INSIDE: Thinking of moving into a proofreading or editing job? Now there are more opportunities than ever. Let’s learn how to start editing and proofreading right now!
In recent years, we have seen an increase in online proofreading jobs. That doesn’t come as a big surprise. As more and more websites, blogs, social media influencers, and self-publishers come online, someone needs to make sure all the T’s are crossed and all the I’s are dotted.
Many online platforms and publishers have at least one proofreader or content editor. If you’re a natural wordsmith, there may be a freelance editing or proofreading job waiting for you.
How to get started editing and proofreading
In today’s post, we’ll show you how to get started editing and review at home and where to find remote review jobs.
What is the difference between an editor and a proofreader?
In many cases, people use these two terms interchangeably. However, they can mean two very different things. This is especially true when it comes to online content.
Editors working from home They are typically in charge of creating content calendars, generating content ideas, assigning work to freelance writersdo revisions and things in that initial line of completing the content and being ready to publish.
Those written papers are then assigned to a proofreader who gets to work correcting grammatical errors and polishing things up. A proofreader will ensure that documents are in the company’s standard format and may even verify data.
Depending on the size of the company, the lines between these two job descriptions can be blurred or even combined into a single role. When it comes to publishing a book or other more detailed content, the roles can be further broken down. For example, a piece of writing might then go through a development editor, a style editor, and finally a proofreader.
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How much do proofreader and editor jobs pay per year?
As with most work-at-home jobs, the average salary for proofreading and editing runs the gamut. Recent surveys provide an average of around $25 per hour. Those with more experience or specialized skills can charge $35 or more.
What skills and abilities should a good proofreader have?
Before looking into how to start editing and proofreading, you should take an inventory of your skills. Review involves more than just detecting misspelled words. You will also need to have a good understanding of grammar and use punctuation correctly.
Regardless of the position you apply for, you will almost certainly have to take spelling, grammar, and punctuation tests. Most companies will require you to be a native English speaker.
You can find several free grammar and spelling tests online to test your proofing skills:
If you’re a member of a job board like Upwork or FlexJobs, you’ll also find skills tests available there.
In addition to the basics, you may also need to master popular software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
What kind of training should professional editors and proofreaders have?
The training or education required will vary greatly. Some companies may only require you to pass a competency test. Others may require an English degree.
Depending on the type of review being performed, you may need other specialized knowledge, such as formatting transcripts or legal documents if you are just getting started in legal or transcript review. The general review generally has the fewest requirements when it comes to education, although knowledge of the AP style book is a frequent request. Carefully read each review job description.
If you are looking to become a freelance proofreader and start your own freelance proofreading business, there are several popular courses that can help you. I recommend choosing a proofreading course that will not only help you brush up your proofreading skills, but also teach you how to market your services, bill clients, and provide guidance when it comes to legal, government, and industrial requirements. tax.
I recommend Review anywhere, which offers a handful of courses led by the experienced Caitlin Pyle. Her courses are a smart investment for anyone looking to start a freelance proofreading career.
Where can you find proofreading and editing jobs online?
The next step in learning to edit and proofread is knowing where to find work. Whether you are more interested in freelancing or editing online content or written documents, there are many jobs available to choose from.
- Lionbridge: Microtasks
- ProofreadingPal: Must be currently enrolled in college or have 5 years of experience
- Reedsy – freelance review jobs marketplace
- polished paper
- write media
- gramlee
- Cambridge proofreading
The following companies have been known to have freelance editor job listings from time to time:
- Bustle
- cactus communications
- dash point
- NerdWallet
- Vox Media
- VIQ Solutions
You can also keep an eye on job boards like:
- Wordvice
- FlexJobs
- Indeed
- upwork
- Freelancer
Each review job posting should give you an idea of the education and experience required.
When you want to learn how to get started with editing and proofreading and you’re starting at the bottom, you’ll need to demonstrate your proofreading and writing skills over and over again until you build a portfolio. As you become an experienced proofreader, more doors with better pay will open for you!