Proofreading is the process of carefully checking any Written text to catch and fix any grammatical errors, typos, spelling and punctuation mistakes, formatting issues, and inconsistencies.
The rise of the internet, websites, blogs, and social media has massively boosted the need for written content.
The increase in the creation of written content has also propelled the need for proofreading the content.
Proofreading is very essential for brands, legal documentation, professional blogs, websites, etc.
It ensures that whatever content they are creating looks professional, error-free, is fit to share with their audience, and is consistent with their image.
Brands don't want to create any text that looks clumsy, ambiguous, and full of error that will damage their reputation.
Imagine if you buy a new high-end smartphone, and its product usage guide is full of misspellings, typos, and confusing instructions.
What kind of impression will it create on you about the smartphone brand?
Not a good one, right?
That's why brands need a Proofreader who ensures that every text they send out is perfect, error-free, and maintains the brand's image.
If you're someone who has excellent language skills, loves to read, and has a sharp eye for errors, then you must seriously consider becoming a proofreader.
As a proofreader, your assignments may include proofreading anything from simple social media posts to emails, blog posts, product guides, books, or whatever is written to be shared with others.
How to get started
There are dedicated online portals for proofreading tasks.
The easiest way to find your first proofreading task is to signup on these portals.
But you must fulfill a few standard requirements that most of them need you to meet.
- A university degree in a relevant field
- Native-level English ability
- Excellent reading comprehension skills and the ability to follow written instructions and work independently
- Be absolutely passionate about meeting deadlines
- An average editing/proofreading speed of 1,000–1,500 words per hour
- Microsoft Word 2010 or later on a secure computer
- Broadband/high-speed Internet access
- The ability to accept payments in your own account in US dollars
Here are some of the best to get started.
- Proofreadingservices
- Scribendi
- ProofreadingPal
Another way to find proofreading jobs is to register on popular freelance sites such as:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Indeed
Expected earnings
According to the Glassdoor.com, the average salary of a fulltime proofreader is $44,500, while Salary.com estimates average proofreader salary around $51,000.
Looking at the above numbers, you can expect to earn a salary something in between.
As a freelance proofreader, you will be free to charge your own hourly rate, which will estimate your earning.
