How to Get Paid for Proofreading & Find Online Jobs

Proofreading is the final quality check that’s carried out on a text before it’s published. Proofreaders are responsible for correcting small errors involving:

• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Grammar
• Consistency
• Formatting
• Style (if the publication in question uses a style guide)

Is proofreading the same as editing?

Many people think that proofreading and editing (or copyediting) are the same thing, which isn’t true. Editors do their work earlier in the process than proofreaders and make significantly larger changes.

Here’s a full list of differences between the services that proofreaders and copyeditors provide:

What proofreaders do

• Carry out a final review.
• Check for errors in grammar, spelling, and syntax.
• Don’t delete, add, or change content.
• Don’t restructure the writing.
• Don’t clarify meaning or context.
• More focused on details.

What copyeditors do

• Review the draft before it’s finalized.
• Make more substantial edits to improve clarity, flow, and readability.
• Check that the tone is appropriate for the intended audience.
• May look out for spelling/grammar errors, but as a secondary consideration.

Proofreading is usually a lot faster than copyediting. If you decide to get into proofreading, make sure you don’t get roped into providing copyediting services for clients who are paying proofreading rates (which we’ll discuss a bit more shortly).

We spoke to one proofreader, Erica Warren, who offered some advice on this subject. “If the project needs more than a proofread and you offer copyediting or other services too, try to upsell the client by explaining how their project could benefit,” she said.

“If you only provide proofreading services, refer the client to another editor for a copyedit; it will be the best thing for the project, and your goodwill and honesty might just cause the client to return to you for the proofread or for a future project.”

Pros and cons of becoming a proofreader

Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide if this kind of gig is right for you.

Pros

• Flexibility: Freelance proofreaders can usually set their own hours and work from any location, as long as they have a working computer and an internet connection.
• Minimal overhead: Most of the time, your laptop and internet connection will be your only expenses as a proofreader.
• Plenty of work available: There are always people out there who need proofreading services—from students and authors to web companies and publishers.
• No supervision: Freelancing is great if you like working independently. As a freelance proofreader, you answer to no one except yourself—after all, if you have a problem with a client, you can just stop working with them.

Cons

• Difficulty finding and applying for jobs: Proofreading jobs shared on public platforms (especially well-paid ones) can be very competitive. You may also have to jump through a lot of hoops to have a chance of being hired (e.g., supplying a portfolio and completing proofreading tests or producing samples).
• Beginners are paid less: Although low pay is to be expected starting out in any field, the pay can be particularly bad for new proofreaders, who often end up working for less than minimum wage.
• Tight deadlines: Many clients have hard deadlines, which can be stressful and tiring.
  You must be self-disciplined: Although not having a boss is great in many ways, it also means you need great self-discipline to avoid procrastinating and meet your deadlines.
• No social interaction: Like many remote jobs and side hustles, proofreading is very solitary work. Depending on your personality, this might be either a pro or a con.

There are a number of websites where you can pick up proofreading work, including sites for general freelance work and more specialized sites just for proofreading and editing.

General-purpose freelancing websites

These websites feature all kinds of freelancing jobs, including many proofreading jobs:

1. Upwork

Upwork is a marketplace for freelancers in all kinds of fields. It’s a hugely popular way for proofreaders to find work.

Freelancers (and clients) can set their own rates, and signing up is free. However, Upwork will take 5%–20% of your earnings.

To sign up for Upwork, you have to create a profile that showcases your skills and experience. You also have to specify the general rate you charge, although you can accept jobs that deviate from it.

You can then either wait for clients to find your profile and contact you or you can search for job postings and submit proposals. If you’re just getting started, you’ll probably have to be proactive about finding clients rather than waiting for them to come to you.

Get Started with Upwork

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is another marketplace where freelancers can sell their services. It’s so named because originally all of the gigs cost a “fiver” ($5 USD), although now freelancers can set their own prices.

The site works in much the same way Upwork does: you can create a profile as a freelance proofreader and then bid on projects or wait for clients to come to you. As with Upwork, Fiverr takes a cut of your earnings—in this case, a flat rate of 20%.

Get Started with Fiverr

3. Freelancer

Freelancer is another site where you can create a profile and then bid for jobs or wait for clients to find your profile online.

However, the fees on Freelancer are a bit lower than on Fiverr and Upwork. For most projects, you’ll pay 10% of the amount you bid or $5 USD (whichever is greater).

Get Started with Freelancer

4. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a site where you can find remote jobs. It’s particularly suitable for digital nomads and working parents who’re juggling childcare.

Whereas Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great for short-term gig work, FlexJobs is geared towards people who want longer-term roles with a single employer.

Unlike Upwork and Fiverr, FlexJobs charges a membership fee of around $24.95 per month (or $59.95 if you sign up for a full year). Their justification for this is that they screen the jobs that appear on their platform, filtering out scams and extremely low-paying offers.

Get Started with FlexJobs

5. Craigslist

The Craigslist job center has a section for “writing and editing,” where you can often find ads for proofreading gigs.

Bear in mind that you don’t necessarily need to stick to your local area when you’re searching for this kind of work. For example, check out the listings for big cities like New York City and Los Angeles. Many editing and proofreading jobs are actually remote, even though the ad may not say so.

6. Facebook

Facebook might not be the first place you think of to check for proofreading gigs. However, there are many Facebook groups you can join with people and companies looking for proofreaders. To find them, just conduct a search on Google or in Facebook’s own search bar.

7. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a social media platform for professional networking, and it’s also a great place to look for jobs. The site has job postings from all over the world. It also allows employers to search for job candidates.

If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, start by creating one and adding your educational background and work history. Round out your profile by linking to a few portfolio pieces, if you have any.

You can then use the site to search for proofreading and editing jobs, get notified of new job opportunities, and let potential employers know you’re looking for work.

Should you use these freelancer platforms to find work?

Warren recommended using freelancer platforms only in certain situations: “They can be a great way to get experience at first, but I don’t recommend using these platforms long term, unless you’re one of the lucky few who find that it really works for you,” she said.

She elaborated that “In my experience, they’re highly competitive and frequently undervalue freelance workers … You often have to accept a fraction of the pay you deserve for the work you’re doing.”

Sites for proofreading and editing jobs

There are also several online platforms that specialize in proofreading and editing work:

8. Proofreading Pal

Proofreading Pal offers proofreading services for professional copy, resumes, academic writing, books, manuscripts, and more.

However, it’s fairly selective. To apply, you must either:

1. Be currently enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited United States university and have a minimum GPA of 3.5
2. Have a graduate degree with a minimum of five years of professional proofreading and editing experience

Get Started with Proofreading Pal

9. Scribbr

Scribbr provides proofreading and editing services specifically for students (which means the work mainly consists of academic editing). You need to be a native English speaker and hold a university degree to work for them.

According to their site, you can usually expect to earn around $20 to $30 per hour editing for them.

Get Started with Scribbr

10. Scribendi

Based in Canada, Scribendi hires remote editors from all over the world. Freelancers can get work proofreading and editing for clients in business, academia, publishing, and other sectors.

To work for them, you must:

1. Be a native English speaker.
2. Have a university degree in a relevant field.
3. Have at least three years of experience in editing, writing, document production, or language teaching.

Get Started with Scribendi

11. Proofreading Services

Proofreading Services is a company that hires part-time and full-time proofreaders to work on documents from authors, students, businesses, and more. As well as editing and proofreading, they also provide other services, such as resume writing and transcription.

You don’t necessarily need a degree to apply to this site, but you’ll need to complete a proofreading test. You can apply from any country, and the pay ranges from $19 to $46 per hour (depending on how tight the deadlines are).

Get Started with Proofreading Services

12. Gramlee

Gramlee provides various proofreading and copyediting services. They have employment opportunities for content editors and for academic editors.

The application process is quite short. You just have to fill out a form with information about your experience, your opinions on copyediting, and your opinions about life in general.

Unfortunately, their site doesn’t provide information about how much they pay their editors. They only specify that clients pay three cents per word for up to 3000 words.

Get Started with Gramlee

13. CACTUS Communications

CACTUS Communications is a science communication and technology company that hires freelance and full-time remote-working editors and proofreaders. Their editors and proofreaders help to prepare academic papers for submission to academic journals, so you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (with science subjects being the most sought after).

They don’t always have jobs available, so you may need to keep checking back if there are no vacancies.

Get Started with CACTUS Communications

14. Polished Paper

Polished Paper offers different types of editing and proofreading services, including:

• Business editing (e.g., reports and manuals)
• Academic editing
• Resume editing
• Creative writing editing

Their website doesn’t say you need a degree to apply, but you’ll need to provide a resume and also complete a two-part editing test (which includes a sample edit).

Unfortunately, the website also provides very little information about pay. It only says that the compensation depends on word count and turnaround time.

Get Started with Polished Paper

Should you use these proofreading and editing sites to find work?

Warren recommended these kinds of sites as a good way to start building your proofreading experience. “Doing contract work for proofreading companies such as Proofed can be a great way to get started with your career,” she said.

“They provide the projects so you can spend less time chasing clients and more time putting your proofreading skills to work.”

Here are some tips to get you up and running as an online proofreader:

1. Update your resume: As with any job, you should tailor your resume to the proofreading roles you apply for. Needless to say, don’t forget to proofread it; any mistakes will make a terrible first impression.
2. Sign up for at least two or three job-seeking platforms: The wider your search is, the easier it’ll be to find jobs.
3. Network: Begin by telling people you already know that you’re offering proofreading services. Also, consider joining a proofreading society or association such as the EFA or ACES (which we’ll talk about a bit more later).
4. Use social media: Use social media to let people know you’re offering proofreading services. Also, join writers’ groups on social media, and stay active in those groups as another way of networking.
5. Print business cards: Eventually, you’ll run into a potential client in person. Prepare yourself by printing and carrying business cards. These make it easy for people to contact you or pass on your information if they hear of anyone else who needs your services.
6. Set up a website: Your business cards should include a website address with your rates and an explanation of the services you offer. These days, it’s easy to set up a site with Wix, WordPress, or similar services. You can do this at a low cost or even for free.
7. Offer discounts or freebies: When you start proofreading, you probably won’t have the leverage to demand high rates. You’ll need to prove that you’re skilled and reliable first. To entice new clients, try offering “special discounts” or “free samples.” (That said, don’t undervalue your work—if you set your rates too low, it can be hard to recover later.)
8. Start building your portfolio: Once you’ve netted yourself a few jobs, you can select at least three high-quality samples to add to a portfolio. You can then send this to prospective clients or employers. It’s easy to build a portfolio on sites like Contently or Muckrack.

Warren emphasized building an online presence as a way to promote yourself. “If I had to start from scratch to attract clients, I would begin by creating a business website that spoke to my ideal clients and showed them how I could help,” she said. “Then I would start marketing my services on the social media platform where my ideal clients spend most of their time.”

She also had some advice on what kinds of posts would attract clients—namely “posts that were relevant and addressed their pain points instead of salesy posts that focused on myself or sharing information that only other proofreaders would care about.”

In general, she recommended a patient approach to building your proofreading side hustle. “With marketing, it’s all about cultivating relationships and playing the long game,” she said.

How much money you make depends on the rate you set. Note that you can charge by the word or by the hour.

The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) suggests rates of $0.02–$0.049 per word or $31–$45 per hour, depending on the type of text you’re dealing with.

That said, the rate you’ll be able to command depends on many factors, including:

• The number of changes required
• How tight your deadline is
• How complex the writing is
• Your experience

The last factor is key—in the beginning, it might be hard to get clients to pay the rates you want.

One freelancer we contacted, Ramiro Somosierra, spent four years doing copywriting, proofreading, and translation work on Fiverr and Upwork before starting his own publishing business. He told us, “Set low rates for your services at first so you build up some reviews, but don’t price yourself too low so that people will think you offer a bad service.”

Kate Lescano, another proofreader who has four years’ experience, said that “Starting with a lower rate can increase your chance of connecting with potential high-profile clients.”

One of the best things about proofreading is that you don’t need specific qualifications or training to do it. Clients tend to be more interested in your experience and references (or your performance in tests they set you).

Do you need a degree to work as a proofreader?

You don’t need a degree to work as a proofreader. That said, it can make life easier, as some platforms (e.g., Scribendi and Scribbr) require proofreaders to have at least a bachelor’s degree.

One project manager we contacted, Yuvraj Kantak, recruits editors and writers for a content creation platform. He told us, “When vetting editors and proofreaders, I personally look for how committed they’re going to be. One of the best markers for this is at least one year of editing experience at a proper editing company, a college newspaper, or anything similar.”

The takeaway is, don’t despair if you don’t have a college education. Your options will be a little more limited, but you can still find work. Just focus on being good at what you do.

What proofreading qualifications can you get?

Although you don’t need a degree, it can be worth getting other proofreading qualifications, such as course certificates.

“Everybody needs training,” says Ruth E. Thaler-Carter, an EFA member with decades of experience proofreading for a variety of publication types. “Taking courses also increases your credibility.”

Some universities offer (paid) online proofreading courses, as does the EFA. If you’re willing to pay, their website is a good place to start. Alternatively, you can find both paid and free courses at websites like Coursera and Udemy.

What skills do proofreaders need?

Obviously, proofreaders have to be great at spelling and grammar. You can use various programs to help you, such as Grammarly, but you can’t lean on these completely.

There are several websites you can use to test your core proofreading skillset. For instance, there’s a free test on a blog called ProofreadNOW. There’s also another test on the website for the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP), although you’ll have to watch out for the differences between British and American English (the CIEP is a UK-based organization).

Other necessary skills

In addition to language skills, proofreaders need:

• Good communication: You need to be a good communicator to negotiate with clients and resolve issues regarding their writing.
• Time management skills: This is an essential skill for any self-directed freelance gig—it’s important to stay on top of your work and not blow deadlines.
• Technical competence: Basic computer skills are important for mastering the various types of software that proofreading requires.
• Familiarity with style guides: A style guide is a set of standards for writing, editing, formatting, and designing documents. You won’t always need to use one, but it’s good to be familiar with the rules for the most common guides, which include the Associated Press Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style.

As well as training and qualifications, there are plenty of proofreading tools and resources available to help you get started, and many of them are free.

Look into getting:

• Microsoft Word: You’ll do most of your work in a word processor, and Microsoft Word is the most popular one in the world (although some clients may prefer for you to use a different one, such as Google Docs). Word’s “track changes” feature, which records edits as you make them, is particularly useful. It allows everyone to see what you changed and any comments you made along with your edit.
• Grammarly or Ginger: These are spelling and grammar checkers that run in your browser. They’re not perfect, but they may catch a few typos that you miss, and will also let you know when you’re using a correctly spelled word in the wrong context. Grammarly also provides a plagiarism checker.
• Dropbox: A cloud storage system like Dropbox will stop you from using up your email account’s storage limit on attachments when you share files with clients (and vice versa). It’s also best to make sure that your work is saved somewhere other than your computer in case technical problems cause you to lose your files.
• Antivirus software: Similarly, since you’ll be doing a lot of emailing and downloading,  you’ll want protection against malware that could cause you to lose your files.
• Style guides: You’ll sometimes be able to find rules for style guides online, but not all online sources are reliable, and the extra time you spend googling means that it’s best to just invest in the guides you use a lot.

Proofreading societies and associations

If you’re serious about proofreading, you should join a society or association for editorial professionals. According to Cassie Armstrong, a member of the Bay Area Editors’ Forum, “Professional associations help new proofreaders connect with other proofreaders.” She added that “All editors can benefit from professional peer support.”

Warren agreed that these kinds of organizations are worth joining and are “a great way to network with other editorial professionals.” She also recommended using them to find clients via their job board listings or member directories.

The most prominent organizations for editorial professionals in the US are:

• ACES: The Society for Editing, which is also known as the American Copyeditors Society
• The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA)

There may also be other smaller organizations in your area; do some research and see what turns up.