Online proofreading jobs can help you achieve your dream of working from home. Research reports are showing that more people are opting to work remotely either full-time or part-time.
Online proofreading jobs offer the flexibility to work from anywhere, at your own time, and as much or as little as you want.
But first…
What is Proofreading?
Proofreading is the process of ensuring that a document does not have spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes before it’s finally published or shared.
Proofreading and editing are sometimes used interchangeably but they are quite different. Editing involves fact-checking and making major changes to the structure and language used in a document while proofreading is the final step of identifying minor errors and consistency issues in a written document.
How to become an online proofreader
The beauty of doing online proofreading jobs is the flexibility to work from anywhere and anytime – provided you meet your client’s deadlines. You can work when traveling, in your favorite coffee shop, on your bed etc.
To get started as an online proofreader, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Excellent English skills: If you want to excel as a proofreader you need to have impeccable English skills. You need to identify errors in punctuation, spelling and grammar and correct them appropriately
- Have eagle eyes: As a proofreader, you need to have great attention to details. Just like an eagle, you need to spot mistakes with ease.
- Be flexible: Some proofreading jobs may have strict deadlines. You need to ensure that you are flexible with the timeline and complete the work accordingly. Always communicate with your clients to set timelines that are favorable for the both of you.
Proofreading jobs differ and you might find out that some require you to have a degree or proofreading training. However, it is not a must that you have a degree to get started as a proofreader. In fact, you can get free training on how to become a proofreader and make money from home.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
Caitlyn Pyle of Proofread Anywhere, was able to make over $43,000 in a year working as a freelance proofreader. To help other proofreaders excel in their proofreading career, she created a FREE online workshop to teach everything on how to get started as a proofreader the right way. By attending the workshop, you get to learn and know if proofreading is the right job for you!
P.S – The workshop is Absolutely free. To get access to Caitlyn’s FREE online workshop sign up here!
21 Best Online Proofreading Jobs from Home
Here are the top proofreading jobs and websites that allow you to work from home:
1. Flexjobs
Flexjobs is a job site that provides work from home job opportunities including online proofreading jobs. Unlike other job boards, all jobs are hand-screened to ensure they are legit. This is very helpful; as you are positive you won’t fall for scam jobs which are quite popular nowadays.
It is important to note, that flexjobs is a subscription service and so you have to pay $15 per month to have access to all types of online jobs.
On Trustpilot, flexjobs has an excellent rating of 4.2 with many people writing reviews of how flexjobs helped them land part-time and full-time remote jobs.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform to find all kinds of online jobs such as freelancing proofreading jobs. Freelancers on fiverr, sell their services to clients starting from $5. To get started as a freelance proofreader, set up your profile and create a proofreading gig.
Make sure you create a killer description that shows your prospective clients what you offer in your proofreading gig.
I recommend fiverr as a great starting point for all freelancers. Personally, I found great success by using Fiverr to land my first client when I was still in college.
3. ProofreadingServices.com
If you are looking for either part-time or full-time online proofreading jobs, ProofreadingServices.com is a great platform to get started at. However, you must pass a 20-minute test to be accepted.
You get to have flexible hours with great pay of $19 to $46 per hour depending on the number of hours to choose to work. Proofreaders get to earn higher if they work on urgent proofreading tasks.
Proofreaders are also able to connect with other proofreaders on the platform, which is a great way to form relationships with like-minded professionals.
4. Clickworker
Clickworker is a huge marketplace where clients outsource all kinds of tasks such as text creation, web researching, app testing, proofreading and so much more. Proofreaders are able to work from home whenever they want and formal qualifications are not needed.
To get started as a proofreader, you need to sign up and create a user profile. You also need to complete easy assessment tests to show your relevant skills.
Proofreaders can cash out their payment on a weekly or monthly basis via PayPal or SEPA.
5. ProofreadingPal
If you are a professional proofreader, ProofreadingPal is your best shot at getting proofreading jobs. They only hire experienced and expert proofreaders and editors most of whom have a Master’s degree or are pursuing PhDs.
Proofreaders are able to set their own working hours as long as they can meet their deadlines. According to ProofreadingPal, proofreaders can make $500 to $3,000 per month.
To be accepted at ProofreadingPal you either need to:
- Be employed or enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited US college/university and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
- Have a graduate degree with at least five years of professional proofreading and editing experience.
6. Lionbridge
Lionbridge offers a wide variety of freelance services to clients which include proofreading tasks. Freelancers are able to work remotely and at their own work schedule.
To get started you need to set up your profile and undergo a screening process in so as to start working.
Depending on your skills and experience, projects are sent via email or mobile app notification by the Lionbridge team.
7. EditFast
EditFast offers editing, proofreading and writing services to their clients. To start working as a proofreader at EditFast, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Prior experience is a must. You also need to pass the Prentice Hall test to be accepted as a proofreader.
8. Gramlee
Gramlee is a great company to find online proofreading jobs. According to their website, they are always looking for exceptional editors and proofreaders.
You need to fill an employment application form to be considered. Having prior proofreading experience can showcase your skills and have you higher chances of being accepted.
9. MediaBistro
MediaBistro is a job board that mainly focuses on the media industry. On their website, you can find all media related jobs such as writing, video editing, digital marketing, proofreading and much more.
You need to browse through their website to get proofreading jobs. You can also sign up in their email list to get proofreading job alerts.
10. Get Editing jobs
Get Editing Jobs is an online resource for both job seekers and employers. Their website is pretty easy to use. To get proofreading job leads use their search bar to find relevant featured proofreading jobs.
Create a job seeker account and upload your resume. Make sure you also accept to receive email alerts of job leads.
11. LinkedIn
You should never undermine LinkedIn in helping you land freelancing jobs. Create a LinkedIn account and ensure that you completely fill your profile showcasing your qualification, skills and past experience.
With the right keywords, clients can find your profile and hire you for proofreading services. Also actively, apply to LinkedIn jobs that meet your qualification and skills – you might find a part-time or full-time job.
12. ProofreadNow
ProofreadNow hires professional proofreaders to work on proofreading jobs in the medical, legal, financial, high-tech etc. fields.
ProofreadNow only hires native English, Spanish or Chinese speakers. You also need to have a minimum of five years of proofreading experience and pass their rigorous proofreading and editing test.
13. Polished Paper
Polished paper hires English proofreaders to work on a variety of different proofreading and editing projects.
Prior experience is necessary to work at polished paper. All proofreaders and editors must complete a comprehensive test before they are accepted to join the polished paper team.
14. Freelancer
Freelancer is among the oldest and largest freelancing marketplace where clients are able to find and hire all types of freelancers.
Create an account and upload samples of your proofreading work. To land proofreading jobs, you need to bid and apply to job postings posted by prospective clients.
Always provide quality services so as to get positive reviews. The more positive reviews you have, the more clients will trust you to do their proofreading tasks.
15. Scribendi
Scribendi hires professional editors and proofreaders all over the world. Most of their clients speak English as a second language and they include students, authors, businesses and individuals.
Proofreaders enjoy the freedom to work from home and choose the type of projects they would like to do. To be accepted, you need to have prior proofreading experience and have an editing speed of at least 1000 to 1500 words per hour.
16. Writing Jobz
Writing Jobz provides writing and proofreading jobs to freelancers. Newbies can also get jobs as the site hires both experienced and beginner proofreaders.
To get started create an account and submit your application. You must also pass a grammar test to start working.
The main benefit of working as a proofreader is the flexibility to work as much or as little as you want.
17. Wordvice
Wordvice is another great website to find work from home proofreading jobs. Having a background in education is beneficial as most of the proofreading projects are in the academic field.
To become a proofreader at Wordvice you need to be a native English speaker, be a graduate or actively enrolled in a degree program and have at least two years of professional editing and proofreading experience.
Knowledge of formatting styles such as APA, AMA, MLA and Chicago is also needed.
18. Upwork
Upwork is a freelance marketplace that you can use to land online proofreading jobs. You need to create an awesome profile that will attract clients to pick you. A lot of jobs are listed and every day and you can easily find entry-level proofreading jobs if you are a beginner.
However, it can take time to get your first job as you have to bid and a write killer proposal to get accepted.
19. Guru
Guru is another freelance website like Upwork where you can get freelancing jobs such as proofreading. You have to bid on posted jobs, and if the client loves your proposal they can go ahead and hire you.
Offer quality proofreading services and don’t undercharge your services. Don’t be afraid to bid higher if you are confident in your skills – clients are always willing to pay more for outstanding services.
20. Reedsy
Reedsy is a freelance marketplace that connects authors and publishers to exceptional freelancers including proofreaders.
At Reedsy, freelancers have the flexibility to set their own work schedule and the freedom to choose projects to work on.
Joining Reedsy is free but they review applications and prior experience is an added advantage.
21. English Trackers
English Trackers hires professional academic editors to work remotely. To join their team you need to be a native English speaker, be a PhD holder or academic editor with verifiable experience and have at least two years of academic editing experience.
Make sure you are also familiar with academic formatting styles such as APA, Chicago, and MLA etc.
How much can you make as an online proofreader from home?
The pay varies depending on your skills, experience and the type of proofreading jobs you do. Beginner proofreaders can earn $10 per hour.
As you gain more experience you can increase your hourly rates. The average proofreader is earns $22.04 per hour according to ZipRecruiter.
Is Proofreading in Demand?
Yes. Proofreading is and will always be in demand.
Proofreaders are needed to proofread books, academic texts and journals, website content, articles and much more.
Taking an example of blogs, all articles need to be proofread before they are published and so blog owners hire proofreaders to do just that.
Do you need proofreading training?
If you don’t have any experience as a proofreader, I recommend you undertake proofreading training to learn more about proofreading and the skills needed.
Consider signing up for Caitlyn Pyle’s free online workshop and find out if proofreading is right for you.
Wrapping it Up: Online Proofreading jobs from home
Proofreading is a great online job to consider if you are looking for work from home jobs. It is a perfect job for stay at home moms who need flexible part-time or full-time jobs.
Are you ready to get started as a proofreader? Which platform do you use to get proofreading jobs?
Let us know in the comments below!
