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Words are all around us. From webpages to adverts, television scripts to movies. All of these types of writing require editors to ensure that they have no errors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 120,000 people are working in editing jobs.
Fortunately, you don’t need to commit full time to this occupation. It is possible to create a side gig, freelancing with hours to suit your other commitments. Here we’ll explore the different types of remote editing jobs and the best platforms to find freelance gigs.
What is an Editor?
Editors review content produced by writers, checking for grammar issues, accuracy and overall structure. There are different types of editors including:
- Book Editors: One of the most popular remote editing jobs is book editing. If you enjoy books, this is likely to be the best editing jobs for you. You will not only be advising on text improvements, but you could also impact whether a book will be published or not. You may be working directly with new authors or collaborating with publishing houses.
- Magazine Editors: You may also find freelance editing jobs in the area of magazine editing. This is similar to book editing, but it is likely that you will be working in smaller batches or articles. The overall aim of a magazine editor is to ensure an article perfectly fits with the photos and matches with the publisher’s theme. You will also need to check that the different articles work well together as a whole. You’re likely to work with publishing companies for online magazines and newspapers.
- Literary Editors: Being a literary editor comprises everything related to texts. It starts with the way the text looks and ends with how it is understood. You’ll need excellent grammar skills, understand text structure and be able to provide constructive criticism for the writer. You will also need to check the citations and sources to ensure accuracy. As a literary editor, you may be working with authors, magazines or other publications.
- Copy Editors: Copy editors typically only work with authors. You’ll go over grammar, punctuation, repetitions and punctuation with your client. You will also need to fact check the content. Your work may involve blog articles, flyers, or even commercial broadcasts.
How To Become an Online Editor?
Most editing platforms require serious editors. So, it is important to update your resume and polish your editing skills. If you’re not feeling confident, take a few courses on the various editing styles. This should help you to pass any application tests and get accepted for work platforms.
16 Best Editing Jobs
1. Cambridge Proofreading & Editing
Cambridge Proofreading & Editing was established in Cambridge, England, but now has a headquarters in Chicago. This company has a network of more than 300 editors, working for 54,000 clients across the globe.
As an editor for Cambridge, you’ll edit documents in your area of expertise and interest. You can focus on editing, while Cambridge manages the logistics and client care.
Other benefits include:
- Work from anywhere
- Retain control of your schedule, working the hours you choose
- Receive personalised feedback to improve your skills
To join the platform you need to be a native speaker with a bachelor’s degree from a well respected English speaking university. You can expect to earn an average of $20 to $30 per hour. Editors are paid twice per month.
2. Edit 911
Edit911 offers editing and proofreading, but its entry requirements are fairly high. To work for this platform, you need to have a Phd in English or other writing intensive discipline.
The company has a focus on thesis, book correction and dissertation. So, this job is not for a beginner. You’ll be working on projects from scholars and will need an interest in academia. However, you can expect to earn up to $50 per hour.
3. Edit Fast
Edit Fast is actually a job board for copy editors, proofreaders and other writing professionals. While the site may look low tech, there are thousands of jobs posted on the site.
Since Edit Fast is a freelancing site, it will help to have experience. You can set your own rates, but you will need to go through multiple tests and a resume builder to start applying for jobs.
If you can edit efficiently and quickly, this could be a great platform for you. Once you get through the tests to qualify, you can immediately start working.
4. Gramlee
Gramlee is an editing service, but it has an extremely fast turnaround. If you work with the platform, you’ll need to meet a 24 hour deadline.
The company does receive hundreds of applications every week. So, you will only receive a reply if they like your application.
To apply, you’ll need to complete the application form detailing your qualifications and editing experience. There are also some tricky questions on the application, such as what “unfair advantage” makes you an excellent candidate?
Think of this like an interview and try to differentiate yourself from the crowd of other applicants. Once accepted, you can expect to earn approximately $15 per hour or more.
5. Polished Paper
Polished Paper is a good option for editors with more experience. To sign up, you need to complete the application form online and take a 35 question test. This may seem a little daunting, but the idea is to ensure you can catch tough errors a less experienced proofreader is likely to miss.
While Polished Paper aims to offer a first class service to clients, it does compensate its editors accordingly. You can expect to earn $20 or more per hour.
6. Upwork
Upwork is the largest freelancing marketplace, making it a great place to find editing jobs. Once you have set up your freelancer profile, you can submit proposals for projects that appeal to your interest.
You do need to purchase connects to submit proposals. These cost $0.15 each, so it is a good idea to be selective about which jobs you apply for. Additionally, Upwork does take a commission from all complete projects. However, this commission is on a sliding scale to encourage you to work repeat jobs with the same client. The commission ranges from 5% to 20%.
To find remote editing jobs, it is advisable to take the editing and proofreading tests. After you take the test, your score can be shown on your profile to increase your credibility.
Upwork allows setting your own rates, but you can expect to earn an average of $15 to $20 per hour.
7. Scribbr
Scribbr offers proofreading services. To work for this platform, you need to be prepared to provide a fast turnaround on tight deadlines. You’ll mostly be working on theses, dissertations and essays rather than articles or blogs.
To sign up, you need to complete a three step application process. This involves an application form, questionnaire and tests. If you pass two tests according to the Scribbr style guide, you will need to complete up to five simulation orders within three days.
You can expect to earn up to $28 per hour. However, since the company is based in Amsterdam, Scribbr does pay in Euros.
8. Scribendi
Scribendi provides editing and proofreading services and has been around since 1997. In fact, the company claims to have edited almost two billion words to date.
Where Scribendi is a little different from other platforms is that they combine proofreading and editing job descriptions. So, while you may try to join as an editor, you’re likely to also qualify for proofreading work.
To qualify, you need:
- A university degree
- At least three years of editing or writing experience
- Native English
- Be fantatical about meeting deadlines
- To have an average editing speed of 1,000 words or more per hour.
- High speed internet access
- The ability to accept payments in US dollars
- A secure computer with Word 2010 or later.
You can expect to earn $15 to $20 per hour.
9. Managed Editing
Managed Editing or Wordfirm Inc offers proofreading and copyediting services to publishers, government agencies and non profits. You may be working on anything from a simple flyer to a multi volume book project.
The application process is quite extensive, so you will need to read through the details carefully. There is one form for all the types of work offered on the platform. So, only fill in the relevant sections. You will need to provide personal details, experience information and any qualifications.
You can specify your preferred rates on the application form. But, you can expect to earn approximately $25 to $30 per hour.
10. Words rU
WordsRU offers editing for a variety of writing projects from fiction books authors to academics. This means that there are plenty of types of work available to suit your interest and expertise.
The company prefers applicants with two years of professional experience and a Master’s degree. But, even if you don’t meet the requirements, it is worth sending your resume.
11. Wordvice
Wordvice offers premier services, with most of its work in business, government and academic fields.
Although the company does prefer applicants with both editing and proofreading experience, it is possible to get just editing jobs.
You can browse the current positions on the Wordvice career page. But, most jobs will ask for you to specify your expected pay rates.
12. ProofreadingPal
ProofreadingPal has a two pro model. So, each project has two professionals check the work for the client.
To qualify to work with ProofreadingPal, you need:
- To be currently employed or enrolled as a grad or post grad student with a minimum 3.5 GPA at an accredited U.S university.
- A minimum of five years of editing and proofreading experience.
- An ability to meet deadlines
- Experience with popular writing styles
As a newbie on the platform, you can expect to earn approximately $12 to $15 per hour. However, as you gain experience on the platform, this can increase to approximately $22 per hour.
13. Editor World
Editor World hires independent contractors to work remote editor jobs. You can provide editing services without needing to pitch to clients or bid on jobs.
The company does have extensive requirements to become an editor. This includes:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Editing experience
- Native English speaking
- Ability to clearly communicate
- Ability to meet strict deadlines
- High speed internet
- PC with Word 2010 or higher.
- Commitment to delivering high quality customer service.
If you meet these requirements, you’ll need to submit a complete application.
14. English Trackers
English Trackers allows you to work as a professional editor around your schedule. The company allows you to concentrate on academic editing while they handle the client care and marketing.
You can:
- Enjoy a flexible schedule
- Receive payments on the 15th each month
- Benefit from a great support team
To qualify, you need to be a native speaker and two years of editing experience. The company gives preference to applicants with a PhD. You can apply on the website when there are vacancies.
15. Enago
Enago offers editing services to non native English writers. There are two levels of editing. Copy editing requires proofreading and checking for readability.While substantive editing requires you to make the content functional for the reader. So, you’ll be correcting non native phrases and sentence structure.
The company does require some experience for its editing jobs, but there are freelance positions available. You can expect to earn up to $20 per hour.
16. Salesfolk
Salesfolk is a little different. The company requires editors to review copywriter email campaigns. So, you’ll be looking at short emails to make them more compelling and concise with a few tweaks.
The editing jobs on this platform include:
- Using the Salesfolk proprietary software to review email campaigns
- Perform edits where necessary and offer feedback to the writers
- Become familiar with the internal protocols and documents
- Collaborate with client management and editorial staff to ensure efficiency and quality
- Participate in training to improve your editing skills.
To join the platform, you need to have a minimum of three years editing experience. You also need to be able to turn around projects on short notice and quickly. You should also be comfortable using Google Docs, Slack and remote conferencing software.
Do Editors Make Good Money?
Yes. An experienced editor can earn up to $50 per hour or more. Of course, it can take time to work up to this level. So, be prepared to earn approximately $15 per hour to gain experience and boost your resume.
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