Spelling and grammar are crucial skills that everyone needs, especially freelance writers. But, it’s not only freelancers that need these skills, you too can put these skills to use and find the best online proofreading jobs for beginners.
Freelance proofreaders and editors are in high demand these days, especially with the growing number of written material in the form of blogs and articles.
Bloggers, magazines, journalists and authors all want their content to stand out online. And grammar is one of the ways to ensure their content looks as professional as possible.
It is now commonplace to see a growing number of freelancers making their money this way. But the challenge, as always, is finding the right online proofreading jobs for you.
If you’re always the one to identify even the smallest of errors in written texts, online proofreading jobs for beginners are an excellent opportunity for you to start making money online as a freelance proofreader.
So if you’re thinking of becoming an online proofreader yourself, or even running your very own freelance proofreading enterprise, there are lots of great online proofreading jobs even for complete beginners.
What is Proofreading?
This is the act of reading a written document to remove mistakes like grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, punctuation, etc.
A proofreader’s job is to make sure that written texts are as easy to present or publish as possible.
Proofreading is one of the last and most crucial phases of writing any piece of text.
Without proofreading, published texts are released to the public in their rawest, unedited form which shows unprofessionalism. With quality like this, companies, blogs, etc will lose their professional credibility and customers in the process.
If you want to be successful as a freelance proofreader, you must have a keen eye for detail and also, one for grammatical errors.
Proofreaders typically mark errors leaving the final changes up to the author, unlike editors.
An editor’s work is to make all the changes necessary and to submit a polished version of a wall of text.
Proofreading and editing jobs require the same abilities but proofreader jobs are easier and quicker for beginners to learn.
Pros and Cons of Online Proofreading Jobs From Home
Pros
- You get to work with a flexible schedule
- Work remotely
- Very high demand for your skills
- Income potential is quite good
- Starting costs are very low
- Degrees and other high-profile qualifications aren’t needed
Cons
- Deadlines are tight
- Building a steady client base takes a bit of time
What’s the demand for Freelance Online Proofreaders Like?
Astronomical! Since the need for written digital content rises yearly, the demand for both full-time and part-time proofreaders also goes the same way.
How Much Can You Make With Online Proofreading Jobs From Home For Beginners?
According to salary.com, proofreaders in the U.S make an average of $52,945 as of December 28, 2020.
Proofreader annual salaries range between $46,462 and $60,456.
Different factors like experience, certifications, expertise, and education help to bring about this variation in pay.
For example, the more experienced freelance proofreaders earn much higher hourly rates compared to beginners because, with more experience, you gain much more expertise which translates to much higher hourly rates.
If you choose to work as a freelance proofreader, you’ll get to set your hourly rates and the clients you work with. All these factors will contribute to your total income.
What Skills Do I Require to Become a Freelance Proofreader From Home?
You do need some skills for these online proofreading jobs. And one of the most important ones is a keen eye for fine details.
You’re a perfect match for the job if you can pick out even the most minuscule spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors from a piece of text.
You also need a few other essential skills that are equally as valuable:
- Good command of English and Impeccable grammatical skills
- Long attention span
- Good reading and comprehension skills
- Organizational skills
- A keen eye for detail
- Meeting tight deadlines
- Training or a degree. Although this is not really a strict requirement.
How Flexible Are These Online Proofreading Jobs At Home (For Beginners)?
Online proofreading jobs for beginners are very flexible. You can work these proofreading jobs from home during the weekends or at any time of day during the week. As long as you meet your client’s demands.
So this means that freelance proofreading jobs can be a great weekend job idea or a side hustle you can do at your own time. Proofreading jobs at home are also great for stay-at-home moms.
How Should I Get Started With Entry Level Proofreading Jobs Online?
Although online proofreading jobs for beginners don’t require high-profile qualifications, you’ll at least need some basic language skills and a nose for spelling or grammatical errors to get started.
But that’s not all!
When hiring, most employers look for proofreaders with some proofreading experience and/ or certification.
And that’s why you should have some kind of formal proofreading training/practice before going ahead to apply for these jobs.
Caitlin Pyle offers a FREE proofreading workshop that covers some of the most important aspects of proofreading you’ll need to know before getting any proofreading jobs.
In her free workshop, Caitlin explains how you can start making money working online proofreading jobs from home.
She also talks about how you can get your first clients, and also how you can scale your online proofreading business.
Don’t miss out on this workshop. It’s got pretty much everything you need to know about freelance proofreading.
Caitlin Pyle made more than $43,000 in 2014 by working freelance proofreading jobs from home.
After achieving success in this venture, she decided that she wanted to teach everyone how to do it themselves too.
So, she created Proofread Anywhere, an online course that makes sure people like you and me learn how to proofread the right way from the start.
You can read our Proofread Anywhere review to know how to go about it.
Now, here are some of the best platforms that are offering online proofreading jobs for beginners right now.
Amazing Places to Find Legit Online Proofreading Jobs From Home
Whether you choose to proofread for authors, bloggers, or other types of clients, these freelance proofreading jobs will help you quickly build yourself a portfolio.
When looking for a gig, be on the lookout for different job titles since different companies use different terms to refer to proofreaders.
Terms like revisors, editors, editorial assistants, content developers and others are commonplace.
1. Fiverr.com
Fiverr is one of the best platforms for selling your freelance services. You can use it to sell your editing or proofreading services as well.
Most freelance gigs on Fiverr start selling at $5. But you can add even more services and packages and charge even more money.
For instance, you can charge extra for fast delivery or extra services like writing whole blog posts or posting content on social media.
Related: 22 Weird Gigs on Fiverr – The Most Creative Ways to Make Money in 2021
2. FlexJobs
This is an online job portal offering work-from-home jobs that will allow you to work remotely, part-time or as a freelancer to make money online.
You can find online editing and proofreading jobs on a dedicated section on this jobs portal.
They have a $15/ month membership which gives you access to different kinds of remote jobs on top of online proofreading jobs.
Give it a try and see how it goes. If you like the service, you can always cancel your subscription at any time. No problem.
3. ProofreadingServices.com
This proofreading job portal offers both full-time and part-time jobs. All proofreaders on this platform must pass a 20-minute screening before having any work assigned to them.
It offers flexible work opportunities and pay that ranges from $19 to $46/ hour.
The amount you can earn depends on turnaround time, with the highest paying proofreading jobs having the most urgent deadlines.
4. Upwork
In addition to proofreading jobs for beginners, Upwork also has a large pool of top-rated freelancers who offer different services like app development, marketing, customer services, writing, design, and so much more.
Freelancers all over the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK use this platform to sell their services and make money online.
5. Gramlee
Gramlee is always looking for grammar geeks to add to their growing team.
One amazing thing about Gramlee is that they offer work-from-home editing jobs 24/7.
With Gramlee, you don’t have to worry about looking for proofreading jobs ever again.
However, to keep your job here, you need to be a quick proofreader because they have a 24-hour turnaround time for 3,000-word documents.
This company doesn’t require you to have previous proofreading job experience or a degree to apply. But, it helps to have some background knowledge of proofreading to start.
6. Scribe Media
Formerly known as Book in a Box, Scribe Media is a proofreading company currently taking freelance manuscript proofreaders.
Since the company got rebranded, it is now super organized.
As an editor on this platform, you’ll be able to interact with a variety of writers and authors.
Scribe doesn’t have a long list of requirements you need to have before applying for proofreading jobs from home, but you should at least have some form of proofreading job experience to start.
To prove your writing and proofreading skills, you can provide a portfolio of articles, essays or high school papers you have written and edited.
7. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a very useful platform if you are thinking of offering your services to small businesses directly. This platform allows you to approach potential clients you want to work with.
LinkedIn can amplify your reach to other professionals.
All you have to do here is to create a profile that looks and feels professional. Your work should reflect the skills and abilities you have. And what better way to do this than to add samples of your work and testimonials?
8. Polished Paper
This proofreading jobs portal is always looking for exceptional editors. To be considered for one of these editing jobs, you’ll have to register for a user account and upload your resume.
After this, you’ll be given a 35-question test designed to test your editing skills. This test is set using the MLA, APA, and Chicago formatting guides.
It’s not stated whether or not they’re looking for you to have any experience or a college degree. So, this means you can apply as a beginner and get hired if you’ve got the skills to match.
7. Scribendi
Scribendi offers remote freelance proofreading jobs at home. And this platform allows you to work with your very own schedule.
However, some of their qualifications may be quite unfriendly for beginners. They require you to have a university degree and at least 3 years of proofreading experience.
You should also be a native English speaker with an average proofreading speed of at least 1000 to 1,500 words/ hour.
8. ProofreadingPal
If you are a proofreading pro with some experience, ProofreadingPal may have proofreading jobs online no experience for you.
They pay their proofreaders anything of $500 to $3000 per month.
Before joining this company, you’ll have to answer a short independent contractor questionnaire. You’ll then have to wait for 5 to 10 business days for a response from their representative.
9. Wordvice
Wordvice has open positions for freelance editors, content writers, and freelance translators. Jobs on this site are abundant, so you’ll never have to worry about finding work again.
Work on this platform includes editing articles, theses, dissertations and admission essays. You can work part-time by setting your very own work schedule.
They pay their proofreaders based on word count and the turnaround time set by the clients.
One of the key requirements to get hired to this site is to have a graduate degree.
10. Clickworker
This is an online platform that outsources micro-tasks to translators, writers, data processors, researchers, and proofreaders, to fulfill their clients’ demands.
They hire proofreaders with good language and editing skills.
You’ll be required to take a test when you sign up. After this, you’ll be able to get available online proofreading jobs.
The proofreading jobs you’ll be doing on Clickworker are usually smaller tasks of a larger project that don’t take as long. So, this means that they have great online proofreading jobs for beginners.
Clickworker pays per word.
11. Get Editing Jobs
This is a freelance jobs directory that specializes in editing, proofreading, and specialty writing.
Just use the search bar to find the online proofreading jobs at home you might be interested in.
Get Editing Jobs mainly offers online proofreading jobs but you might land a permanent in-person job too.
12. MediaBistro
This job board will allow you to get access to a variety of media-related freelance proofreading jobs.
You can sign up for job alerts using keywords like ‘Proofreading jobs’, and you’ll be alerted via email when online proofreading jobs show up.
13. Lionbridge
This is also a great place to start if you’re looking for part-time freelance proofreading jobs at home. Like Clickworker, this platform works by outsourcing tasks to freelancers like proofreaders.
Although you’ll need some experience to get jobs here, Lionbridge has an awesome reputation and is a great place for you to get online proofreading jobs for beginners.
14. R3ciprocity
This is an editing and online proofreading platform based on credits. After joining, you’ll be able to proofread other people’s work to earn credits. You can then use the credits you earn to get your writing proofread.
This is a great platform for anyone interested in getting feedback on their proofreading skills to improve their skills.
You can also earn money on this site too. Instead of using your credits to get your work proofread, you can cash them out.
15. OneSpace Freelancers
This platform helps freelancers get proofreading jobs, receive feedback and receive payment.
They post jobs as soon as they are available. Some are proofreading jobs from home while others aren’t.
16. EditFast
Once you create a profile on this online freelance platform, you can post your resume and a portfolio for clients to look at.
When you complete a job, EditFast gets to keep 40% of the project price while you keep the rest.
17. Reedsy
This platform mainly works with writers and authors. After signing up, their algorithm will assign you to clients you may be compatible with.
After signing up, you’ll start getting client requests, and you can respond with quotes.
It’s free to join, and for each proofreading job, you get to keep 90% of your commission, and they keep the rest.
18. Guru
This is yet another freelancing platform to look for online proofreading jobs for beginners. You may find proofreading jobs here whether you have zero or months of experience with proofreading jobs.
Guru has been around for a while and is comparable to major freelance sites like Fiverr.
19. Writer’s job shop
It’s a great online resource for freelancers working in various fields like copy editing, editing, and online proofreading.
You can find a steady stream of work advertised on their jobs board.
20. Freelancer
This is another great job board where you can get online proofreading jobs for beginners at home. It’s an open marketplace where you can find different kinds of freelancing jobs.
Complete your profile and then you’ll be able to bid on the jobs posted.
21. Writer’s Relief
This platform helps creative writers get their work proofread.
Their application process isn’t complicated, however, they accept only a small number of applicants at a time. So, it’s worth a try.
22. WritingJobz
This is also one of the best places to find online proofreading jobs for beginners. They have different types of online proofreading jobs like article proofreading (blogs), academic proofreading. They also have book proofreading.
Proofreaders on this platform earn up to $11/ page.
23. Be Your Own Boss!
Starting your own business is one of the best opportunities to get the best online proofreading jobs for beginners at home.
And it’s as easy as creating a website or using your Facebook account to find clients.
Starting a proofreading business means you’ll get remote proofreading jobs that’ll allow you to work at your own convenience.
The easiest way to start is by finding clients through job boards and work with them to get experience.
This is also one of the best entry-level proofreading jobs for beginners at home because it’ll cost you very little to establish your proofreading business.
Other Places to Find Proofreading Jobs From Home For Beginners
24. CACTUS Global
This is a scientific communications company that works with researchers and academics in different fields like healthcare, physical sciences, medicine and life sciences.
They do requite you to have expertise in the specialized field you’ll be working in. However, prior proofreading experience is not mandatory.
Cactus communications is currently hiring freelance editors and copy editors.
25. Editor World
26. Kirkus Media
27. Sibia Proofreading
28. Wordy
29. Edit Fast
30. Scribbr
31. Writer’s Relief
32. English Trackers
33. WordsRU
34. Craigslist
35. SmartBrief
36. Edit911
37. American Journal Experts
38. Managed Editing
Are These Online Proofreading Jobs at Home For Beginners REAL?
While it’s true that there are shady job offers on the internet that will ask for payment upfront to start getting jobs (red flag), the companies on this list I’ve put together are 100% legit.
Just get right into it and start applying for jobs without having to worry about wasting your time and money.
Are Proofreading Jobs at Home a Great Career Option For Me?
There is a lot to gain by pursuing proofreading full-time or part-time. First, like any other freelancing job, proofreading will give you independence (time and place).
Second, most proofreading job portals don’t need you to have a degree or lots of experience. All you need to have is the skill of keenly picking out mistakes from walls of text. If you already have it, then proofreading can be a great match for you.
If proofreading really appeals to you, and you’re willing to get the work in, you’ll start seeing all that hard work pay off in no time.
How Long Will It Take Me To Become a Great Freelance Proofreader?
It all depends! If you’re a complete beginner, then it’ll take you days, weeks or even months to find your footing and land your first major client.
Again, if you’re willing to work at sharpening your proofreading skills, the whole process will be much faster. If you get really good at your craft, you’ll build a loyal client base for yourself in no time.
Caitlin’s course has whole sections dedicated to breaking down the proper way of approaching clients guaranteed to get you offers within just a few days.
Do I Need a Degree To Do Proofreading Jobs at Home?
Not really! Some companies require you to have one while others don’t.
While having an English degree is an added advantage, it’s not really necessary to have one for you to become a proofreader.
If you don’t have one, you can still get plenty of online proofreading jobs for beginners. However, you still need to prove that you actually have the proofreading skills needed.
For instance, some companies and small businesses require you to have some proofreading experience or some proofreading certification, or impressive testimonials of your previous work.
The good news is that you can quite easily get these credentials by signing up for online courses, which give you the certification that allows you to market yourself as a qualified proofreader.
You should check out our Proofread Anywhere Review to get more details on how you can acquire these credentials.
The Most Useful Tools For Online Proofreading Jobs at home (For beginners)
Grammarly
As a professional freelance proofreader, you should be able to easily pick out mistakes from walls of text. But, the job is much easier when you have a tool that helps you spot these errors in spelling, punctuation, and even tone.
Add the Grammarly extension to your web browser and watch as it points out errors and suggestions for corrections on the pages you proofread.
Google Docs
This is a helpful tool for most proofreaders since it has features like adding comments to the original document and easily share them.
Microsoft Office
Other businesses will require you to know how to work with Microsoft office applications which they use themselves. Either way, you should have great applications like MS Word which make your life simpler.
Dropbox
One of the best options for sharing documents remotely with clients. I works great with most word processors.
Apart from these, you need little else to become a successful at online proofreading jobs for beginners. You don’t have to have a desktop computer ( a good laptop is fine), or super fast internet.
This means you can do freelance proofreading jobs from anywhere, anytime!
Are Entry Level Proofreading Jobs Online Really For Me?
Almost anyone can start making money working from home. So, if you’re looking into online proofreading jobs for beginners as a way to start working remotely, you should also other options to start making money on the side. There are plenty.
But if you want to exploit your hobby, or you’ve got the grammar and spelling skills needed to land the online proofreading jobs from home above, please give them a shot.
Proofreading is one of those skills that are in very high demand. If you’ve got the skill to match, then proofreading jobs might be the best bet to start making money online.
There are many online proofreading jobs platforms today that will help you find work even if you are a complete beginner.
And if you are one, no worries. You can take short online proofreading courses, like Caitilin’s, to learn more about this online profession.
Mel. This is a terrific article that is especially important in this Pandemic era of job hunting with lots of competition. I am passing a lot of the insight on to my daughter who is in the middle of this muck and needs the extra bucks.
Thanks, Annie! I hope your daughter finds something soon 🙂