If you have a keen eye for detail and a strong command of language and grammar, becoming a proofreader may be an excellent career choice for you.
In this article, we will be discussing a lot about building a career in proofreading and earning good money working remotely as a freelancer on ProofreadingPal or other platforms.
As a proofreader, you also have other options to work for a company or organization as an employee online or offline.
Who Are Proofreaders?
Proofreaders are professionals whose duty is to review written materials, such as articles, manuscripts, essays, and other written documents.
What Is Proofreading?
Proofreading is the process of carefully checking for errors in writing content. The main purpose of this is to detect and correct errors such as spelling errors, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and formatting errors, ensuring the written materials are accurate before the materials are published or distributed.
Working As A Proofreader
Proofreaders are not in any way limited to a single work model, they can work independently or as part of a larger editorial team, and they may be employed by publishing houses, newspapers, magazines, websites, or other organizations that produce written content using their knowledge of language and grammar rules, as well as specialized software and tools, to identify and correct errors and improve the overall quality of written materials.
Skills Required To Become A Professional Proofreader
- A professional proofreader must have strong language skills and a thorough understanding of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
- Must be precise and have an eye for detail and be able to spot even the smallest of errors, such as missing commas or misplaced apostrophes.
- You should be familiar with various style guides such as the AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style, and MLA Handbook, to be able to use the right styling for the right course.
- A professional proofreader should be able to manage their time effectively to meet deadlines and be able to prioritize their workload and complete projects on time.
- Good communication skills to improve and give feedback to writers clearly and simply.
- Should know different types of content, such as academic papers, website content, marketing materials, and legal documents.
- A professional proofreader should be familiar with proofreading tools such as Grammarly, Hemingway, ProWritingAid, and other tools that can help in proofreading professionally.
If you are able to meet the above requirements or aquire the required skills by studying and taking online courses, you can become a professional proofreader and build a strong career as a proofreader.
There are high demand and job opportunities all over the world for proofreaders remotely and non-remotely.
Working as a freelancer offer flexibility and the ability to choose your preferred clients and projects that interest you more. However, working for a company or organization as an employee may provide more stability, benefits, and a steady paycheck, but it may also limit your flexibility and control over the projects you work on as a proofreader.
Above all, the choice of working as a freelancer or employee depends on preferences, work style, and one’s career goals.
What Is ProofreadingPal?
ProofreadingPal is an online proofreading and editing service that offers professional editing and proofreading services for academic papers, business documents, personal documents, and more, founded in 2012 by Brian Kaldenberg and Greg McLaughlin.
As a professional proofreader, you can sign up with ProofreadingPal and work from home or anywhere as a freelancer. It can also be a good source to earn extra money and boost your career chase.
What are the requirements for ProofreadingPal jobs?
ProofreadingPal is very strict when it comes to the hiring process. They hire only the most qualified editors and proofreaders, and all work is double-checked (two-proofreader model) by a second editor to ensure accuracy and consistency.
They also require all applicants to have a college degree and at least five years of professional editing and proofreading experience, along with the skills required as a professional proofreader.
As a proofreader, you are also required to have a good computer device with good working conditions, connection, and the necessary tools. The available jobs at ProofreadingPal are freelance positions, which means that editors and proofreaders work as independent contractors and are responsible for their taxes and expenses.
Other Preferred Qualifications by ProofreadingPal
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Exceptional time management skills.
- Excellent Google search skills.
- Experience proofreading and editing academic papers in various fields of study.
- Experience with several popular writing styles, such as APA, MLA, CMS, AP, and CSE.
Required software:
- Microsoft Word 2007 (or higher)
- Adobe Standard or Foxit Standard (or higher)
- Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 (or higher)
How To Apply For ProofreadingPal Jobs?
To apply for ProofreadingPal jobs, you will need to visit their official website and complete an online application which includes a few tests to test your editing and proofreading skills, as well as a brief questionnaire about your experience and availability.
After submitting your application, ProofreadingPal will review your work and contact you within a few days to let you know if you have been selected for an interview, which will be done through a phone with a ProofreadingPal representative to discuss your skills and experience.
When hired, you will be granted access to ProofreadingPal’s online system, where you can then select assignments and communicate with clients and other editors.
How Much Do ProofreadingPal Editors And Proofreaders Earn?
ProofreadingPal pays its editors and proofreaders based on the number of words they edit or proofread. According to ProofreadingPal, their editors earn between $500 to $3,000 per month.
Editors and proofreaders receives payment twice a month via PayPal or check. ProofreadingPal does not provide benefits or health insurance, as all editors and proofreaders work as independent contractors, with is one of the downsides of working remotely.
However, there are other websites where you can find proofreading freelancer jobs that you can apply for and work remotely without any experience.
Where To Find Proofreading Jobs Without No Experience
- Kibin
- Konsus
- EditFast
- Reedsy
- ProofreadingServices
- OneSpace Freelancers
- Domainite
- Wordy
- Gramlee
- Sibia Proofreading
- Polished Paper
- Kirkus
- Hello Essay
- Toogit
- Wood Vice
- Proofread Now
You can find other websites that offer jobs to non experienced individuals who want to build their proofreading career.
However, you will have to brush up on what is needed to succeed as a proofreader. Research what a proofreader does and brush up on your core skills, Learn how to use common editing tools in Microsoft Word, and Get to know some of the major style guides that proofreaders use.