

You don't need a degree either.

Instead, you just need to learn the rules of proofreading and editing, how to work with different types of writing/clients, and how to market yourself.

So where can you learn these things?

Well, the best (and fastest) way is to take a course.

The Best Proofreading Courses

There are two good proofreading courses I'm familiar with.

One is taught by an actual proofreading and editing company, the other by a professional proofreader.

Proofreading Academy

Proofed Inc. (one of the job providers below) created this course to fill their demand for qualified workers. It teaches digital proofreading and copy editing for various clients and documents.

It's a pretty unique opportunity for one main reason:

Anyone who passes with a score of over 80% on the final assessment gets a guaranteed freelance position at Proofed.

The course also has some info on how to find freelance work , so it's really the best of both worlds.

Read our full Proofreading Academy review to learn more, or sign up for the free trial of the course .

Proofread Anywhere

This course was created by Caitlin Pyle, who I interviewed for my “ How to Become a Proofreader ” guide.

After proofreading for several years, Caitlin created Proofread Anywhere to help others learn how to make money proofreading.

What makes PA stand out is that it focuses not only on how to proofread but also on the marketing and business side of things.

Caitlin will show you how to find clients, get hired, and keep those clients.

Watch Caitlin's free webinar here to learn more :

Proofreading and editing work has a lot of niches. You can work with various clients, including:

• Businesses; and

And going even further, you can work on a variety of documents, including:

• Cover letters
• Web content
• Books (non-fiction and fiction, different genres)

As a beginner, you don't have to worry about this too much right now, but as you gain experience, it can be a good idea to niche down into a particular type of work.

By niching down, you can not only choose to do work you find more enjoyable, but you can also charge more and sell to clients more easily because you'll be seen as a specialist rather than just a general proofreader.

What to Search for When Looking for Proofreading Work

If you want to uncover all the potential opportunities your skillset will suit, it's helpful to have a list of terms to search for.

Here's a good starter list (you can add more as you come up with them):

• Proofreader
• Proof reader
• Proofreading
• Proof reading
• Proof-reading
• Copy editing
• Line editing
• Line editor
• Copy editor
• Content correction
• Content development
• Content reviewer
• Editorial manager
• Editorial assessment
• Copy marker

These terms are also important for another reason: freelance profiles. Including some of them in your profile will give you a better chance of showing up in search results.

For example, if a client searches for a “blog proofreader” having that keyword in your profile is optimal.

This will all make more sense after you check out the freelance proofreading jobs below…

Alright, we're getting into the good stuff now:

These days, tons of content is published daily, both online and offline. People are starting blogs, self-publishing books, creating podcasts, running Youtube channels, and more.

With a lot of content creators not having enough workload or budget to employ full-time proofreaders or editors, they turn to freelancers instead.

And that's why freelancing is one of the best ways to make money as a proofreader or editor:

As long as content is being created, freelance proofreading jobs are ALWAYS going to be out there for the taking.

If you're willing to go out, market yourself, and talk to clients, you can create a good income for yourself. You can set your own rates, choose who you work with, and more.

(There are of course pros AND cons to freelancing, but many would agree that the pros outweigh the cons.)

If you're ready to give it a shot, here are some places where you can find freelance proofreading jobs:

Reedsy has over 100,000+ authors, self-publishers, and traditional publishers in their community, so it's a great place for aspiring book editors and proofreaders to find work.

To get started, sign up and create a profile. Add a photo, describe your work experience, add your location, services offered, preferred genres, etc.

If you're a good fit, Reedsy will add you to their marketplace where your profile will be public to potential clients.

As far as rates go, you can set your own, but Reedsy does list a few averages:

• Developmental editors average $7/page
• Copy editors $5/page; and
• Proofreaders $3/page.

Note that you get to keep 90% of what you earn. Reedsy takes the other 10% as a fee for using the platform (which I'd say is quite fair).

Upwork is easily one of the biggest freelancing marketplaces on the web. That means there's a lot of work available, but also a lot of competition.

It also means there are a lot of crappy jobs on the platform and a lot of people willing to work for very low wages.

Still, many have found a lot of success with Upwork. Some swear by it.

If you're willing to lower your wages a bit in the beginning, it can be one of the best places to get your first paid gigs, portfolio pieces, and client testimonials.

As you grow your profile, Upwork can also turn into an automated source of clients as higher-rated profiles are more likely to show up in searches.

For example, look at this successful proofreader/editor I found with a quick search:

She's earned over $100,000 and she charges a $40/hour rate. There are plenty of other similar profiles on Upwork as well.

All in all, I'd say it's worth creating a profile here, especially if you're a beginner. Most of the competition is low quality (I know because I've hired here before), so if you're willing to work hard you can definitely succeed.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer is another one of the largest general freelancing sites. Their job board has a good number of proofreading and editing jobs at any given time.

When you find a job that interests you, you can bid on it. You can also see what other freelancers have bid, which is helpful, but it also sometimes creates a “race to the bottom” situation.

Another way to land proofreading jobs on Freelancer is with service offerings.

Here's an example of a proofreader service offering:

Note that you don't actually create these yourself. It's not like Fiverr (see #6).

Instead, you can become a provider of an existing service offering.

If you're willing to offer the proofreading service pictured above at the price listed ($10 USD as of writing this), you could apply to become a provider of that service.

Then, the next time someone purchases it, you'll have a chance of being selected for that work. I'd say this is an awesome opportunity for beginners.

4. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is one of the only job search sites with a membership fee. For that reason, most people skip right over it.

However, the fee is there because FlexJobs hand-screens every job and company on their platform. That means only legitimate proofreading opportunities are posted, meaning you avoid any annoying scammers.

Many of the jobs are fully remote too. Check these out:

To check out the other jobs available, you can try searching FlexJobs here .

5. ProBlogger

The ProBlogger job board is mostly filled with blog writing jobs, but there's a category for editing and proofreading jobs as well.

To find it, click the “Advanced Job Search” feature:

Here you can also sort to find remote jobs, freelance and contract positions, or full-time/part-time employment positions.

Fiverr is another huge freelance marketplace. It's all about clients finding YOU though, rather than you applying to job postings.

For that reason, the key to this platform is optimizing your service offerings.

You need to get yourself ranking for certain keywords. Otherwise, clients will never find you.

So how do you rank your services?

Well, a big part of it is getting reviews, but that's something you won't have as a beginner. You can technically get a friend or family member to buy your service and rate you or find clients elsewhere and refer them to your Fiverr page, but that can be a hassle.

Luckily, there's another important factor that you CAN control:

Some search keywords on Fiverr are much more competitive than others.

For example, look at the results for “proofreading”:

Over 15,000 services to compete with!

Now look at the results for “blog proofreading”:

Only 565 services.

That's still a lot, but much less to compete with.

Bottom line?

Get creative with your proofreading/editing service offerings and focus on less competitive keywords.

7. Craigslist

There are two ways to find potential online proofreading jobs on Craigslist:

• Search for jobs in the jobs section
• Make a post advertising your services

If you don't have any luck with method #1, #2 may be your best bet. (Remember though, since you're looking for remote jobs, you don't have to stick to just your own city.)

Here's an example of someone advertising their editing services on Craigslist:

Because Craigslist is so familiar to so many different people, there's a chance it will be the first place they look for proofreading and editing services. It's worth a try for that very reason.

8. Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff Talent is a completely free to use freelance marketplace. They won't charge you a dime to sign up and you don't have to pay anything to them after landing a job. It's pretty cool.

There are a couple of issues with it though:

While they have an entire category of editing and proofreading jobs, it's not very active. I only found 12 jobs when I looked.

The next problem is the pay rates. Look at the hourly rate on this job posting:

$3/hour for content writing AND editing! That's absolutely whack.

Luckily you can just ignore jobs like that, but really, they shouldn't even be allowed to post such a low hourly rate.

Ah, Reddit. An interesting spot on the internet. It's a place where you can find everything from memes to, yep, proofreading jobs for beginners.

There aren't any super active subreddits dedicated specifically to freelance proofreading and editing, but there are some good subreddits I know of that work as general job boards:

• /r/slavelabour – Yep, the name explains a lot here. Don't expect to make much, but it can be a good place to start.

Here's an example editing job I found here:

• /r/forhire – Here people post jobs and freelancers (like you) can post offerings. Make a post that says something like “[For Hire] Essay Proofreader” and see what happens. Anything goes here.
• /r/hireawriter – If you're interested in expanding your services to freelance writing as well, this is a good place to start. (Check out my post on how to find online writing jobs as well).
• /r/jobs4bitcoins – Similar to the above two except you get paid with Bitcoin. Download Coinbase if you don't already have a wallet to receive funds.

Note: There's also this subreddit where you can do free proofreading in exchange for experience and reviews.

Guru is similar to Upwork and other freelance platforms, with minor differences. Because it's a bit less known it may be easier to land proofreading jobs here, but there are also fewer jobs posted.

To get started, browse the editing and proofreading job categories, found here:

Or simply search for jobs with the keywords I mentioned above.

11. LinkedIn

Tons of companies hire through LinkedIn. With a quick search I found over 900 potential gigs:

Tip: Next to your search where it shows your location, change it to “Worldwide” or “Remote” to find more freelance proofreading jobs.

Other than just searching for jobs, be sure to optimize your profile too.

This profile is a good example of what I mean by optimize:

His “about” section is well-written, he has a photo, he's listed himself open to job offers, he has relevant experience, and even has “the Proofreader” in his title.

For a really good guide on LinkedIn optimization, check out this book .

12. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a general freelancing site that's based in the UK, but open internationally to clients and freelancers.

With a quick search, I was able to find quite a few recent proofreading and editing jobs here:

Since PPH is an international site, there are many translation, editing, and proofreading jobs in other languages as well.

13. ServiceScape

ServiceScape offers four main service categories, with one of them being proofreading and editing.

They currently have editors for languages like English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, Swedish, and more.

They also work on a variety of documents: book manuscripts, research proposals, admission essays, business documents, theses, web content, and pretty much every sub-category under the sun.

The only thing that's not so good about ServiceScape are the super high fees. They take a 50% commission on all sales!

If you're willing to eat the fee, start by setting up a ServiceScape editor profile.

Once you're in the directory, clients can find your profile and hire you. As you gain good reviews, your profile will become even more prominent.

14. Mediabistro

Mediabistro curates writing, editing, and proofreading jobs from companies all over the web.

To find them, you can either look through the writing and editing section:

Or you can just search directly for the keywords I listed above. This may actually yield better results as you won't have to sort through writing jobs.

15. WriterAccess

WriterAccess has jobs for proofreaders, copy editors, line editors, and fact-checkers who are from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or South Africa.

To pass the application process, you'll have to be really good at what you do. WriterAccess will thoroughly test your skills before they accept you into the platform.

Freelancers who make it through are awarded access to an exclusive job board plus a free learning portal, support, and more.

Approved freelancers are also listed in the talent database. Here's a preview of that for editors:

As you can see, the top editors charge around $0.08-$0.10+/word, and have hundreds of projects under their belt. There's definitely work to be had here!

Payment happens via PayPal and you keep 70% of everything you earn.

16. BloggingPro

BloggingPro curates jobs from around the web, including editing and proofreading jobs, which you can find by category:

As you can see, only 4 results were returned when I looked. Still, it's worth checking this site every once in a while.

Most of the jobs you'll find are fully remote, some are location-based. There's a mix of positions too, including contract, freelance, full-time, part-time, temporary, and internships.

17. JournalismJobs

JournalismJobs is another curator job board specifically for those in media.

I couldn't find many proofreading jobs here while writing this, but I was able to find plenty of opportunities for editors. Most of them were employment positions, some were freelance.

What's nice about this board is that you can filter jobs by industry. For example, if you want to work with newspaper publishers, you can sort the results for those.

They also have a “Featured Jobs” section on their home page :

As you can see, there are 6 editing jobs there, one being a personal finance editor which is neat!

18. Get Editing Jobs

This one is pretty self-explanatory. They curate thousands of online editing jobs from around the web and they have their own exclusive postings as well.

The site isn't beautiful, but it gets the job done. Create a job seeker account here to get started.

19. FreelanceWriting.com

Here's one last job curator for you. This one sources jobs from places like Craigslist and Indeed, but they also have their own exclusive job postings.

To find the right gigs, just filter for Editing / Proofreading jobs and you're good to go.

You can also use the keywords I mentioned above to filter your results even further. The filter options on this site are really nice.

20. Find a Proofreader

This one isn't exactly a job board, it's a directory. If you're a proofreader, editor, copywriter, or anything else word related, and you're from the UK, you can pay to add yourself to the directory.

The idea is that people looking for proofreaders and editors will come onto the site, see your service listing, and then hire you

For the small fee they charge, it may be worth it to sign up and see what happens. But, I wouldn't expect a tsunami of hungry clients to bombard your inbox just by signing up.

21. Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are what helped me land my first freelance writing client . It was easy as pie too. Someone posted a job, I applied, and that was that.

The key to this method is to hang out in groups where your target client may be. That doesn't mean groups with other proofreaders — although those can be good for networking and learning — I'm talking groups with bloggers, book authors, and other target clients.

Like these:

Once you're in groups like that, keep your eye out for people looking for proofreading and editing help. Then, pitch into conversations that you can provide value to.

Eventually, you may become well-known enough that people reach out to you for your paid proofreading services.

You can also keep an eye out for job postings, or, if the group allows, you can post your services directly. Just don't be too salesy, don't spam, and don't do anything else that might get you kicked out.

22. Inner Circle

This is always one of the best ways to find freelance clients if you're just starting out:

Tell people you already know about your services!

For example, if you have a friend who's in college, offer to proofread a couple of essays. Even if you're doing it for free at first, you can use those as portfolio pieces. And who knows, you're friend might know others who could use your service as well. Domino effect, yo.

23. Cold Emailing

Cold emailing can work really well if you do it right. However, I'd recommend having some testimonials and portfolio pieces before you try it. That way if you do get someone interested, it'll be easier to sell to them.

Once you're ready, check out this guide . It outlines how a copywriter used cold emailing to grow their freelance business, but it can be applied to freelance proofreading too.

Tips for New Freelance Proofreaders & Editors

Ok, now that you know how and where to find freelance proofreading jobs, here are some tips to help you land your first client and beyond:

• Don't be afraid to offer free work or starter discounts – It sucks, but if you can offer your work in exchange for a good review or testimonial FIRST, that's going to help you land future clients.
• Ask for referrals – Clients aren't always going to refer people to you right off the bat. Don't be afraid to ask!
• Ask for testimonials – Same thing as above. If your client liked your work, don't be afraid to ask for a testimonial.
• Create a website – This isn't necessary at the beginning of your freelance proofreading career, but once you have some clients it will give you a place to showcase testimonials and past work. It's also a place for potential clients to learn more about what you can do for them. Check out my guide to starting a blog to get started.

If you'd rather have someone else provide the clients for you so you can focus on the actual proofreading side of things, becoming an independent contractor for a big proofreading or editing company is probably your best bet.

That being said:

A lot of beginner proofreaders try to start out with contract proofreading jobs, but I honestly think it's better to start out with freelancing.

Well, most of the proofreading companies I'm about to mention have high requirements. They get dozens of applicants coming to them per day and they want the BEST of the best.

Some of them also work in particular proofreading industries (like science, academics, or law), so they want their proofreaders to have a degree or even PhD.

Still, feel free to apply to these companies as you attempt to land freelance clients. Just don't neglect the freelancing side of proofreading. That's where your business can really thrive.

Note: Be sure to read carefully through each of the online proofreading jobs below. Some are more beginner-friendly than others.

24. Clickworker

Clickworker is one of the biggest micro job sites around, and some of the tasks on their site involve copy editing and proofreading.

This is a great option for beginners because the barrier to entry is lower.

To get started, you'll first need to sign up and complete some text creation jobs. After that, you can take a proofreader assessment test. If you pass the test (you only get one try so make it count) you'll start receiving paid proofreading jobs in your dashboard.

To learn more, read my full Clickworker review and earning guide .

25. Mechanical Turk

Mechanical Turk is owned by Amazon and it's another one of the biggest micro job sites . They'll occasionally have online proofreading jobs as well as text verification tasks and other similar things available.

For example, one of their big categories is audio transcription and editing:

Companies can pretty much post any task imaginable on this site though so it's worth signing up and seeing what's available.

If you want to learn more, read my full MTurk review & earning guide .

26. Proofed

Proofed works with a variety of clients including students, authors, people with dyslexia, and more.

They say their ideal job candidates are passionate proofreaders and PhD holders with years of experience behind them. BUT:

Remember: If you're a beginner proofreader, Proofed offers a Proofreading Academy course. If you graduate with a score of 80 percent or higher you'll be able to qualify to work with them. Learn more here .

Once you're ready, apply here by completing the form and attaching a single-paged CV and cover letter. 

27. Lionbridge

Lionbridge has a variety of jobs available, including employment positions and remote freelance opportunities.

On the employment side of things, I've seen content editor jobs in multiple languages.

I couldn't find anything proofreading related on the freelance side of things during the time of writing this, but feel free to take a look for yourself .

28. Babbletype

While their site isn't super flashy, Babbletype has been in the game for over 20 years so it's worth checking their hiring page every once in a while for opportunities.

At the time of writing this Babbletype isn't looking for new editors or proofreaders, but they do hire occasionally. They also hire transcribers and translators.

29. Gramlee

Gramlee doesn't directly require a degree or years of editing experience, so they're more beginner-friendly than most.

However, they receive hundreds of applications per week so the more qualified you are, the better.

Take a look at one of their editing examples to see the type of copy editing they do:

Gramlee says they edit not just for grammar, but also for “structure, redundancy, irrelevant or ineffective words, and overall readability.”

If you think you can provide the same quality of work, fill out their short application form .

30. Scribbr

Scribbr provides proofreading and editing services to over a million students each month, so they have a pretty consistent demand for editors.

At the time of writing, they have editing positions available in Dutch , German , English , and French – possibly more in the future.

To qualify, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree, be available for at least 10 hours a week, and have experience in editing academic texts.

Here's a preview at how the system works:

As you can see, Scribbr will designate jobs to you automatically, you'll follow their editing system using MS Word's Track Changes feature, and that's pretty much all you need to worry about.

As far as earnings go, Scribbr editors earn around €20-€25/hour, or about $25-$30 USD.

Sound good? Apply here .

31. R3ciprocity

R3ciprocity is a great opportunity for beginners because of its unique IOU type system.

See, instead of strictly charging writers for editing services, R3ciprocity allows writers to edit other people's work to earn credits, and then exchange those credits to get their own writing edited.

Cool, right?

That's not all either:

For beginner editors, as your skills improve and you complete more work, R3ciprocity may give you the opportunity to become a paid editor. You can then exchange the credits you earn for cash payouts to your bank account.

To get started, just sign up , pass a few tests, and start reciprocating!

32. Stickler

Stickler has been around since 2004, dealing primarily with academic documents.

To apply , you'll want to have academic editing experience as well as familiarity with Harvard and APA styles. Quick turn around time is important as well.

Because Stickler doesn't explicitly state the need for a degree or PhD, this could be a good option for beginners. If you've helped proofread or edit your college friends' papers and you're familiar with the proper style guides, it's worth applying.

33. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal offers a variety of services, and therefore has a variety of jobs for proofreaders:

On top of having several types of jobs, ProofreadingPal uses a two-proofreader model, which means an even higher demand for proofreaders.

To get hired, you'll need to be either:

• Enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in a recognized American college or Uni with a minimum GPA of 3.5; OR
• Have a graduate degree with a minimum of five years as a professional proofreader.

#1 means this could be an awesome work from home job for college students .

Editors here reportedly earn between $500 to $3,000/month too. Learn more here.

Scribe is a large media company that helps authors write and publish books. They have freelance and full-time positions available, but for now, let's go over the freelance side:

At the time of writing they have three freelance positions available:

• Content writer
• Ghostwriter

So yeah, no proofreading or editing jobs at the moment, but you can sign up for job alerts on their site . They've hired proofreaders in the past.

And hey, if you're willing to expand into writing, feel free to apply for the positions above. They pay a minimum of $50 USD/hour.

35. Scribendi

Scribendi is a Canadian proofreading company that's been around since 1997. They deal with pretty much every type of document you could think of:

Hiring both in-house and online editors and proofreaders, there's some great opportunity here. (More info on the in-house positions below.)

To apply as a freelancer, you'll need a university degree in a relevant field, three years of experience in editing, and lastly, you can't reside in certain U.S. jurisdictions. Learn more here .

If you're hired, jobs will be offered to you automatically, with set prices. You can choose to decline or accept any offer you receive.

Prompt is all about helping students improve their writing skills. Their “writing coaches” help students with college admission papers, essays, and more.

To apply, you'll need an undergrad degree at the least. Prior teaching experience is a bonus.

Less than 2% of candidates actually get hired at Prompt so don't expect the application process to be easy.

Check for open positions here .

37. Cactus Global

CACTUS has one of the cleanest proofreading sites, with their job page sleek and straight to the point. They offer contractual, freelance, and full-time editing positions:

To get all the details, check out their current openings here .

As you'll see, Cactus focuses mostly on editing in specialized fields like healthcare, life sciences, and medicine. For that reason, they typically require applicants to have a PhD, master's, or bachelor's degree in one of those subject areas. Thorough experience can be accepted as well though.

38. Wordvice

Wordvice is a fairly new proofreading company that opened in 2013. Since then, they've reportedly edited over 130 million words. Talk about fast growth!

As you can see from the image above they offer 3 main categories of editing and proofreading services: academic, admissions, and business.

You can also see that they have several positions open. They're looking for freelance editors, translators, researchers, content writers, tutors, and more.

To apply as a freelance editor, you'll need:

• To be enrolled in or have completed a degree program
• A minimum of two years experience as a professional editor
• Advanced knowledge on MS Word tools
• Familiarity with styles such as APA, AMA, MLA, and CMOS
• and more (the rest can be found on this career page .)

After applying, you'll go through a review process, have to complete an editing sample, and then you'll potentially be hired. From there, a supervisor will designate tasks to you directly (no bidding for work!).

39. Dotdash

Formerly known as About.com, Dotdash pretty much dominates the internet with thousands of articles spread across several topics and websites.

With all the content they publish, they hire both freelancers and full-time in-house editors.

For freelance proofreading work, you can find jobs at a variety of Dotdash content sites:

Be sure to check their career page frequently for new opportunities.

Tip: If you find their career page hard to navigate, you can also fill out their simple application form for job notifications.

40. Edit911

Unlike other entry-level proofreading jobs, Edit911 has a gold standard that most similar companies can barely compete with. Applicants must:

• Have a PhD in English or another writing-intensive discipline
• Be published writers
• Have teaching or book editing experience
• Be familiar with various style guides; and
• Be proficient in MS word and other software apps

In other words, getting into Edit911 ain't easy. 75 percent of qualified applicants go on to fail their entry test (which they require a 100% score on).

If you dare to apply, submit a resume and sample writing here and you'll get a response in 48 hours.

41. Book-Editing.com

Book-editing.com offers freelance positions related to ghostwriting, copyediting, proofreading, and consulting.

One of their main requirements is they're looking for applicants who're 100% freelance, with consistent availability. If you have a day job, they don't want ya.

You'll also need:

• 5+ years of editing experience
• A portfolio of published books that you have edited; and
• To be based in the US

If that sounds like you, apply here .

If you pass the application tests, you'll be added to Book Editing's freelance network. Here, clients can find you and hire you at your own chosen rates.

42. EditFast

EditFast allows freelancers to register and activate a web page (basically a profile) that clients can view.

Here's an example of one:

To qualify to set up a page of your own, you'll need a degree from a recognized university, a wide variety of reading interests, and past editing/proofreading experience.

If you meet those requirements, apply here .

Once your page is added, if a client sees it and likes it, they can contact you directly for your services.

EditFast also distributes work to qualified editors but they make no guarantee that every editor will be given a client.

Also, although payments are agreed on by the editor and the client, the commission passes through EditFast via PayPal. EditFast charges 40 percent on all earnings.

43. ProofreadNOW

ProofreadNOW caters to all sorts of clients: marketers, advertisers, book writers, and other professional authors. They even work with a few Fortune 500 companies. 

Along with English, they also offer Spanish and Chinese proofreading and copyediting services.

To apply to become a freelancer, you'll need a minimum of five years of experience as a professional proofreader. You'll then need to take some editing tests to prove your skills.

If you're interested, check their employment page here . If they're not currently hiring, sign up for job notifications here .

44. Polished Paper

To apply as a freelance proofreader for Polished Paper, start by submitting your resume here .

If you qualify, you'll then have to take a 35-question editor test. Score excellent or above to get the chance of being supervised by a senior editor who will peer-review your work for accuracy.

After a while of working for the company, you may even get the chance to become a senior editor yourself, which means a better salary and other benefits.

45. Editor World

Editor World offers academic editing, book editing, business editing, ESL editing, and proofreading for all sorts of documents.

Right now they're only hiring those with PhDs or science backgrounds, but they'll typically hire anyone with at least a bachelor's degree and some prior experience.

Check their application page for the most up-to-date requirements.

If you're hired by Editor World, your profile will be added to their database of editors. Here's a preview of that:

Note that they don't have hundreds of editors on the platform, so it's not as competitive as, say, a freelance job board.

Also, to improve your chances of getting hired as a beginner, Editor World gives clients 20% off for choosing new editors.

Wordy hires editors from all over the world but consists of a workforce that is largely based around the UK, US, and Australia.

They do copyediting and proofreading for 56 subjects so there's plenty of work variety here.

As far as earnings go, Wordy says that their editors and proofreaders make a little over US$35 per hour or US$8.50 for every 400 words.

If you want to apply, head here . You can take editing tests for US and UK English. If you fail, you can apply again after 6 months.

Processing your application takes around 14-21 days, so you can expect a reply within that time period.

47. WordsRU

WordsRU mainly deals with academic, book, and business proofreading and editing.

To apply, you'll need a Master's degree, PhD, or similar professional experience in any academic discipline. You'll also need two years of professional editing experience. To learn more, head here .

48. Sibia Proofreading

Editors that are accepted by Sibia Proofreading are equipped with at least a bachelor's degree from a top-tier university, with editing experience on top.

Although they currently don't have any open editor positions, you can always check their contact page every so often to see when they're hiring.

Kibin focuses mainly on helping students improve their writing. Their main service is essay editing.

Although it isn’t explicitly stated, basing off their current editors it seems like Kibin requires freelancers to have at least a Bachelor’s degree.

The application process seems tough too: only 1% of applicants go on to get hired.

If you think you can be part of that 1%, apply here .

50. Edit 24-7

Edit24-7 focuses on light editing and proofreading, allowing authors to maintain their writing style while not sacrificing grammatical and typographical quality.

This light editing philosophy allows Edit24-7 to charge lower prices and have a fast turnaround rate. Their primary focus is not to change your content, organization, or writing style, but to make sure that your writing is at the best state it can be.

If you want to apply, head here . You'll need to send in a writing sample with a resume or description of relevant experience before beginning the extensive application process.

51. Cambridge Proofreading

Cambridge Proofreading works with students and businesses, editing and proofreading a variety of documents.

Here's a small preview at some of the types of documents they've worked with:

Statistically speaking, less than 1 percent of applying freelancers are actually hired because of their intensive selection process. The company's minimum requirements for applying include being a native English speaker and having a Bachelor's degree.

Earnings are around $20-$30 USD/hour (via PayPal) on a flexible schedule. You'll also get feedback on your work from other editors which is a great bonus.

Learn more here .

52. English Trackers

English Trackers regularly hires freelance proofreaders, writers, and editors for academic texts, websites, books, business documents, and more.

With these documents, they offer editing and rewriting services:

The rewriting service is basically just an upgraded form of editing.

To apply, head here . You'll need to be a native English speaker with 2 years of academic editing experience. A PhD helps, but it's not required.

53. First Editing

I can't tell if First Editing is hiring employees or freelancers, but either way, they want candidates to have at least 25 hours/week available for editing work.

Other than that, their requirements are pretty open. They have guidelines on the type of applicants they're looking for, but they range quite a bit.

As long as you're a native English speaker, are familiar with MS Word, and have experience editing books or academic documents, take a shot and apply here .

All of the proofreading jobs I've mentioned so far have been independent contract/freelance opportunities. And while those are typically more flexible, they don't always offer consistent work.

They don't usually offer any benefits either (like paid time off or sick days).

With remote employment though, you can get benefits and a predictable salary — you just need to sacrifice a bit of flexibility.

To start, remember that these job boards I mentioned above occasionally have remote proofreading jobs available:

• Hubstaff Talent
• BloggingPro
• JournalismJobs
• Mediabistro

Be sure to check them out regularly or subscribe to them so you don't miss anything.

You can also try:

• ZipRecruiter
• and any other big job sites (but you already know this)

Now let's look at some companies that regularly hire in-house proofreaders and editors to work from home:

54. Scribendi

You can apply to be an in-house proofreader at Scribendi if you have:

• A bachelor's degree
• An average proofreading speed of 1,000-1,500 words an hour; and
• A skill set for style guides like APA and CMOS.

As a full-time employee, you'll receive health benefits like medical and dental packages, allowance, vacation time, and so on.

55. Lionbridge

As I said above, Lionbridge occasionally has full-time editing positions or other language-based positions available on their career page .

56. Dotdash

If you head over to the Dotdash careers page and look under “Editorial/Content” you'll find a handful of full-time editing positions.

These jobs have high requirements (including specific location requirements) but they pay well and include benefits.

57. Proofreading Services

ProofreadingServices.com offers full-time and part-time remote proofreading jobs.

I'm not sure if they provide benefits, but proofreaders here earn around $19-$46/hour, with a lot of flexibility.

The application process isn't easy though. You'll have to score 95% or above on their 20-minute test just to be considered.

Here's a preview of the test (don't tell anyone I showed you!):

You can apply from anywhere in the world, so give it a shot !

Head over to the full-time openings at CACTUS to find a variety of editing positions at any given time.

Right now they have some academic editing jobs available:

To apply, one of the main requirements is to reside in India as that's where CACTUS is headquartered.

59. Scribe Media

Working as a full-time employee at Scribe means competitive pay, profit sharing, a full benefits package, and more.

Find Scribe's full-time openings here .

60. Lifetips

Lifetips produces a TON of content so they're looking for in-house editors with search engine marketing experience to help manage it all.

Salary and full medical benefits are included and it seems as though you can apply from anywhere in the world.

Bonus: Company Career Pages!

Another great way to find work from home proofreading jobs is by simply going to the sites of content companies and looking for a “jobs” or “careers” page.

I've just tested this out with some well-known personal finance sites — like NerdWallet — and was able to find open positions in content editing, marketing, design, and more.

Tip: Do this with your favorite companies that you regularly follow. Being already familiar with someone's content makes you an ideal candidate for editing and proofreading their stuff.

Weirdly enough, proofreading jobs aren't the only way you can make money as a proofreader. There are other ways to use your skills (like your killer attention to detail and love of words) to make money.

Here are five examples:

Write Paid Book Reviews

If you want to get paid to read and write reviews of books that have already been published, this opportunity is a pretty cool one. And yes, it's real.

In fact, multiple sites hire freelance book reviewers. Here are some popular ones:

• Kirkus Reviews
• Reedsy Discovery

If you love reading, this is like a dream job.

Scoping is sort of like copy editing, but for court reporters. As a scopist, you'd be editing steno notes rather than blog posts or news articles.

Because this job is pretty unknown to most of the world, it's a bit less competitive than most gigs. Just look at what this proofreader who pivoted into scoping said:

To learn more, take this free mini course .

You can tutor in proofreading or editing or go wider and teach English! Your proofreading skills and language mastery makes you a great candidate here.

For example, you could teach English to kids in China through a platform like Magic Ears (no degree required) or VIP Kid (degree required).

For more opportunities, check out these online tutoring jobs for teachers and college students .

Transcription

Transcription is the art of turning audio into written text. That audio could be an interview, video, podcast, you name it.

If your typing speed is good, this is a great potential opportunity to take on. Your eye for detail as a proofreader will transfer into transcription perfectly.

If you're interested, check out this free intro course . It goes over the basics of general proofreading.

Here are some further readings to learn more:

• How to Make Money Transcribing (Beginners Guide)
• Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners

Freelance Writing

This one is a bit more out there but if you really have a way with words, you could pivot into freelance writing. With an editing and proofreading background, you'd have a huge advantage over other less experienced writers.

Learn more:

• How to Find Online Writing Jobs With No Experience
• How I Found My First Freelance Writing Job

As you can see, proofreading and editing is still a very in-demand service.

If you've just finished your proofreading training and you want to start making money and gaining experience as soon as possible, these online proofreading jobs for beginners are your best bet.

If you haven't taken training yet, check out your best options here , and then use the resources above to start making money! Good luck!

Know of any other beginner-friendly proofreading jobs? Have experience with any of the companies above? Any tips for finding proofreading clients? Leave a comment!

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September 22, 2021 at 7:12 pm

I am from India and would like to know if there are medical transcription jobs/freelance for remote. I have many years experience as proof reader, editor in medical transcription with HIPAA compliance.

November 6, 2021 at 1:31 pm

I’d recommend looking more into the jobs above — I’m hoping to have them sorted by location soon enough but it’ll take some time.

For transcription, start at my transcription jobs guide . Many of them accept workers worldwide.

Let me know how things go!

August 3, 2021 at 1:33 am

Hi. I registered at clickworker as a proofreader but I can’t find their assessment test!!

August 4, 2021 at 7:06 pm

Make sure you have your profile set up fully and then do some other tasks around Clickworker. The assessments usually show up after you’ve already been working on the platform for a bit and/or when they need more proofreaders. Hope that helps.

August 8, 2021 at 12:05 am

The profile is already fully set up. But what is (tasks around Clickworker)? I did not find something like this on the site! Can you please show me where can I find them

August 8, 2021 at 12:40 pm

Try checking out this Clickworker guide . Should help! If you have questions after that let me know.

July 22, 2021 at 12:18 pm

I want to have an online at home proofreading job. I don,t have much experience.

July 22, 2021 at 7:10 pm

Hi Kelly. Honestly, since you said you don’t have much experience, if you can afford it, I’d say the Proofreading Academy course with the guaranteed work opportunity at the end is your best bet. I have a review of the course here if you want to learn more about it.

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9 Best Proofreading Jobs for Beginners to Work From Home – No Experience Needed

Proofreading jobs are often talked about as the ideal work from home positions, even with no experience. And with more and more of them becoming available every day, it can be a good idea to look further into whether they may work for you.

But don’t worry: we’ve done the hard work for you. By looking into exactly what’s involved in taking a freelance or remote proofreading job, we’ll show you exactly what you can do to succeed in this kind of job, how much you’ll earn and exactly how to secure clients.

As you’ll soon see, proofreading is definitely a legit job. There’s a huge amount of demand for proofreaders, with the number of proofreading jobs online growing constantly as more and more content is produced.

And given that you can earn up to $100 per hour, it’s definitely worth taking a second look as to whether these proofreading jobs are right for you.

This includes if you’re looking for proofreading jobs from home with no experience. Even if you’re an absolute beginner at proofreading, there are still plenty of opportunities to find work.

Table of Contents

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is when you review a document to find any grammatical or spelling mistakes, as well as any other issues that may make the final document appear unprofessional.

This means that being detail oriented is important as a proofreader, so that you’re able to find any problems before the document is finalized.

Proofreading can be used by basically any individual or company that produces content. In fact, some major companies have their own in-house proofreaders to make sure that every document they issue is looked at by a fresh set of eyes.

The wide range of people and businesses that produce content means that they are proofreading jobs available for almost any type of content. This can include:

• Articles published online or in hard copy
• Annual reports or other informational publications
• Self-published ebooks
• College essays or other academic essays published in journals
• Legal and medical transcripts
• Press releases
• Policies or user manuals issued by companies

Check out this COMPLETELY FREE workshop on how to make money proofreading from someone who makes $70,000++ per year from proofreading. She’ll show you:

• Why proofreading could be the perfect fit for you to make more money
• How she used proofreading to get lifestyle freedom
• Her strategies for attracting your ideal clients

What is the difference between proofreading and copy editing?

Proofreading and copy editing are similar, although there are some differences to be aware. Essentially, proofreaders look for errors in grammar and spelling, whereas copy editors will also consider issues relating to the flow of the document, including making sure that it’s clear and consistent.

This difference can be seen in the way that proofreaders do their work compared to copy editors.

That is, proofreaders will generally mark up a document, adding comments when they notice any issues that need to be fixed before the document is published.

Copy editors, on the other hand, will generally do the re-drafting themselves. Because their work extends to wider issues that may run through the document, rather than the more specific mistakes that proofreaders identify, their work tends to involve suggesting larger changes to the draft rather than just pointing out problems.

Related: 7 Steps to Become a Freelance Editor (With No Experience)

What skills do you need to get remote proofreading jobs?

There are some skills that you can have to make you feel particularly suited to getting proofreading jobs. These include:

• Strong attention to detail. As your job involves spotting mistakes, being able to closely read a text and pick these out is imperative.
• Great spelling and grammar skills. This is why using a free app like Grammarly can really help, by picking out many of the issues at the push of a button.
• An ability to type quickly can help. Although you are’t redrafting massive chunks of text as a proofreader, the faster you can type your comments, the faster you’ll finish a project.
• Excellent time management. Your clients are going to set strict deadlines and it’s beyond important that you meet these. This is why having strong time management can help, especially if you’re juggling a few proofreading projects at once.

If you’re looking to build your proofreading skills as quickly as possible (to start earning as much as you can ASAP) , it can definitely help to take a course so that you hit the ground running. Our top pick for this is definitely Proofread Anywhere , a course run by someone who made $7,000+ per month as a proofreader – and can show you how to do the same.

Find out more from our Proofread Anywhere review .

What are the benefits of proofreading?

There are a number of benefits to taking on remote proofreading jobs that can make this a great opportunity for many people to make some extra money. This includes:

• It’s very flexible. While you do have to meet the client’s deadlines, you don’t have to do your work at a set time of the day, as long as you submit the work by the time it’s due. 
• It’s a great side hustle , meaning it’s perfect if you’re looking to earn money in addition to your day job . This is largely because of the flexibility we just mentioned, as you’re more than able to work on your proofreading work after you’ve finished your 9-5 for the day.
• You don’t need to spend much to get started. You probably already have a computer and Internet connection, maybe you already have everything you need to take on proofreading jobs. There are even people who do this work on their tablet, make it even easier for you to do this work literally anywhere.
• You don’t need to make any upgrade to the normal technology you already have at home. Some work from home jobs require you to have a really good Internet connection, especially when you work with video files. However, as you’ll only be working with text documents in your proofreading jobs, a very standard at-home internet connection is more than enough.
• There are plenty of available proofreading jobs online. Everywhere you look today, content is being produced on basically every single website. This means you’ll never be short on work in this area.

You may also be interested in: 41 Ways to Make $1,000 Fast (That Actually Work)

Are there any negative aspects to remote proofreading jobs?

No job is perfect, so it’s always worth considering The downside of any job. For proofreading jobs, you may want to keep in mind the following:

• The deadlines are strict. While, as mentioned, you can work at any time of the day or night, it’s extremely important that you still meet your deadlines. If you think that your schedule won’t allow you to commit to these, you may want to consider whether proofreading jobs are for you.
• Not all proofreading jobs available online are for beginners. That is, you may need some experience for some clients, some of whom also require you to have a certification of some kind. At the same time, there are some proofreading jobs online from home where no experience is fine – it’s just a matter of finding them.

Best proofreading jobs online

Here are some of the main sites advertising remote and freelance proofreading jobs online. Some sites are more focused on one than the other and rates will also vary depending on the nature of the work and what’s needed from you, so do your research to make sure you find some roles that match what you’re looking for.

Related: 37 of the Highest Paying Online Jobs

Upwork is a perfect place to start for anyone looking for freelance proofreading jobs. In fact, at the time of writing this, there are over 1,750 proofreading jobs on Upwork .

Some of these are one-off tasks, like someone looking to pay a proofreader to review their CV for $50 or to proofread their 20,000 work ebook for $200. Other people, however, are advertising longer term opportunities, like the person wanting to hire a proofreader for up to 30 hours per week for the next six months to review their social media posts.

You can also filter your search down to only see, say, academic proofreading jobs.

Click here to see which freelance proofreading jobs could work for you on Upwork

Is Upwork legit?

Upwork is definitely legit in terms of advertising freelance job opportunities. In fact, it’s one of the biggest online freelance marketplaces in the world with jobs in almost any sort of field you can think of. 

It also ensures that you actually get paid, compared to if you do freelance work off an established platform where there’s always a risk that a client won’t pay.

2. Amazon proofreading jobs

You may not think of this at first, but Amazon has a ton of proofreading jobs available around the world and remotely. They employ proofreaders and other similar jobs, like copywriters, to check the massive amount of content they publish online. 

At the time of writing this, there are 245 open jobs in this category, so you’re likely to find something that suits you, especially if you have relevant experience already. Quite a few of these also have a translation component to their work, so it helps if you speak a second language.

Click here to see which Amazon proofreading jobs are available for you.

3. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is similar to Upwork, except it lets you find both freelance and remote proofreading jobs in the one place.

There’s even a section on FlexJobs for proofreading jobs , with over 250 advertised at the time of writing this.

One of the best parts about FlexJobs is that the job descriptions are extremely clear on what they’re looking for, including if you need a degree and whether you can apply for a proofreading job as a beginner. This saves you a ton of time when you’re looking for a job like this, as it saves you from applying for things you may not be eligible for.

Related: 25 Websites Where You Can Get Paid to Type Online

4. Clickworker

Clickworker offers a range of one-off tasks for freelance proofreaders, with payment often being on a per word basis. 

You do have to take a test to have access to their available jobs – which is good for you, as it means your competition is going to be lower.

5. LinkedIn

When looking for freelance or remote proofreading jobs, you shouldn’t discount more traditional job websites, and LinkedIn is no exception. It has literally tens of thousands of proofreading jobs advertised at the time of writing this, many of which are remote.

The best part about applying for jobs through LinkedIn is that the jobs are usually on a more ongoing basis from actual companies. If you prefer this compared to working for individuals or doing one-off tasks, this may be better for you.

Fiverr is one of the best options for those looking for proofreading jobs online for beginners. It’s generally a place where people can have micro-tasks done, usually for a fairly low rate.

This means that if you have experience, it’s probably better that you look elsewhere. But for those that don’t, Fiverr can be a great chance to do some quick tasks and get some experience under your belt, allowing you to apply for better paying jobs going forward.

Gramlee is a site dedicated to proofreading and copy editing, which means they often have job openings for proofreaders – or, as they refer to them, “grammar fanatics”.

You don’t need a degree or even proofreading experience to apply for a job with Gramlee, although it certainly will help your application.

And the best part about getting a remote proofreading job with Gramlee is that there’s always work, meaning you won’t ever have to find clients again. That said, they do have a 24-hour turnaround on any work, so make sure you’re prepared to meet that deadline.

8. Get Editing Jobs

Get Editing Jobs is dedicated solely to advertising work in the field of editing and so have a large number of freelance jobs on there.

Many of them are remote too, if that’s where your job search is focused.

9. Proofreading Services

Proofreading Services , perhaps unsurprisingly based on its name, frequently hires part time and full time proofreaders and emphasises that you can be based anywhere in the world to apply for one of their remote proofreading jobs.

Rates vary from $19 to $46 per hour and the more urgent the job is, the more you’ll be paid.

Is there a demand for proofreaders?

There is definitely a demand for proofreaders, with the most recent data showing that there are 9,820 proofreaders currently employed in the US.

The same data says that the industry with the highest number of proofreading jobs is, perhaps unsurprisingly, newspaper and book publishers. However, a lot of proofreaders are also employed by companies in the fields of business support services, employment services and advertising and public relations services.

And in terms of demand for new proofreaders, the data is also strong on this point. Based on a LinkedIn search at the time of writing this article, there are over 19,000 proofreading jobs available worldwide. Almost 9,000 of these are in the US and over 1,600 of them are remote proofreading jobs.

Related: 22 Proven Ways to Get Cash Urgently If You Need Money Desperately

What equipment do you need to be a freelance proofreader?

One of the main benefits of looking for proofreading jobs is that you probably already have all the equipment you need to do this successfully.

That is, you really only need a computer or tablet as well as an internet connection to receive and submit your work . 

Neither of these have to be particularly advanced – as long as you can comfortably review and comment on documents on your screen and your internet connection is strong enough to receive text documents, you’re pretty much set.

Proofreading tools to help you make more money

There are some other things you could purchase to make your proofreading work easier and quicker, but they are definitely not required in order to do this job. That said, keep in mind that the faster you work, the more projects you’ll finish and the more money you’ll earn. This is why purchasing some of these tools can be a smart move in the long run.

For example, Grammarly is an amazing proofreading tool , as it’s great at quickly picking up on any spelling and grammar mistakes. It also makes suggestions on sentence structure and writing style that go way beyond what Microsoft Office does on this point. 

The free version of Grammarly is really good for this although, if you find yourself working in Word or Google Docs, you’ll have to grab the premium version for it to work. That said, the price is more than worth it given that you’re paid per project or per hour simply based on how much time it will save you. 

(Grammarly is also great to download for use in your day-to-day life , as it catches all sorts of errors, including in your emails.)

You’ll also generally only have to review documents in either Word or Google Docs. That said, some companies do ask you to proofread in specific applications that are more widely used in the publishing world. 

This includes various Adobe products, such as Adobe Acrobat 8 (Professional), or iAnnotate, both of which are used to read and mark up PDF documents. For this reason, it may be good to purchase a temporary subscription for these, just so you know your way around these applications if you’re asked to use them in your proofreading work.

Related: How to Make $100 a Day: 41 Ways That Actually Work

How do you make money as a proofreader?

You make money as a proofreader on either a per word, per page, per project or hourly rate. The most common is to be paid on a per project basis, with the rates varying depending on the complexity of the document and whether any technical knowledge is required.

This means that the faster you work, the more money you’ll make as you’ll be able to complete projects faster. This is why we mentioned using applications like Grammarly to make things easier, as you’ll be able to get through your work more efficiently and make more money overall.

Related: Make $200 a Day Online: 17 Ways That Are Proven To Work

How much money can you make as a proofreader?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a proofreader is $44,921 per year, which is equivalent to earning $21.60 per hour working full time. That said, the amount of money you make as a proofreader will depend on both your rate and how quickly you can finish your work, with some freelance proofreaders making up to $50 per hour.

The exact rate you can charge as a proofreader will definitely depend on how much experience you have and whether you’re looking to work in a more specialized area, like taking on academic proofreading jobs.

Simply checking Upwork shows just how much these rates can vary. There are over 100 people advertising their availability for proofreading jobs at the moment, with most charging a rate between around $35-$65 per hour. Some, however, are asking for up to $100 per hour.

Related: 41 Easy Ways to Make an Extra $500 a Month

Can you make money with proofreading jobs online for beginners?

You can definitely make money in this way as a beginner, although it will be important to look mainly for proofreading jobs online with no experience needed.

Unsurprisingly, your rates for these kinds of jobs won’t be as high as some of the other options out there. But this isn’t such an issue as, when you’re just starting out, it’s generally a good idea anyway to charge a rate at the lower end of the scale. This then gives you the chance to build your experience and, from there, you’ll be able to quickly raise your rate to match the others.

This is why this kind of work can be perfect as a part time job, with there even being proofreading jobs for students. The expectation with these is that you’ll come into your proofreading job from home with no experience, although your ability to proofread your own work that you’ve probably developed while at college can also help you to get a job proofreading other people’s documents.

And if you’re a beginner, give yourself a boost by checking out Caitlin’s free workshop on how she makes $70,00++ from proofreading, with tips on how beginner proofreaders can make serious money as soon as they start.

How do I become a proofreader?

You can become a proofreader in several different ways, with many of them depending on whether you’re looking for remote or freelance proofreading jobs.

Whichever you prefer, the best options are going to be:

• Search on websites that advertise job vacancies , particularly those that advertise remote work
• Advertise your services on websites for freelancers
• Research companies that hire proofreaders and approach them to see if they have any opportunities, including any that are remote
• Check websites specifically dedicated to advertising freelance proofreading jobs and apply through there

Remember that not all proofreading jobs are going to be described like that when they’re advertised online. This is why it can be a good idea to widen your search to include terms like:

• Remote proofreader
• Freelance proofreader
• Proofreading independent contractor
• Proofreader position
• Beginner proofreading jobs or positions
• Online proofreading jobs or positions
• Copy editing jobs or positions
• Freelance or remote editor
• Academic editing
• Journal editing
• Book editing

Related: 29 Great Jobs Where You Work Alone (That Are Perfect for Introverts)

Do you need a degree to get a proofreading job?

You don’t necessarily need a college degree to get a proofreading job as your experience and testimonials will be considered as being more important by potential clients. That said, in some cases, you will be asked to have an English, journalism or other similar type of degree. 

At the same time, there are other proofreading jobs where you will be required to have other, non-college level qualifications.

For example, for some jobs where you’re required to review legal documents, some sort of legal training would help, such as paralegal training. Similarly, some proofreading jobs involve reviewing medical documents, so having some experience in this field, such as in administrative work, can make it more likely that you get one of these jobs.

Don’t forget to also consider some of the free training that’s out there, like Caitlin’s free 76 minute workshop on how to become a proofreader – including how to get clients !

Is it possible to get proofreading jobs online with no experience?

You can definitely get proofreading jobs online with no experience. Your options may be slightly more limited and you’ll likely have to charge a lower rate, at least at first, but as long as you clearly express your ability to meet a deadline (and actually follow through), it’s highly likely you’ll be able to find work in this area.

And of course, once you do get some experience, those testimonials from your satisfied clients will easily help you to raise your rate in a surprisingly short period of time.

How do you ace a proofreading test?

To ace a proofreading test, you’re going to need to prove you have the skills needed to be a good proofreader. These include showing your attention to detail, strong spelling and grammar knowledge and your ability to manage your time to finish your work before the test is over.

Proofreading tests are pretty common when applying for remote proofreading jobs, although you won’t see them as often if you decide to focus more on freelance proofreading jobs.

These tests essentially involve doing samples of the work you would do if you got the job. This means you’ll likely be given short documents to proofread, with the expectation that you’ll find all the mistakes before time is up.

One extra tip for acing these tests is that it can help to have a good knowledge of the AP Stylebook or the Chicago Manual of Style , as many clients are going to want their finished products to follow these. If you can prove your knowledge of and ability to apply these in your proofreading test, you’ll nail it.

How do I get proofreading clients?

To get proofreading clients when you’re first starting out, it’s important to make sure your resume really emphasizes your strengths in the ideal proofreading skills. In addition, if you have any qualifications that would help, it’s definitely a good idea to highlight these.

You should also be absolutely certain that there are no typing errors in your resume. For a job where your work involves finding these mistakes, having a typo in your own documents won’t end well.

From there, once you start to get some experience in this area, try to get all your clients to submit testimonials about how happy they are with your work. Especially as a freelancer, having proof of your ability to successfully work as a proofreader will go a long way to helping you to attract even more clients.

Are there proofreading jobs for students?

There are proofreading jobs for college students , especially on sites that advertise freelance proofreading jobs. For these, you’re mainly going to be limited to those that don’t require any experience or prior qualifications, given you’re still studying.

At the same time, don’t hesitate to use the experience you’ve gained as a student to your advantage. You’ve more than likely used proofreading skills when reviewing your own college essays, so make sure you highlight this point when advertising your services, as they’re just as useful to potential clients as they are to you in your studies.

How flexible are proofreading jobs?

Proofreading jobs are very flexible. In fact, their flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of taking a job like this. This is because your work depends on you meeting strict deadlines set by your clients, meaning that as long as you meet these deadlines, you can do your work whenever you want.

The one exception is if you’re a proofreader working specifically for a company on site. In those cases, you may have to work traditional office hours.

Otherwise, having the ability to do your proofreading work whenever you can is what makes proofreading one of the best jobs for anyone looking for a side hustle in addition to their main job, or who doesn’t have the ability at the moment to stick to a regular working schedule.

Related: Working Part Time: 9 Reasons Why To Seriously Consider It

Is proofreading a legitimate job?

Proofreading is definitely a legitimate job, with the opportunity to earn an excellent hourly rate. It also has all the benefits of a good work from home job, particularly the ability to work essentially whenever you like as long as you meet your clients’ deadlines.

It’s also very clear that there’s a serious demand for proofreaders. With more and more content being produced every day, particularly online, companies are always going to have a need for proofreaders to take a final look at that content before it’s released to the public.

And with many jobs shifting to a more freelance-style arrangement, proofreaders are very well placed to fit into this “new normal” that’s evolving for a lot of jobs. In addition, as more positions shift to remote working arrangement, the fact that proofreading already allows for this means that companies will have no hesitation in hiring you on a work from home basis.

All this means that proofreading is very legitimate and continues to be in high demand, making it perfect for anyone looking for a well-paying work from home job who has the skills needed for this.

Anna is the founder of LogicalDollar and a personal finance expert, having been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Reader’s Digest, Bankrate, MSN Money, Yahoo! Finance, CreditCards.com and many more. With more than 10 years of experience in the financial and legal industries, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in these fields, as well as her own journey in turning $60,000 in debt into a thriving investment portfolio, she’s committed to helping others get on the path to financial freedom.

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35 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners [$50/hr, No Degree]

Becoming an online proofreader is a job that is flexible and easy to do when you need to make cash.

Proofreading is an important part of writing. It can be done at any time and anywhere, even online, making it perfect for a stay-at-home mom, a second job, or even working from home.

Without proofreaders, where would the world be? There would be a lot of misspelled words in the world. Have you ever wondered if you would be a good proofreader? There is only one way to find out and that is to give it a try. 

Below, I’ll go into detail about how to become an online proofreader and the best companies hiring for online proofreading jobs for beginners.

As an affiliate partner of various brands and sponsored content, HerPaperRoute may earn commission on qualifying purchases. Disclaimer | Advertise With Us

Earn Money Working From Home With Online Proofreading Jobs

If you’re looking for some info fast, here are my quick picks. First, get the free training you need to start your proofreading journey.

Entry-Level Proofreading Jobs

Experienced proofreading jobs.

• Proofreading Pal
• Polished Paper

What Is Proofreading?

A proofreader ensures that written content is free from grammatical errors including spelling mistakes, typography, formatting, and syntax.

If you are new to proofreading or really don’t understand what it is, then I want to spend some time talking about it. There are many reasons to have a proofreader.

✅ Here’s a FREE workshop that teaches you everything you need to know to get started proofreading online.

Proofreading vs Copy Editing

Proofreading and copy-editing are sometimes mixed up or used interchangeably. Knowing the difference can help you when looking and applying for online proofreading jobs.

Proofreading involves examining your text to find any mistakes in grammar, style, spelling, and typographical errors. A proofreader is involved with the nitty-gritty of the text.

Editing is correcting, condensing, or changing a draft in preparation for publication. An editor provides editing services and is involved with the big picture of the document.

Are Proofreaders In Demand?

Yes, they are and the demand is increasing yearly according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics . With so many people forming online businesses, the demand keeps rising which increases the available job opportunities.

Bloggers, brands, small businesses, authors, and companies all hire proofreaders to make sure there are no typographical errors. Some foreign businesses will hire a native English-speaking proofreader to go over their website and make grammatical changes.

Pros vs Cons Of Proofreading

• Start-up costs are very low for a proofreading business compared to other businesses.
• You can work from home and the scheduling is flexible.
• Manage your own time so perfect for someone who can work well unsupervised.
• Perfect for people who are good at spotting grammatical mistakes.
• Easy to start proofreading small as a side hustle and expand later.
• High demand for proofreaders with plenty of opportunities.
• There can be tight deadlines or strict guidelines you need to follow.
• Many jobs for proofreaders may require additional education.
• Not good for someone easily distracted or who needs to be in a closely supervised position.

How Much Money Can You Make Proofreading?

According to salary.com the median salary for an online proofreader is $52,202 per year.

Keep in mind that the amount of money a proofreader makes will be dependent on how fast they work per hour. Some proofreading freelancers make anywhere from $25-$50 per hour.

It also depends on your past proofreading experience or experience in editing. The more experience and skills you have, the more money you will make per hour. 

If you work for yourself, you get to determine how much you make. If you work for someone else, they are going to determine how much you make per hour.

What Skills Do I Need To Become A Freelance Online Proofreader?

To build up a good reputation as a proofreader, you should be able to spot mistakes quickly and easily. Having excellent grammar and spelling skills is a must.

Additionally, you need to be able to slow down to find mistakes that the original writer missed. Many times our minds can read misspelled words correctly and we don’t even notice. If you rush through proofreading a document, these types of errors may slip through and your potential clients will be unhappy.

Do I Need To Have A Degree To Proofread?

If you’re doing freelance proofreading, a degree isn’t necessary. Experience and results matter more to clients who are hiring independent proofreaders.

Depending on the client, they may require an advanced degree in English or journalism if getting hired as a company employee. If you don’t have this, don’t worry.

For many clients, your track record and reputation are more than enough for them to want to hire you. You may be fine landing remote proofreading jobs simply by being skilled in the English writing process and editing rules.

Learn how you can start your own proofreading business with low startup costs.

Where To Get At-Home Proofreading Training?

Proofreading isn’t just for word nerds or English majors. Anyone can proofread and the flexibility is great for a stay-at-home mom or someone who wants to work more flexible hours.

This completely FREE workshop from Caitlyn Pyle at Proofread Anywhere is value-packed and perfect for those on the fence. The workshop helps get you started proofreading with tips on maximizing skills and where to find clients.

If you’re still unsure, check out my complete review of the Proofread Anywhere course.

Tools For The Online Proofreader

If you are going to work online as a proofreader, it may be wise to invest in some technology that will help you make the most of the time. There are many tools out there, but here are a few of my favorites:

Grammarly – Many people have started using Google Docs, which is great for Grammarly users because there is a free extension. You can use the free version or you can use the paid version. Use whatever you think will help you the best!

Learn How To Produce High-Value Content !

Spellchecker – Don’t forget to use the proofreader you have on the word processor that you’re using. Sometimes we forget to use the most basic tool on our computers that can still help us save face with an error or two!

Ginger – A proofreader tool that you can take advantage of is Ginger. This tool can help you find more advanced issues that you otherwise may have missed! 

Google Docs – This is the most common and easy way that documents are sent. It only requires a free Google Drive account. Your client can send you a link to the document that you’re able to make changes to.

Dropbox – If your client doesn’t use Google Docs, then Dropbox is probably the next most common document-sharing method. The free account is perfectly fine for getting started.

39 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners

It can sometimes seem like an endless loop of rejection when trying to break into a new field. You can’t get hired without experience but you can’t get experience without getting hired.

The following companies allow you to post your freelance proofreading services or be hired for online proofreading or editing. With online business, there’s no need to put all your eggs in one basket.

Go ahead and check out multiple proofreading avenues and job opportunities. Each business will have a different application process. Certain clients may prefer one platform over another but you won’t know that until you test it out.

Here are the best companies that hire beginner online proofreaders:

One of the first places to start with online proofreading jobs for beginners is UpWork . I enjoy telling people about this online work-from-home platform because it’s a place for people of all types of experiences. 

Head over to Upwork.com to apply for beginner editing positions. Upwork is a really great place to start your work-from-home journey, especially your proofreading journey. 

Want to find freelance proofreading jobs for a beginner? Fiverr.com may be one of your first stops. This is a website that has been around for a few years. However, it’s for proofreaders of all types. 

Signing up for Fiverr means you can sell your proofreading services and make a small amount of cash at first. As time goes on, you’ll be able to earn more money! 

3. Lionbridge

Are you looking for a full-time online proofreading job? Lionbridge is a great place to start. Lionbridge offers several different types of work-from-home jobs, but one of their most popular ones is proofreading.

While you do need a little experience to get started, Lionbridge has a great reputation and this may be a good place for you to start. If you prove you can do well with various proofreading tasks such as checking for spelling errors, compositional errors, and correct grammar mistakes, you can earn decent money.

4. ProofreadingServices.com

When you want to want to become a proofreader, you may not know where to start. ProofreadingServices.com is a great starting point for proofreaders.

When you work with this company, you get a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and the ability to connect with other proofreaders. 

5. Start Your Own Business

I think one of the best online proofreading jobs for beginners is starting your own proofreading business . You can make it as simple as starting a website or as complex as starting a Facebook page.

Starting your own Freelance proofreading business means you can work when you want and also take on a small number of clients to get experience. Some would say that owning your own business is one of the best online proofreading jobs for beginners since it has a low startup cost. 

6. Craigslist

Believe it not, but Craigslist has gotten a lot more stable in the job department. If you head to Craiglist in any city and look in the “writing and editing” section, you may be able to find many gigs that you can apply for! 

I love Craigslist because you can find opportunities that aren’t boring. You may be able to find private clients this way, which is always fun! Just remember that working from home never costs money and you should never have to pay to work from home. 

Another online place to look for proofreading jobs is Guru.com . Whether you have zero experience or several months of experience, you may be able to find a proofreading gig on this platform.

This is a platform that has been around forever and you may just find success with it. 

A lot of people would compare Guru.com to Fiverr, but I think any platform can be good for you if you take the time to make it work in your favor. Fill out the profile correctly and don’t stop until you find a groove! 

8. LinkedIn

Although LinkedIn is one of those places that is hard to remember still exists, it does and it’s an awesome place to find proofreading jobs.

When it comes to LinkedIn, there are a lot of jobs and you may not get lucky at first. Keep trying and applying and in no time, you’ll land your first proofreading job! 

9. Freelancer

Freelancer is a site very similar to UpWork since it’s a freelance marketplace. It’s open to a variety of freelancers, not solely proofreaders.

After you fill out your profile, you can bid on posted jobs that people are trying to hire for.

10. SmartBrief

SmartBrief is a digital media publisher that targets business news and industry information. Frequently check their job openings for a work-from-home editor and proofreading jobs that pay around $15/hr.

11. Polished Paper

Polished Paper is for more experienced proofreaders and they pay accordingly. To sign up, fill out their application and take the 35-question test.

It sounds a little intense but they pride themselves on first-class service. They want to make sure you can catch some of the tougher errors that less experienced proofreaders may miss.

12. Scribbr

Scribbr makes all interested exceptional editors take an initial language quiz. If you pass, they’ll then look over your CV to determine whether you’d be a good fit for them.

If they think you’re a good fit, you’ll be invited to the Scribbr Academy where you’ll edit 2-5 simulation orders. Scribbr will critique your proofreading and give you tips.

Once you pass the academy, you’ll be a qualified Scribbr editor and get paid.

13. Domainite

Domainite is an option for the true beginner proofreader but be warned, they are one of the lowest paid. It’s perfect for gaining experience if you’re having trouble landing clients.

To get accepted as a freelancer, you’ll need to fill out their application including sample letters to show off your work.

14. Edit911

Edit911 only hires people with a Ph.D., published scholars, teachers, or book editors with verifiable experience.

The qualifications are quite high but if you meet their qualifications and are looking to enter the freelance proofreading world, this is a great option.

15. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a site that has freelance jobs in many specialties including copy editing, website proofreading, and other freelance editing jobs that allow you to type from home. Do a general search for “online proofreading” in order to find who is looking to hire.

Often, you don’t need to narrow down the job postings by location since you can do them remotely from home.

16. ClickWorker

Clickworker uses crowdsourcing for the completion of micro tasks for their clients. Every clickworker is an independent contractor who can log in and look at the available jobs.

These tasks are generally broken into smaller projects and part of a larger project. They won’t take as long as a huge proofreading job so it’s great for beginners to get their feet wet.

To become a Clickworker proofreader, you first have to start as a author to gain experience. Then after completing a few text creation jobs, you’re eligible to take the proofreading assessment test. If you pass, you’ll be able to access the available proofreading jobs.

17. Wordvice

Wordvice offers both proofreading and editing services. They ask that you’ve completed a graduate program but they do offer remote, part-time work.

They have a lot of ESL (english as a second language) clients worldwide who are looking for native english proofreaders. The application will have you complete an editing sample and they’ll notify you by email whether you’ve been accepted.

18. OneSpace

OneSpace will post their jobs as they become available. Some are available as remote work whereas others are not so it’s important to read the job description to determine which.

19. CACTUS Communications

CACTUS Communications offers proofreading jobs either freelance or full-time. They specialize in specific proofreading topics and ask that you have a degree in the field you’d be editing in.

Some of the fields include medical, biology, molecular, physical sciences, and more. Check their website to see what they’re currently hiring for.

20. EditFast

On EditFast , you create a profile and resume in their system. Clients looking to hire a proofreader will look at your samples and decide whether or not to pick you.

They are mainly looking for people familiar with the proofreading and editing process who can proof business papers with a fairly fast turnaround.

One thing to note is that all communication must go through the EditFast system and EditFast keeps 40% of the final total project price.

21. Gramlee

Gramlee says they are always looking for proofreaders to hire. They are a general proofreading company so it could be a wide variety of categories.

Applying is a simple process. Answer a few questions on the Employee Application form and they’ll get back to you.

22. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media offers services for authors to have their books edited and reviewed. They often have job listings for book reviewers or at-home editors for their magazine.

23. Scribe Media

You can join Scribe Media (formerly Book in a Box) as a full-time employee or a freelancer. On their website, you can explore what each path entails to determine which would work best for you.

They are mainly hiring freelance editors for book editing so if book editing is your interest, this is a good company to follow. If they don’t have any open positions currently, join their email list and they’ll let you know when more open up.

24. Get Editing Jobs

This is a community hub for anyone searching for help with their text. Get Editing Jobs includes editing, proofreading, and specialty writing.

Since this is a freelance jobs directory, you’ll have to use the search bar to find proofreading jobs to apply for. Many of the jobs are virtual but some companies are looking for in-person permanent hires too.

25. Proofreading Pal

The average pay for a Proofreading Pal editor is between $500 to $3000 per month. You can even do this proofreading job while still in college!

They are looking to hire current graduate and post-graduate college students who have a GPA of 3.5 and higher. Alternatively, they’re also looking for proofreaders and exceptional editors with a graduate degree and 5 years of experience.

So if you’re in a graduate degree program or have a university degree, check them out. You need to be able to follow style guides, including those for academic papers.

Before you get started, you’ll first need to take a 20-minute proofreading test.

26. Writer’s Job Shop

Writer’s Job Shop is a job marketplace for proofreaders and other writing freelancers. They’re always looking to add additional proofreaders and essay editors to their team.

They require that you have a native-level grasp of the english language and a degree in any field before applying.

27. American Journal Experts

American Journal Expert’s jobs are topic-specific and updated frequently. You can do them from anywhere since they’re all remote.

All positions are for independent contractors. The application is straightforward and can be auto-filled using Indeed if you already have a job profile with them.

28. Writer’s Relief

Writer’s Relief helps creative writers get published. Authors submit their writing and Writer’s Relief proofreaders check over their submissions.

It’s a simple application but they only accept a very small percentage of applicants.

29. Managed Editing

Managed Editing hires independent contractors who have a degree and a few years of relevant editing experience or editing skills. They offer editorial services and publication production.

Their application asks what subject matter you have proven proofreading skills in. They may follow up by asking for examples of your work or give you a test on the topic.

30. MediaBistro

MediaBistro is a hub for all media-related jobs from marketing, sales, design, and writing/editing. Use the search function to find jobs in the proofreading field.

One perk is that MediaBistro lets you sign up for job alerts for certain keywords. You’ll get notified by email if a new job shows up in the proofreading sector after you set up those alerts.

31. OneSpace Freelancers

OnceSpace Freelancers is a job marketplace specifically for freelancers. It’s a place to check in periodically to see if they have any freelance proofreading jobs available.

You can also submit your application to them and they’ll keep in contact if they have any jobs that fit your skillset.

Reedsy works mainly with authors and writers. Once you sign up, you’ll create a profile and the Reedsy algorithm will pair you with clients it thinks you’ll be a good fit for.

There are over 100,000 people in the marketplace and many are first-time authors looking to self-publish their books. The community is free to join and then you get to keep 90% of your commission while Reedsy takes 10%.

33. Writing Jobz

Writing Jobz is one of the best marketplaces for online proofreaders because it’s all they focus on. They specialize in academic proofreading, academic editing, proofreading articles for online blogs and news sources, and book proofreading.

You start by taking a language test, then you can build up a client database as you take on more and more projects. As a proofreader, you can earn up to $11 per page.

34. Scribendi

Scribendi is a proofreading platform perfect for someone who has a college degree. They allow you to create your own schedule working from home and the pay is good.

Other qualifiers are that they want native English speakers, at least 3 years of editing/proofreading experience, and a speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour.

35. R3ciprocity

R3ciprocity , pronounced “reciprocity”, is a proofreading and editing platform based on credits. After you sign up, you can proofread other’s work and earn credits. You can use these credits to get your own work proofread.

This is great for authors or someone who wants a reciprocal proofreading situation. It can also earn money though. If you earn credits, you can cash them out instead of using them to proofread items of your own.

36. Proofreading Services

Proofreading Services is great for beginners all the way to expert proofreaders who are looking for flexible typing work from home. If you’re looking for remote proofreading jobs, they offer remote telework proofreading where you can earn between $19 to $46 an hour depending on the job.

Projects with more urgent deadlines or that require specialized knowledge will pay higher as well as those with a quick turnaround time.

37. Contenta

Contenta calls itself the #1 site for freelancers and remote writers. After you join as a freelance proofreader, the website acts as a job board where companies looking for freelance proofreaders can post jobs.

This is a membership site with a monthly fee which can be both beneficial and detrimental. A paid job board will likely have more serious clients looking for remote proofreaders and editors so the jobs posted may be of higher quality.

The downside is that when you’re just starting out, you need to weigh whether a monthly cost is worth it.

38. Book Editing Associates

Book Editing Associates is for intermediate and higher proofreaders. They especially want someone with experience in the self-published book field and will give you a proofreading and copyediting test you need to pass.

A few other things to note for Book Editing Associates is that they’re looking for proofreaders from time to time who are doing this as their main job. You need to be completely freelance and not only do this as a side hustle or have a second job.

They’ll also want to see examples of self-published books you’ve edited and proofread so this is a good company to apply to after you have over 5 years of experience with book proofreading.

39. ProofreadNOW

ProofreadNOW is for expert or advanced proofreaders, editors, copyeditors, or translators, with over 5 years of experience. They’re not always hiring but they do have a proofreading employment newsletter you can join to get notified when they are.

Many of their professional proofreaders, writers, and editors specialize in fields such as finance, medical, technology, and law. They also may have knowledge of Spanish since Spanish document translation is offered.

How To Get An Online Proofreader Job

Now that you know all of the jobs available and companies hiring skilled proofreaders, you may be wondering how to land an online proofreading job.

Just like with any job, it will take some effort in order to land a proofreading job as a beginner. Here are a few ways to make yourself more desirable:

• On rating sites, like Fiverr , offer your first few clients a discount in exchange for an honest review in order to get initial business.
• I recommend this FREE online workshop .
• Don’t forget about Facebook Groups.
• Consider courtroom transcript proofreading to diversify your talents.
• Promote, promote, promote!

If you’re not quite sure what to search for when looking for proofreading jobs, here are the most common terms to search for:

• Proofreading independent contractor
• Freelance proofreader
• Proofreading positions
• Beginner proofreading jobs
• Online proofreading jobs
• Remote proofreader
• Copy editing
• Editing jobs
• Book editing
• Remote editor
• Academic editor
• Web site proofreading
• Book proofreader
• Online typing jobs
• Typewriting jobs

Currently, there aren’t any certifications required to become a proofreader. Your finished work and happy clients are what promote you.

Proofreading Jobs Overview

Proofreading is a great job for someone who will take the time to learn proper grammar and produce high-quality content. It doesn’t matter if you’re a proofreading beginner as long as your results are good.

Since most proofreading jobs can be done online and at home, stay-at-home moms can make the jobs fit their free time. Early morning or late night work hours don’t matter since you’re your own boss and not tethered to traditional business time.

If you’re an online proofreader, let me know in the comments how you like it. Did it give you the freedom you were looking for?

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41 comments.

I so appreciate this information you have provided here =)) More blessings your way.

This is just to thank you for what you have taught us in this informative article. I am a senior lady of 68 y.o., and can’t do physical work anymore. I did proofreading in papers before, with a printing press..but just don’t know how to do it online..and the tools to use. Proofreading is something that we seniors can still do effectively. This is a great help also to augment income. God bless you.

Thank you for the information you gave out on proofreading jobs. I longed to join the job but really confused about how I can get started, now I know what to do, thank you.

Thank you for the information, it helped a lot. I am a young woman with no experience and I am eager to learn anything to start my career. I am interested in editing and proofreading.

Thank you so much, Steffa. You have certainly given me a lot of information and encouragement so I can do well in proofreading jobs. I love reading and I easily point out spelling errors. Thank you!

Thank you for your informative article. I am a teacher of English and presently teaching in a government school. I have 34 years of experience and would like to work as a proofreader.

I found your atrtle to be very informative. I am searching for proofreading work, and your article is a great resource to get me started.

Very generous in providing jobseekers all the information they need. Thank you for helping others

Your effort is great especially for beginners like me. I have been wondering how to get an opportunity in proofreading. with your insight in mind, I am good to go!

Steffa thank you for your detailed account of proofreading. Frankly what I need is a job online proofreading or editing articles, manuscripts, assignments, or books.

Greetings Steffa, Thank you for a very informative and easy-to-follow article. I read every word and learned a great deal. I have to admit I often skim in these type of articles; as they are often too long and repetitive. This however was awesome. I am so excited! I will be back for your course and more! Val

Thank you so much for this post. It was very encouraging. So many jobs seem overwhelming and complicated but you have worded this in a way that anyone willing to put work in can do it. My only real editing is for my own podcasts but I definitely am looking to get into proofreading and will try your free course. Thanks again. Mike

Thank you for putting this together! I am most assuredly going to follow up. I have been in healthcare for over 20 years, but I have a BS that includes secondary education training, and I am looking to get out of nursing. I was always an English nerd at heart and read voraciously. Thanks again!

Hello Steffa, I really appreciate your write up. It actually covered all the areas I wanted as a beginner proofreader. Thx a lot. Cheers, and keep up the good work.

Thank you, Steffa! I am new to proofreading. I just graduated from a proofreading course and didn’t really know where to start! Your article has rectified that!

Thank you very much for this informative article. I appreciate it!

Hi, I have read everything on this website and appreciate the resourceful and useful information it contains.

Thank you, so much.

Hi Steffa, What you have here is very important for people like me who are just coming into freelance proofreading. Many thanks for making this information available.

Even with a degree, you might have to compete on Fiverr with thousands of other proofreading offers. Unless you have the right degree and the necessary experience, then it’s a totally different situation.

Thank for your article. I was a paralegal for 30 years but now I am on disability. I can’t do a lot physically anymore but this is something I can definitely do and it would be a great help to add to my income. I’m excited and I’m going to take the free seminar. I figure that after years of being an avid reader and always catching errors in the books I read and, after years of creating, proofing and editing legal documents, this would be a fun thing to do. I wasn’t sure where to even begin but you helped me figure it all out and gave me the avenues I need to make it a possibility. Thank you so very much!

Thanks so much for this valuable information. I got this while searching for online jobs to support my family financially. I have twenty years of work experience as an English teacher. Presently my employer (State Government) has not been paying salaries regularly.

Hello Steffa. Sorry, I found a couple of typos in your article. One example: “…good way…” instead of “…good pay…”. I wasn’t “proofing” the article, I just happened to notice them. But, beyond that, thank you so much for all of the useful information! I will be looking into the free course you suggest and following up with some of companies you’ve profiled. Very nice work! Thanks again.

Hi Gary, I always appreciate help finding typos since I have so many articles and the work is never done! I’m glad you found the information helpful. I’d love to hear back about your thoughts on the course and where you ended up finding a proofreading job.

Hi Steffa Much respect! This information is simple, clear and informative. It is all very helpful to a beginner with zero proofreading/editing experience, and I appreciate the work you put into research. Thank you.

You’re very welcome Rabia. 🙂

There is a wealth of information here. Thank you so much!

Hello! You have a very informative post, thank you! I noticed a typo in point 4 talking about Proofreadingservices.com. Do I pass the test? 😉

l love this. You made me smile.

Thank you for a great post. It is filled with excellent information.

Either way, it made me smile.

Thank you again for all of the wonderful and useful information all in one place.

There are a few websites where you say they require samples of your work or sample letters. Can you explain what they mean by this? Would it be something that you have written that has been published or simply that you have proofread? I have proofread everything from ad copy to menu listings to in print interviews – would I include that? I apologize, I’m just not clear on what a “sample letter” would be as far as proofreading is concerned. Thank you!

Hi Danielle, A proofreading sample letter would mean that they’d like to see the original document but with all the notations and changes that you did. Some programs have an edit mode that will show all of your changes in red. The right-hand side of the document would include notations for why you formated it this way. Example: No numbering, indented paragraph, etc. It’s a marked-up document with everything that needs to change as if you took a red pen to it.

Hope this helps! Steffa

Hey this is good information. Unfortunately I cant access internet from where I stay. Thanks anyway.

Thank you for the time you took to put this information out there. I hope you inspire others to do the same.

Thank you, Evelyn! I know it’s hard to find places that are hiring and am always trying to help.

Hi! Your primer of these topics is comprehensive. It is the first helpful and by far the easiest to understand. While other sites I visited each seem a jigsaw puzzle, yours give a very clear picture of what is needed to be done, seminars to read, sites to visit, and what to reasonably expect for a newbie like me. Thank you very much!

Thank you so much.

You’re very welcome! 🙂

Hi Steffa, Thanks for posting this article, it is really informative & to the point, most of the time we come across something like this & don’t spare a minute to appreciate. This post is very nicely curated & covers all that is required for someone unfamiliar like me, was searching to do something to augment my income as a freelancer & this article of your’s is certainly going to help. Thanks!!

Hello Steffa.. Thank you so much for providing such wonderful information.. Your efforts are highly appreciated.. Thanking you once again.. b.k. gupta

I have 25 years of experience of working in banks. I am interested to take proofreading as a second profession. The reason being I am good at spotting errors in writing, effortlessly. All my life I lived and worked in Bangladesh. But I traveled widely across the world. And I love to read books, newspapers, magazines, etc. I am serious to give it a try and I am confident I will excel in it over time.

Hi Abdul, You seem like you’d be a good candidate for proofreading. I don’t hire for proofreading myself but the companies I listed do. I definitely suggest looking at the list and trying to apply for open positions.

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