What Do You Need To Become A Proofreader?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Proofreaders oftentimes hold a

bachelor’s degree in English or journalism

. However, graduates in other disciplines also can succeed as proofreaders by demonstrating their understanding of written language. Employers frequently require candidates to take a proofreading test to show competency.

Do you need certification to be a proofreader?

The truth is,

you don’t need a special certificate or diploma in proofreading to

apply for jobs or to start working as a proofreader. Heck, you don’t even need a degree to work in publishing anymore!

What qualifications do you need to be a proofreader?


A university degree in English, journalism, publishing or marketing (desirable)

Proofreading qualifications – the best way to gain entry into this role is by enrolling in one of the specialist proofreading courses that are available.

How do I become a proofreader with no experience?

  1. Research what a proofreader does and brush up on your core skills.
  2. Learn how to use common editing tools in Microsoft Word.
  3. Get to know some of the major style guides that proofreaders use.
  4. Volunteer your services to build some experience.

How long does it take to become a proofreader?

How long does it take for one to be a professional proofreader? It depends on how good you are already, but to start fresh, it is

about five months

.

Is there a demand for proofreaders?

You may be concerned that since proofreading jobs are lucrative to many people, the market may be oversaturated. Fortunately, this is not true.

The demand for proofreaders is always on the increase.

Is being a proofreader worth it?

A career in proofreading can be a

rewarding one

, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. Whether you’ve toyed with the idea, or never gave it a thought till now, you may want to consider it as a career option, especially if you have the skills.

How do I get a job as a proofreader?

  1. Fiverr. If you’re brand new to proofreading and looking to build your portfolio, Fiverr is a great place to get started. …
  2. Upwork. Another good option for beginners is Upwork. …
  3. Scribendi. …
  4. ProofreadingPal. …
  5. The Editorial Freelancers Association. …
  6. The Internet + networking.

How much can a freelance proofreader earn?

On average, freelancers earn around

$15-20 per hour

with Proofed once they have proofread their 10 trial documents and gotten into their stride. This can rise to $25-50 per hour as they gain more experience and become more efficient at proofreading a wider range of documents.

What is the average salary for a proofreader?

An early career Proofreader with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of

AU$25.00

based on 7 salaries. A mid-career Proofreader with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of AU$25.29 based on 7 salaries.

Who hires proofreaders?

  • American Journal Experts – AJE. American Journal Experts, founded in 2004, is the largest academic author services company in the world. …
  • Bumble. …
  • Cactus Communications. …
  • Duolingo. …
  • Language Bear. …
  • Onward Search. …
  • Planet Technology. …
  • Scribendi.

Is there money in proofreading?

How Much Money Can You Make Proofreading? According to salary.com the median salary for an online proofreader is $52,202 per year. Keep in mind that the amount of money a proofreader makes will be dependent on how fast they work per hour. Some proofreading freelancers make anywhere from

$25-$50 per hour

.

Do proofreaders make mistakes?

Although proofreaders are responsible for eliminating errors,

they are still prone to making mistakes

. According to science, our brains aren’t wired to place a lot of attention on details. Furthermore, a lack of time, training, or experience are all reasons why a proofreader may overlook a blunder.

Can you make a living proofreading?

You can succeed

freelance proofreading

or working for a company. If you’re contemplating working as an in-house proofreader, according to Salary.com the median annual salary of a proofreader in the US is $49, 258 (2017), with the average range between $43K – $56K.

Is proofreading a stressful job?

Many proofreading jobs require a degree or further education. There are often tight or strict deadlines that you need to stay on top of, which can make

the job quite stressful

. The job can be quite consuming.

How do I market myself as a proofreader?

  1. Set up a website where you can promote your services and update it regularly.
  2. Use social media to network and advertise your work.
  3. Join a proofreading society to connect with other freelancers and potential clients.
Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.