Earn Money Online With Proofreading
The word comes from the term “Proofs” which was traditionally the final version of a document prior to it going to the publisher. Proofreading is simply reading a document looking for errors in spelling, grammar or layout and then marking these so that they can be corrected prior to publishing.
Some people confuse Proofreading with Copyrighting, which is more about creating content whereas proofreading is about checking content. Proofreading is more of a science and requires knowledge of the British Standards Institution Symbols. These are a group of simple shorthand symbols used by proofreaders to mark a document and identify where in the text there is a spelling error or where a new paragraph should be inserted. Electronic media and the internet has created a huge demand for proofreading skills and you could be engaging in assignments covering website content, newsletters, e-zines (online magazines), e-books as well as traditional print documents like books, manuscripts, leaflets and manuals.
What do I need to become a Proofreader?
Proofreading is essentially a science and for this reason it is essentially easy to learn, but you will need to complete a recognised qualification to learn the British Standards Institution Symbols which are required by most employers or publishing houses. A proofreading course is likely to cost you around £300-400, but once completed you can expect to earn between £20 and £35 per hour for the work you complete. Many people enjoy proofreading precisely because it is quite straight forward once you have gained a qualification, but the returns are excellent.
We have highlighted some of the key skills or traits required to become a successful proofreader;
The Benefits of earning money online with Proofreading include;
How to Find Proofreading work
The best proofreading assignments are usually found via networking and as you build up your proofreading business as a freelancer you will soon develop contacts that will keep you supplied with a regular stream of work. To help you get started here are a few proofreading forums and resources;
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders
This site is dedicated to helping UK proofreaders and editors to excel in their work. They can help with accreditation and provide links to recognised proofreading qualifications. They also have an extensive members area which will help you network with up to 1,400 of it’s registered members.
This is a superb site for those looking to get into the Proofreading industry and they offer extensive proofreading courses. They also have an excellent forums section where you can meet other proofreaders and discuss grammar and spelling issues.
These are dedicated to various forms of freelance work but have an excellent forum dedicated to Copywriting, which includes proofreading.
Potential Monthly Income From Proofreading
You proofreading business will grow as you expand your client base and this can happen more quickly if you use the internet to promote your skills and experience. We have put together a conservative estimate of potential monthly earnings from proofreading in the short and long term.
Estimated Earnings: (guideline only)
Our figures are based upon charging £20 per hour as a new business in the first 12- 18 months but this can quickly increase as you build a portfolio of work. Clearly you can build your proofreading business more quickly but we prefer to work with conservative figures. In the first year you should expect to run your proofreading business along side your full time employment until you begin to generate enough business to go full time. You will also notice that the figures we quoted are based on quite a small number of hours each month, so you can eaily fit your proofreading business around other family or social commitments. Of course you can always work more hours instead and increase your monthly income.
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