Proofreading is no longer the preserve of an elite group of individuals but can be undertaken by anyone with a passion for words and an eye for detail. The internet has created lucrative opportunities to earn money online from the comfort of your own home providing proofreading services, that traditionally would have required regular travel.
What is 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.
There are a number of excelent proofreading qualifications available including;
UK Open Learning Essential editing distance learning course (Proofreading & copy editing) - Course cost £295 - Use code MA126 and get 5% off, that's a saving of £14.75!
Chapter House Publishing - £288.00
Proofreading Key Skills & Benefits
We have highlighted some of the key skills or traits required to become a successful proofreader;
Self motivation.
A passion and love of words and language.
The ability to work alone, without supervision.
A good eye for detail.
Mental endurance.
Patience.
Willingness to work hard to meet tight deadlines.
The Benefits of earning money online with Proofreading include;
An excellent hourly rate of between £20-£40 per hour.
The option to pick and choose your proofreading assignments.
Flexible working hours.
The ability to run your own proofreading business from home and fit your family commitments around your work.
Most probably a job for life because the global hunger for information and content means that your skills will always be in demand.
Standardised working, because proofreading adopts a standardised approach you can use your skills absolutely anywhere.
Global market place. You need not limit your skills to a specific country because the internet provides you with an international client bases.
Common Proofreading Tasks
Checking Manuscript Structure - This is an important task which requires the proof reader to ensure that the text follows a logical sentence and paragraph structure and that line and page breaks are in the correct place. As part of this process it will also be important to have a consistent style to the document to ensure that chapter headings, speech and highlighted text are all formatted in a similar fashion which make the manuscript hold together and make it more accessible to the reader.
Reading Against Copy - This is a very common proofreading task that requires an individual to compare and contrast a manuscript against a set of proofs. It is quite laborious work and it requires the proof reader to be meticulous as you compare text in a line by line manner.
Page Numbering - Proofreading also requires checking and rechecking of page numbering and that any images, tables or figures are in a logical order and are correctly cross referenced with any associated index page.
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.
Freelance UK Forums
Grammourpuss
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.
Essential Proofreading Tips
Buy a fax machine - You will be amzed at just how many organisations stil use this as their primary method for faxing over manuscripts.
Complete a proofreading course and understand the British Standards Institution Symbols. These are essential for any proofreading work.
Build up your proofreading experience - When you first start out in your proofreading business it is unlikely that you will have much experience. Take the opportunity to email organisations and volunteer your services for free. Then ask for testimonials from those organisations which you can use to promote your paid proofreading services.
Network - Use proofreading forums to netwrok with experienced proofreaders and obtain work through them. Also use your contact to acquire tips and advice.
Promote your proofreading business - Don't spend lots on advertising in the early days. Focus on business cards, flyers and a website. Leave the big spending on advertising until you have gained more experience and can churn out work more quickly.
Get it right first time - When you proofread a manuscript do not think that you will have time to recheck your work as it is unlikely that you will have the time when you get busier. Instead aim to get it right first time and take your time over each page.
Chase invoices - One of the biggest killers to any business is not lack of work but lack of cash flow. Cash flow is the life blood of your business and no matter how busy you are ensure that you chase payment quickly or delegate this task to a trusted friend or family member, leaving you to focus on your proofreading work.
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)
0-12 months - Approximately £160 per month (based on 8 hours work during the month at £20 per hour)
12 -18 months - Approximately £400 per month (based on 20 hours work during the month at £20 per hour)
18 months plus £1400+ per month (based on 40 hours work during the month at £35 per hour)
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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