Working from home comes with many benefits. You can show up to work in your PJs, save money on gas and transportation, and possibly cut back on childcare costs. Luckily, remote work opportunities are springing up everywhere in various forms. And one really great way to earn a full-time income from home is by becoming a professional proofreader.
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You may be thinking, “Ha. Me? A proofreader?” But trust me, by the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to become a professional proofreader and have all the info you need to determine if this job is a good fit for you.
What is Proofreading?
Proofreading is a very critical part of content creation. It is at this stage that any overlooked errors will be caught and corrected before publication. Proofreaders should catch any spelling or grammatical errors that may have slipped through the cracks. They will also correct any inconsistencies that may otherwise disrupt the flow of the text.
This is just another step in the editing process. The copy may have already been run by copy editors, line editors, etc. before it has reached the proofreader. What’s the difference? Well, different types of editors focus on different aspects of the text.
For example, a line editor may look at the overall flow of the text addressing issues such as redundancies, run-on sentences, and inconsistencies in the tone or storyline. A copyeditor looks at things such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It is the job of the proofreader to review the final copy to make sure it is at its absolute best.
Proofreaders must have great attention to detail. But no need to worry! You don’t have to be an English or Communications major to be an effective proofreader.
How Much Can You Earn as a Proofreader?
Now for the part I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for. How much do proofreaders make?
According to Indeed, proofreaders earn on average $22.78/hour or $53,992 per year in the United States.
Of course, your earning potential will vary according to the scope of your work. But for the most part, you can make a pretty decent income from home as a proofreader.
How to Become a Proofreader
As I mentioned earlier, you don’t need a fancy college degree to become a professional proofreader. But it is important to be up to date on modern proofreading techniques.
You can take an inexpensive online proofreading course to brush up on your proofreading and editing skills. Knowadays (formally known as Proofreading Academy) actually offers a very thorough proofreading course to help you get started as a proofreader.
Knowadays’ most popular course is 45-50 hours and comes complete with guaranteed work and offers a free trial so that you can test the waters.
This course is great for total beginners who are ready to take that next step towards becoming a confident and professional freelance proofreader. The best part is, you don’t need to stress about finding proofreader jobs right away as Knowadays offers a freelance work guarantee with their proofreading partner Proofed. This opportunity only comes with the Becoming a Proofreader Course and is available only to students who achieve a distinction grade on the final exam.
So if you’re interested in kickstarting a career in proofreading, this is the course for you.
Here is a glimpse of what you can expect to cover in this course:
❌ Higher paying proofreading jobs may require additional training
❌ Can be stressful at times due to tight deadlines
❌ If you aren’t good at managing time, you can quickly become overwhelmed or overworked
Is Proofreading a Good Job for Moms?
Becoming a freelance proofreader can definitely be a good move for Moms who are interested in working from home or want more control of their work schedule.
I have been copywriting and proofreading for nearly a decade now and I can say with confidence that this particular career path can be both lucrative and convenient for Moms.
After reading this post, do you think you’ll try your hand at becoming a proofreader or does it seem like it’s not a great fit for you? Feel free to let us know in the comments!
Briana Marie is a mental health and financial literacy advocate, and founder of Major League Mommy. In her spare time, Briana enjoys yoga, travel, and spending time with her Husband and two daughters.
