The Complete Guide to Becoming a Proofreader With No Experience
Introduction: How to Become a Proofreader as a Beginner
Are you looking around for a job you can do from home? Perhaps you are sick of the 9-5 gig and aren’t really sure what direction to take in order to leave your corporate gig and make a substantial amount of money? It may be helpful to learn how to become a proofreader as a beginner.
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Proofreading is a viable career option and if you are considering becoming a proofreader, you can start with little or no experience.
I have a friend that runs a proofreading business and is able to work from home. Although there are deadlines when you work as a proofreader, she loves it and was able to escape the demands of a regular job.
If your goal is to ditch the nine-to-five, proofreading may be a great option for you. Keep reading to find out if this is your next career move.
What is a Proofreader?
According to Website Set Up, there are an estimated 1.7 billion websites on the Internet as of 2021. With the number of blogs and websites out there, there is certainly a need for proofreaders. Many blog owners start blogs out of passion or interest to make money online, not necessarily because they are proficient writers. Therefore, many website owners will enlist the help of proofreaders and that is where you come in.
Who needs a proofreader?
- bloggers
- small businesses
- students
- marketing
- ads freelancers
- freelance writers
- Copywriters
The definition of “proofreading” is quite simple, but it can be challenging to take the necessary steps to become a professional proofreader. This article will introduce you to the basics of what it means to be a proofreader, and provide tips on how you can get started.
Proofreading is an important skill in any profession. However, it may not have been something you have given any thought to. If this sounds like you, then this article will provide some insight into what proofreading entails and how you can start your own journey as a professional proofreader today.
What are the Qualifications for Being a Proofreader?
Proofreaders are people who perform editing and proofreading functions. The qualifications for these jobs depend on the type of work they do, the type of organization they work for, and the specific requirements of their job.
Editors generally hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, or another related field. The main types of editors are news editors (editors who oversee content for print media), copy editors (editors who polish written content), and ancillary editors (editors with various responsibilities).
Proofreaders typically need to have good language skills and good reading comprehension skills because they need to be able to pay close attention to detail. They should also be able to be objective about what they read without feeling offended or taking things personally. It also helps to have a keen eye for details.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Proofreader?
If you have an eye for details and are able to spot errors in writing, this may be the job for you.
Proofreaders are typically people who review copy for errors in grammar, punctuation, word usage, or formatting. Proofreading is done mainly by humans because it is a skill that machines have yet to master.
Copywriters are tasked with the responsibility of creating content for various purposes. This may be content for ads, social media posts, emails, or any other form of communication. Copywriting is one of the most important skills to have in today’s media-filled world as it helps companies connect to their audience on an emotional level.
Can I Become a Proofread Without a Degree
In short, yes. You can become a proofreader without a degree. In today’s world of online work, often smaller businesses or bloggers enlist the help of proofreaders. Yet, if you do not have a journalism degree, you may be asking how do I go about doing this and how will people actually know I am interested in this type of work.
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Here are some ideas for beginner proofreaders to help get your name out there:
#1 – Fivver
This is an online platform where you list your services and charge a rate for each job. You can start at a lower rate to get clients and raise your prices as you prove you can do excellent work and perhaps use referrals from former clients.
#2 Upwork
This is also a similar platform to list your skills as a proofreader. You can again use the method above to help you get clients. You can also offer the first service free, to show the customer you are able to thoroughly proofread their work.
#3 Facebook Groups
Often people are asking for services such as this in blogging and other business-type Facebook groups. You can watch for posts or check the rules of the group and create your own post if allowed to let others know you are starting a proofreading business.
#4 Create a website to showcase your offers and skills
If you are thinking of starting a proofreading business, you can create your own website with blog posts to show your work. You can also list packages and pricing on your website. Not sure how to start a website? You can check out this post here: How to Start a Blog in Five Easy Steps.
As you can see, there are many options to help you start your job as an online proofreader. It is best to gain some experience and use the above-mentioned to help you get your name out there. After you have built up clients, you will have some referrals to help you land more jobs.
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How Long Does it Take to Become an Editor?
The time it takes to become an editor depends on the person and the type of work they are interested in.
Educational Requirements
Depending on the type of editing you want to do, you will need different educational requirements. To be an editor, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in any field. A master’s degree is required for scientific editing or publishing. For copy-editing or proofreading, a college degree is enough or just experience in those fields.
Experience: Regardless of your education level, you will need to get some experience before applying for a job as an editor. Find internships and volunteer opportunities that allow you to get hands-on experience with your desired field and then apply for jobs when you have enough experience under your belt. If you are just looking to work with online authors, use the above-mentioned to help gain experience.
Also, if you do not have a bachelor’s degree, but are still interested in becoming a proofreader, you can find training online and get started right away.
What if I don’t have Proofreading Experience?
If you are just starting out or starting over, don’t throw in the towel just yet. You can become a professional proofreader with some training and make a career change or start over and work from home.
There are some affordable options to help you get your foot in the door.
My favorite free training is offered by Caitline, who makes over $60,000 as a proofreader per year.
If you are interested in becoming a proofreader, you can check out this free video and see how Caitlin makes over $60,000 from home as a proofreader!
You can sign up for the free workshop here by Proofread Anywhere to learn more.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by if you are interested in getting paid to read for a living.
If you feel the above qualifications describe you and you are interested in becoming a proofreader, check out this free training and get started proofreading as soon as you can while learning from a pro.
How to Become a Proofreader As a Beginner
If you are considering a career change, this post can help you determine if proofreading is for you. There are easy ways to start a proofreading business so you can work from home and you can start by offering services at a low price on Fivver or Upwork. It will also help to get some training, so sign up for the free workshop above to help you decide if this is your next career move.
Did you watch the webinar? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
