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27 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $30/hr)

Have a habit of finding errors while reading content, blogs, or news articles? Did you know that this hobby could fetch you up to $50,000 per year?

Data or information has always been one of the core fuels that is driving the world forward. The need for them is endless. With data playing such a crucial role, it is important to take care that it is authentic and flawless.

It is here that raises the need for a special job that will help maintain the data faultlessly. If you know, you might have understood by now that I am talking about proofreading.

Yes! No matter how authentic a piece of information is, small and silly mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation may take away all its authenticity.

Especially in today’s world that is completely content-driven and piles of information stocked everywhere on the internet, it is more important to get them proofread before releasing them to the public.

With such popular demand, there are a lot of proofreading jobs available. So if you are someone with an eagle’s eye ready to catch errors, then this opportunity is for you.

You can find full-time, part-time, remote, or online proofreading jobs in the market currently. For all of you looking for such jobs, I came up with this article. 

But before looking at the opportunities available, let us know a bit more about proofreading.

 

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What is Proofreading?

To keep in simple words, proofreading is to look for and mark the grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors present, if any, in a document. This is the last step of the editorial process.

Proofreading is done after editing and before submitting a document or text for publishing. It is to ensure and remove any minor errors that are overlooked or introduced during editing. 

Most people confuse proofreading and editing with being the same. While proofreading is all about just identifying and marking the errors, editing is about adding, deleting, and rearranging words, sentences, or paragraphs.

So both of them are completely different and have individually important roles.

Now that you got a basic idea of what proofreading is let us move further to know its income potential and what is necessary to do these online proofreading jobs.

 

Income Potential Of Proofreading Jobs

We all are here to make money, and what can be more motivating to do a job than the payment and other income-making details?

With all the demands that I have discussed in this article, you can understand that proofreading is a great source of income. It is necessary almost in every industry, educational institution, publishing house, social media, business, etc.

No matter whether you freelance or join a company, you are going to reap good benefits.

Most of the companies either pay hourly or per word or project. But pay per hour is the most known method or rate of payment.

If you are a freelancer, you can earn anywhere between $25 and $44 per hour. And if you work for a company, then you can start earning from $15 per hour.

According to some of the most popular job review platforms, such as Glassdoor, Salary.com, etc., the average salary of a proofreader is $52,294 per annum.

salary of online proofreading jobs

 

Is Training Important For Beginner Proofreaders?

Yes, training is required for beginner proofreaders before getting started, and it will ease your journey to make more out of it. Luckily, you can get a free training spot here.

Join this ProofreadAnywhere FREE Training by Caitlin Pyle, a professional proofreader who earned more than $43,000 in the first year working as a part-time proofreader.

Now she is running a six-figure proofreading business. She created a FREE 76 Minute Free Workshop to teach beginners how to make money from home, offering proofreading services.

By simply attending this FREE Workshop, you’ll be able to understand the basics of proofreading, how to find clients or search for jobs, and how to create a side income in very little time.
 

 

So, click here to grab your ticket to Her FREE Online Workshop now.

 

Requirements For Online Proofreading Jobs

Although online proofreading jobs are the most demanded ones and are also easy to do for the ones who have the right skills, there are many other requirements to be met before actually doing it.

To give you a clear view, I would like to divide these requirements into three sections as follows:

  • Skills required
  • Education required
  • Tools required

Skills Required

First things first. Your skills must be very sharp in this profession, as proofreading is the key process to ensuring that everything is perfect. If you lack skills, then the whole purpose may fail.

So here are some of the skills that you must require to do this job.

  • Good vocabulary
  • Excellent spelling and grammar skills
  • Punctuation and text formatting skills
  • Basic computer knowledge
  • A lot of concentration and patience
  • Impeccable reading and comprehension skills
  • Close attention to detail
  • Must be flexible to meet the demand.

Educational Requirements

Most companies also look for your educational background along with your skills to hire you for online proofreading jobs. 

Here are some of the most common educational requirements that companies ask for.

  • A bachelor’s degree in English and Communications
  • A degree in Journalism or Literature
  • Any certifications in Proofreading or editing

While these are the general educational qualifications that companies look for in a candidate, these may change with different companies.

Some give more importance to your experience or the quality of your work, while some will easily hire you depending on your education or skills. 

Tools Required

Apart from skills and education, you are expected to be equipped with some important tools that would help you do online proofreading jobs. Since this job is mostly online, you must be technically strong.

Here are the basic tools you may require to do proofreading online.

  • A good computer 
  • Reliable Internet connectivity
  • Grammar and spell-checking tools like Grammarly
  • Google Docs to store and share your documents
  • Proofreading tools like Ginger

While these tools may not do your job completely, these are the best ones that would help you proofread easily.

Related Article: How To Start a Successful Proofreading Business From Home.

 

Websites That Offer Online Proofreading Jobs

Whether you are a freelancing proofreader or you want to join an online proofreading job, or you are a beginner or an experienced candidate, you can find all sorts of companies that are offering such chances here in this list.

Some companies refer to proofreaders as editors, revisors, content developers, editorial personnel, etc. sometimes. So don’t ignore it by looking at the title of the job. Once checked into the website before confirming.

 

Freelancing Platforms To Find Online Proofreading Gigs

If you are a freelancer, here are certain places where you can find some great proofreading gigs. You can just visit these websites and find deals that you have been looking for.

I divided this section separately so as to make it easy for you without having to search the whole internet for freelancing opportunities. Instead, you visit these sites, and you will be sorted.

 

1. Upwork

This is a freelancing platform that connects individuals and businesses to conduct business routines.

Upwork fulfills all the hiring needs of freelancers, independent contractors, and businesses. You can find almost any kind of job here.

Head on to Upwork and just enter proofreading in the search bar instead of searching the whole internet for a great gig. You can do all this by creating an account with them.

 

2. Fiverr

This is one of the world’s largest marketplaces for all kinds of freelance services.

If you are a freelancer, then it will be easy for you to find a gig here. Create an account and log in to Fiverr to get connected with the world’s best businesses.

You can sell your proofreading services here and earn cash for it. You are free to set your prices.

 

3. FlexJobs

As the name suggests, this is a place where you can find some great and flexible work-from-home jobs in any sphere.

This is like a job board where you can find a special section dedicated to proofreading opportunities. The best thing is you can also find jobs by location.

All you need to do is create your account on the Flexjobs website and log in to find the jobs suitable for you.

 

4. Freelancer

This is also a job portal similar to the ones listed above. Freelancer is an Australian-based marketplace where employers post opportunities that freelancers bid to complete.

Complete your profile and share your skillset to find jobs that are suitable for you. You can also find online proofreading jobs posted by different companies here.

 

5. Craigslist

Craigslist is an American website dedicated to listing classifieds. They have several sections for all your needs, of which one is jobs. You can find here anything you can want from anywhere.

This is one of the best places to find clients who are looking for proofreading services. You can find all sorts of opportunities like full-time, part-time, or work from home, etc.

 

6. LinkedIn

This is another employment-oriented website where you can find almost any job you wish. You need to create a profile on their website and share your details so that you can find jobs suitable to your qualifications and skill set.

Proofreading jobs are also available here, and you can try your luck by applying via the LinkedIn website. This is not only for freelancers but anyone who is interested in finding a proofreading job.

 

7. Guru.com

This is another place to find different freelance online jobs. Companies find freelance workers here for commissioned rates. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced candidate Guru.com has opportunities listed for everyone.

Log in to their website and find proofreading jobs that suit your capabilities.

Also, check: 9 High-Paying Side Jobs That Pay $80 an Hour.

 

Companies That Hire Proofreaders

Now here is a list of all the popular proofreading and editing services companies that hire proofreaders to get their job done.

Whoever is looking to work with companies rather than individual projects or clients can find this section useful.

 

8. Polished Paper

This is a professional English editing and proofreading services company. It operates in North America, Hong Kong, Sydney, London, and Johannesburg.

They look for editors/proofreaders who have exceptional English language skills along with a lot of experience as well as expertise in the field with diverse educational qualifications. So no matter what your degree is, you can join them if you meet the other criteria.

If you would like to join them, you can register and upload your resume on the Polished Paper website, after which you need to take a 35-minute test to get qualified.

 

9. ProofreadingServices.com

ProofreadingServices.com works for industry leaders such as Vogue, IBM, Harvard University, etc. They also offer translation, publishing, and resume and cover letter services apart from proofreading and editing. 

They have full-time and part-time remote opportunities that welcome applications from around the world. If you wish to join them, then complete a 20-minute test on their careers page.

They pay their online proofreaders between $19 to $45 per hour, depending on the turnaround time. 

 

10. Scribendi

They have both in-house and freelance online proofreading positions. The in-house position is a full-time job and is based in Chatham, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 

Scribendi looks for a bachelor’s or master’s degree along with desirable experience in the candidates. It also expects them to have an in-depth knowledge of more than one proofreading style.

You can earn between $15 to $20 an hour. To apply, you need to send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

 

11. WordVice

Wordvice accepts editors/proofreaders with extensive experience and advanced degrees only. They also expect the candidates to have knowledge and application of different formatting styles like APA, Chicago, etc. This is a remote position, and you are guaranteed good freedom and flexibility.   

You need to submit your resume and complete a sample test to get hired. You are allowed to include the pay rate in your application.

 

12. Lionbridge

This is an American-based localization and AI training data services company. Lionbridge has a list of different jobs from almost every field on its careers page from across the world. Similarly, you can also find some great proofreading jobs as well.

This place is good for beginners to start with. No matter which part of the globe you are, you can find an online proofreading job here. 

According to Glassdoor reviews, the average salary of a Lionbridge proofreader can be $46978 per annum.

 

13. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal company looks for proofreaders who have either a graduate degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in professional proofreading and editing services. You can also be currently enrolled in any graduate or post-graduate program and still apply to this job if you have a 3.5 GPA.

You also need to have other preferable experiences, such as using different formatting styles, etc. If you meet these criteria, apply by visiting their website.

The pay starts from $20 an hour for proofreaders here.

 

14. Cactus Communications

This is a global scientific communications company that helps in making research available and accelerates it around the globe. You can find full-time, work-from-home, and freelance proofreading and editing opportunities here.

According to Glassdoor reviews, you can make an average of $10 per hour at Cactus Communications.

 

15. Scribbr

This Netherland-based company has several openings for editors and proofreaders. To work with them, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and must be available for at least 10 hours a week. They prefer experienced candidates.

They have flexible schedules for you but may require you to work full-time during busy periods. Scribbr pays €20-€25 per hour.

 

16. Proofread Now

Proofread Now is not currently hiring, but they usually see candidates who have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a professional proofreader. You can keep a check on their employment to grab the job as soon as there are openings.

 

17. Gramlee

They usually hire independent contractors to work from home. If you would like to join Gramlee, you can submit your application by visiting their website.

They charge $0.02 per word from clients; however, it is not known if they cut or pay it as it is to their proofreaders.

 

18. SmartBrief

This is a digital media publisher focused on business news. SmartBrief usually hires work-from-home proofreaders and editors.

Though they don’t have any openings, currently, you can keep a check on their careers page to apply as soon as there are openings available. They pay $15 per hour.

 

19. Editor World

They are currently hiring independent contractors to work from home. Editor World usually hires people with bachelor’s degrees or more with experience in professional editing and proofreading. But currently, they are considering the ones with Ph.D. or with a science background.

To apply, register on their website.

 

20. Scribe Writing

Scribe Writing is a book publishing company. The role of proofreaders in such companies is great. So you can find some amazing online proofreading jobs here. They have both full-time and freelance career opportunities.

You can register yourselves with an email id and get notification alerts as soon as there are openings.

 

21. Edit911

This editing and proofreading services company looks for candidates with a Ph.D. in English. To apply, you can send them your resume and a sample of your work.

Edit911 is a great place for freelancers as well as beginners.

 

22. Kirkus Media

This is a book reviewing company that usually hires editors and proofreaders, but it has current openings for book reviewers.

You can subscribe to their newsletter so that you get all the latest notifications that can help you apply as soon as there is an opening for online proofreading jobs.

Kirkus Media pays its employees on an hourly basis.

 

23. EditFast

They always have openings for skilled editors and proofreaders. EditFast expects the candidates to have done special courses in proofreading and editing along with a bachelor’s degree.

They keep 40% of the payment from the clients to themselves, but there is no information on how much of it does it pays their employees.

 

24. Sibia Proofreading

They look for native English speakers and experienced candidates to work as proofreaders for them. Sibia Proofreading also stresses you have subject matter expertise to join them.

Though they are not currently hiring, this is a worthy place to work, so keep yourself updated with their notifications.

 

25. Wordy

This is another leading company in editing and proofreading services. As their site is currently being updated, the registrations for new candidates is not yet started.

Once everything is set, you can register on Wordy for a proofreading position.

They usually offer work-from-home proofreading jobs.

 

26. English Trackers

They offer flexible English proofreading jobs with a guaranteed monthly payment that depends on the client and project.

English Trackers desire to hire native English speakers with a minimum of 2 years of professional experience.

 

27. WordsRU

To get hired by WordsRU you need to have a master’s degree, Ph.D., or equivalent experience in any academic discipline. Experience of a minimum of 2 years is another desirable quotient. 

 

So these are some of the best places where you can find online proofreading jobs. Now it’s time to look at the pros and cons of online proofreading jobs.

 

Pros And Cons of Online Proofreading Jobs

Like any other job, proofreading also has its upsides and downsides. Let us have a look at all benefits and drawbacks that are involved in this job.

Pros

  • One of the best work to do from home. 
  • The start-up cost is low, so you can also start your proofreading business. 
  • Great opportunities that can allow you to scale up your career.
  • This can be your side hustle or a full-time career.
  • You can design your schedule yourselves.

Cons

  • You may need to meet strict guidelines.
  • Some companies stress having the experience to hire you
  • You may find the work difficult if you have no knowledge about the matter you are proofreading
  • It may be difficult to identify the voice of the writer

However, these cons are not going to take away your interest in this field. With regular practice, you can overcome these issues and ace the game.

 

Conclusion

Since proofreading is one of the lucrative sources of income, you can make the most of it if you are good at grammar skills and catching errors.

You also have several options to be successful here, such as freelancing, full-time and part-time jobs, or you can start your business. So don’t miss this fruitful opportunity of making money.

I hope you liked this article and found it helpful. Let us know if there are any other best places for online proofreading jobs. Also, feel free to share your experiences if you are already in this field.

 

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job suraksha

Wednesday 15th of September 2021

Online job portal services made work easier for job providers. Recruiters are shifting towards an online platform to find a perfect candidate for their respective openings. The traditional medium of posting a job is more time-consuming as compared to an online job posting. Therefore, If recruiters are looking for mass hiring then an online job portal is the easiest way to reach a mass audience. Jobs are getting lesser day by day. It is very hard to approach door- door to find the right job.

Cosmos Nkem

Wednesday 28th of October 2020

i can do this task very well

Dreamshala Staff Writer

Thursday 29th of October 2020

Great

Alan Heikkila

Wednesday 16th of September 2020

Great article and useful information.

Dreamshala Staff Writer

Thursday 17th of September 2020

Thank you, Alan. I am glad you liked it.

Jo-Ann

Tuesday 11th of August 2020

Very helpful information, especially places to look for online opportunities. You cut down on a lot of time spent surfing.