35 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners [$50/hr, No Degree]

Becoming an online proofreader is a job that is flexible and easy to do when you need to make cash.

Proofreading is an important part of writing. It can be done at any time and anywhere, even online, making it perfect for a stay-at-home mom, a second job, or even working from home.

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Without proofreaders, where would the world be? There would be a lot of misspelled words in the world. Have you ever wondered if you would be a good proofreader? There is only one way to find out and that is to give it a try. 

Below, I’ll go into detail about how to become an online proofreader and the best companies hiring for online proofreading jobs for beginners.

Earn Money Working From Home With Online Proofreading Jobs

If you’re looking for some info fast, here are my quick picks. First, get the free training you need to start your proofreading journey.

Entry-Level Proofreading Jobs

• Fiverr
• FlexJobs
• Upwork

Experienced Proofreading Jobs

• Proofreading Pal
• Polished Paper
• Scribendi

What Is Proofreading?

A proofreader ensures that written content is free from grammatical errors including spelling mistakes, typography, formatting, and syntax.

If you are new to proofreading or really don’t understand what it is, then I want to spend some time talking about it. There are many reasons to have a proofreader.

✅ Here’s a FREE workshop that teaches you everything you need to know to get started proofreading online.

Proofreading vs Copy Editing

Proofreading and copy-editing are sometimes mixed up or used interchangeably. Knowing the difference can help you when looking and applying for online proofreading jobs.

Proofreading involves examining your text to find any mistakes in grammar, style, spelling, and typographical errors. A proofreader is involved with the nitty-gritty of the text.

Editing is correcting, condensing, or changing a draft in preparation for publication. An editor provides editing services and is involved with the big picture of the document.

Are Proofreaders In Demand?

Yes, they are and the demand is increasing yearly according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. With so many people forming online businesses, the demand keeps rising which increases the available job opportunities.

Bloggers, brands, small businesses, authors, and companies all hire proofreaders to make sure there are no typographical errors. Some foreign businesses will hire a native English-speaking proofreader to go over their website and make grammatical changes.

Pros vs Cons Of Proofreading

Pros

• Start-up costs are very low for a proofreading business compared to other businesses.
• You can work from home and the scheduling is flexible.
• Manage your own time so perfect for someone who can work well unsupervised.
• Perfect for people who are good at spotting grammatical mistakes.
• Easy to start proofreading small as a side hustle and expand later.
• High demand for proofreaders with plenty of opportunities.

Cons

• There can be tight deadlines or strict guidelines you need to follow.
• Many jobs for proofreaders may require additional education.
• Not good for someone easily distracted or who needs to be in a closely supervised position.

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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.

It also depends on your past proofreading experience or experience in editing. The more experience and skills you have, the more money you will make per hour. 

If you work for yourself, you get to determine how much you make. If you work for someone else, they are going to determine how much you make per hour.

What Skills Do I Need To Become A Freelance Online Proofreader?

To build up a good reputation as a proofreader, you should be able to spot mistakes quickly and easily. Having excellent grammar and spelling skills is a must.

Additionally, you need to be able to slow down to find mistakes that the original writer missed. Many times our minds can read misspelled words correctly and we don’t even notice. If you rush through proofreading a document, these types of errors may slip through and your potential clients will be unhappy.

Do I Need To Have A Degree To Proofread?

If you’re doing freelance proofreading, a degree isn’t necessary. Experience and results matter more to clients who are hiring independent proofreaders.

Depending on the client, they may require an advanced degree in English or journalism if getting hired as a company employee. If you don’t have this, don’t worry.

For many clients, your track record and reputation are more than enough for them to want to hire you. You may be fine landing remote proofreading jobs simply by being skilled in the English writing process and editing rules.

Learn how you can start your own proofreading business with low startup costs.

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Where To Get At-Home Proofreading Training?

Proofreading isn’t just for word nerds or English majors. Anyone can proofread and the flexibility is great for a stay-at-home mom or someone who wants to work more flexible hours.

This completely FREE workshop from Caitlyn Pyle at Proofread Anywhere is value-packed and perfect for those on the fence. The workshop helps get you started proofreading with tips on maximizing skills and where to find clients.

If you’re still unsure, check out my complete review of the Proofread Anywhere course.

Tools For The Online Proofreader

If you are going to work online as a proofreader, it may be wise to invest in some technology that will help you make the most of the time. There are many tools out there, but here are a few of my favorites:

Grammarly – Many people have started using Google Docs, which is great for Grammarly users because there is a free extension. You can use the free version or you can use the paid version. Use whatever you think will help you the best!

Learn How To Produce High-Value Content!

Spellchecker – Don’t forget to use the proofreader you have on the word processor that you’re using. Sometimes we forget to use the most basic tool on our computers that can still help us save face with an error or two!

Ginger – A proofreader tool that you can take advantage of is Ginger. This tool can help you find more advanced issues that you otherwise may have missed! 

Google Docs – This is the most common and easy way that documents are sent. It only requires a free Google Drive account. Your client can send you a link to the document that you’re able to make changes to.

Dropbox – If your client doesn’t use Google Docs, then Dropbox is probably the next most common document-sharing method. The free account is perfectly fine for getting started.

39 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners

It can sometimes seem like an endless loop of rejection when trying to break into a new field. You can’t get hired without experience but you can’t get experience without getting hired.

The following companies allow you to post your freelance proofreading services or be hired for online proofreading or editing. With online business, there’s no need to put all your eggs in one basket.

Go ahead and check out multiple proofreading avenues and job opportunities. Each business will have a different application process. Certain clients may prefer one platform over another but you won’t know that until you test it out.

Here are the best companies that hire beginner online proofreaders:

1. UpWork

One of the first places to start with online proofreading jobs for beginners is UpWork. I enjoy telling people about this online work-from-home platform because it’s a place for people of all types of experiences. 

Head over to Upwork.com to apply for beginner editing positions. Upwork is a really great place to start your work-from-home journey, especially your proofreading journey. 

2. Fiverr

Want to find freelance proofreading jobs for a beginner? Fiverr.com may be one of your first stops. This is a website that has been around for a few years. However, it’s for proofreaders of all types. 

Signing up for Fiverr means you can sell your proofreading services and make a small amount of cash at first. As time goes on, you’ll be able to earn more money! 

3. Lionbridge

Are you looking for a full-time online proofreading job? Lionbridge is a great place to start. Lionbridge offers several different types of work-from-home jobs, but one of their most popular ones is proofreading.

While you do need a little experience to get started, Lionbridge has a great reputation and this may be a good place for you to start. If you prove you can do well with various proofreading tasks such as checking for spelling errors, compositional errors, and correct grammar mistakes, you can earn decent money.

4. ProofreadingServices.com

When you want to want to become a proofreader, you may not know where to start. ProofreadingServices.com is a great starting point for proofreaders.

When you work with this company, you get a flexible schedule, competitive pay, and the ability to connect with other proofreaders. 

5. Start Your Own Business

I think one of the best online proofreading jobs for beginners is starting your own proofreading business. You can make it as simple as starting a website or as complex as starting a Facebook page.

Starting your own Freelance proofreading business means you can work when you want and also take on a small number of clients to get experience. Some would say that owning your own business is one of the best online proofreading jobs for beginners since it has a low startup cost. 

6. Craigslist

Believe it not, but Craigslist has gotten a lot more stable in the job department. If you head to Craiglist in any city and look in the “writing and editing” section, you may be able to find many gigs that you can apply for! 

I love Craigslist because you can find opportunities that aren’t boring. You may be able to find private clients this way, which is always fun! Just remember that working from home never costs money and you should never have to pay to work from home. 

7. Guru

Another online place to look for proofreading jobs is Guru.com. Whether you have zero experience or several months of experience, you may be able to find a proofreading gig on this platform.

This is a platform that has been around forever and you may just find success with it. 

A lot of people would compare Guru.com to Fiverr, but I think any platform can be good for you if you take the time to make it work in your favor. Fill out the profile correctly and don’t stop until you find a groove! 

8. LinkedIn

Although LinkedIn is one of those places that is hard to remember still exists, it does and it’s an awesome place to find proofreading jobs.

When it comes to LinkedIn, there are a lot of jobs and you may not get lucky at first. Keep trying and applying and in no time, you’ll land your first proofreading job! 

9. Freelancer

Freelancer is a site very similar to UpWork since it’s a freelance marketplace. It’s open to a variety of freelancers, not solely proofreaders.

After you fill out your profile, you can bid on posted jobs that people are trying to hire for.

10. SmartBrief

SmartBrief is a digital media publisher that targets business news and industry information. Frequently check their job openings for a work-from-home editor and proofreading jobs that pay around $15/hr.

11. Polished Paper

Polished Paper is for more experienced proofreaders and they pay accordingly. To sign up, fill out their application and take the 35-question test.

It sounds a little intense but they pride themselves on first-class service. They want to make sure you can catch some of the tougher errors that less experienced proofreaders may miss.

12. Scribbr

Scribbr makes all interested exceptional editors take an initial language quiz. If you pass, they’ll then look over your CV to determine whether you’d be a good fit for them.

If they think you’re a good fit, you’ll be invited to the Scribbr Academy where you’ll edit 2-5 simulation orders. Scribbr will critique your proofreading and give you tips.

Once you pass the academy, you’ll be a qualified Scribbr editor and get paid.

13. Domainite

Domainite is an option for the true beginner proofreader but be warned, they are one of the lowest paid. It’s perfect for gaining experience if you’re having trouble landing clients.

To get accepted as a freelancer, you’ll need to fill out their application including sample letters to show off your work.

14. Edit911

Edit911 only hires people with a Ph.D., published scholars, teachers, or book editors with verifiable experience.

The qualifications are quite high but if you meet their qualifications and are looking to enter the freelance proofreading world, this is a great option.

15. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a site that has freelance jobs in many specialties including copy editing, website proofreading, and other freelance editing jobs that allow you to type from home. Do a general search for “online proofreading” in order to find who is looking to hire.

Often, you don’t need to narrow down the job postings by location since you can do them remotely from home.

16. ClickWorker

Clickworker uses crowdsourcing for the completion of micro tasks for their clients. Every clickworker is an independent contractor who can log in and look at the available jobs.

These tasks are generally broken into smaller projects and part of a larger project. They won’t take as long as a huge proofreading job so it’s great for beginners to get their feet wet.

To become a Clickworker proofreader, you first have to start as a author to gain experience. Then after completing a few text creation jobs, you’re eligible to take the proofreading assessment test. If you pass, you’ll be able to access the available proofreading jobs.

17. Wordvice

Wordvice offers both proofreading and editing services. They ask that you’ve completed a graduate program but they do offer remote, part-time work.

They have a lot of ESL (english as a second language) clients worldwide who are looking for native english proofreaders. The application will have you complete an editing sample and they’ll notify you by email whether you’ve been accepted.

18. OneSpace

OneSpace will post their jobs as they become available. Some are available as remote work whereas others are not so it’s important to read the job description to determine which.

19. CACTUS Communications

CACTUS Communications offers proofreading jobs either freelance or full-time. They specialize in specific proofreading topics and ask that you have a degree in the field you’d be editing in.

Some of the fields include medical, biology, molecular, physical sciences, and more. Check their website to see what they’re currently hiring for.

20. EditFast

On EditFast, you create a profile and resume in their system. Clients looking to hire a proofreader will look at your samples and decide whether or not to pick you.

They are mainly looking for people familiar with the proofreading and editing process who can proof business papers with a fairly fast turnaround.

One thing to note is that all communication must go through the EditFast system and EditFast keeps 40% of the final total project price.

21. Gramlee

Gramlee says they are always looking for proofreaders to hire. They are a general proofreading company so it could be a wide variety of categories.

Applying is a simple process. Answer a few questions on the Employee Application form and they’ll get back to you.

22. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media offers services for authors to have their books edited and reviewed. They often have job listings for book reviewers or at-home editors for their magazine.

23. Scribe Media

You can join Scribe Media (formerly Book in a Box) as a full-time employee or a freelancer. On their website, you can explore what each path entails to determine which would work best for you.

They are mainly hiring freelance editors for book editing so if book editing is your interest, this is a good company to follow. If they don’t have any open positions currently, join their email list and they’ll let you know when more open up.

24. Get Editing Jobs

This is a community hub for anyone searching for help with their text. Get Editing Jobs includes editing, proofreading, and specialty writing.

Since this is a freelance jobs directory, you’ll have to use the search bar to find proofreading jobs to apply for. Many of the jobs are virtual but some companies are looking for in-person permanent hires too.

25. Proofreading Pal

The average pay for a Proofreading Pal editor is between $500 to $3000 per month. You can even do this proofreading job while still in college!

They are looking to hire current graduate and post-graduate college students who have a GPA of 3.5 and higher. Alternatively, they’re also looking for proofreaders and exceptional editors with a graduate degree and 5 years of experience.

So if you’re in a graduate degree program or have a university degree, check them out. You need to be able to follow style guides, including those for academic papers.

Before you get started, you’ll first need to take a 20-minute proofreading test.

26. Writer’s Job Shop

Writer’s Job Shop is a job marketplace for proofreaders and other writing freelancers. They’re always looking to add additional proofreaders and essay editors to their team.

They require that you have a native-level grasp of the english language and a degree in any field before applying.

27. American Journal Experts

American Journal Expert’s jobs are topic-specific and updated frequently. You can do them from anywhere since they’re all remote.

All positions are for independent contractors. The application is straightforward and can be auto-filled using Indeed if you already have a job profile with them.

28. Writer’s Relief

Writer’s Relief helps creative writers get published. Authors submit their writing and Writer’s Relief proofreaders check over their submissions.

It’s a simple application but they only accept a very small percentage of applicants.

29. Managed Editing

Managed Editing hires independent contractors who have a degree and a few years of relevant editing experience or editing skills. They offer editorial services and publication production.

Their application asks what subject matter you have proven proofreading skills in. They may follow up by asking for examples of your work or give you a test on the topic.

30. MediaBistro

MediaBistro is a hub for all media-related jobs from marketing, sales, design, and writing/editing. Use the search function to find jobs in the proofreading field.

One perk is that MediaBistro lets you sign up for job alerts for certain keywords. You’ll get notified by email if a new job shows up in the proofreading sector after you set up those alerts.

31. OneSpace Freelancers

OnceSpace Freelancers is a job marketplace specifically for freelancers. It’s a place to check in periodically to see if they have any freelance proofreading jobs available.

You can also submit your application to them and they’ll keep in contact if they have any jobs that fit your skillset.

32. Reedsy

Reedsy works mainly with authors and writers. Once you sign up, you’ll create a profile and the Reedsy algorithm will pair you with clients it thinks you’ll be a good fit for.

There are over 100,000 people in the marketplace and many are first-time authors looking to self-publish their books. The community is free to join and then you get to keep 90% of your commission while Reedsy takes 10%.

33. Writing Jobz

Writing Jobz is one of the best marketplaces for online proofreaders because it’s all they focus on. They specialize in academic proofreading, academic editing, proofreading articles for online blogs and news sources, and book proofreading.

You start by taking a language test, then you can build up a client database as you take on more and more projects. As a proofreader, you can earn up to $11 per page.

34. Scribendi

Scribendi is a proofreading platform perfect for someone who has a college degree. They allow you to create your own schedule working from home and the pay is good.

Other qualifiers are that they want native English speakers, at least 3 years of editing/proofreading experience, and a speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour.

35. R3ciprocity

R3ciprocity, pronounced “reciprocity”, is a proofreading and editing platform based on credits. After you sign up, you can proofread other’s work and earn credits. You can use these credits to get your own work proofread.

This is great for authors or someone who wants a reciprocal proofreading situation. It can also earn money though. If you earn credits, you can cash them out instead of using them to proofread items of your own.

36. Proofreading Services

Proofreading Services is great for beginners all the way to expert proofreaders who are looking for flexible typing work from home. If you’re looking for remote proofreading jobs, they offer remote telework proofreading where you can earn between $19 to $46 an hour depending on the job.

Projects with more urgent deadlines or that require specialized knowledge will pay higher as well as those with a quick turnaround time.

37. Contenta

Contenta calls itself the #1 site for freelancers and remote writers. After you join as a freelance proofreader, the website acts as a job board where companies looking for freelance proofreaders can post jobs.

This is a membership site with a monthly fee which can be both beneficial and detrimental. A paid job board will likely have more serious clients looking for remote proofreaders and editors so the jobs posted may be of higher quality.

The downside is that when you’re just starting out, you need to weigh whether a monthly cost is worth it.

38. Book Editing Associates

Book Editing Associates is for intermediate and higher proofreaders. They especially want someone with experience in the self-published book field and will give you a proofreading and copyediting test you need to pass.

A few other things to note for Book Editing Associates is that they’re looking for proofreaders from time to time who are doing this as their main job. You need to be completely freelance and not only do this as a side hustle or have a second job.

They’ll also want to see examples of self-published books you’ve edited and proofread so this is a good company to apply to after you have over 5 years of experience with book proofreading.

39. ProofreadNOW

ProofreadNOW is for expert or advanced proofreaders, editors, copyeditors, or translators, with over 5 years of experience. They’re not always hiring but they do have a proofreading employment newsletter you can join to get notified when they are.

Many of their professional proofreaders, writers, and editors specialize in fields such as finance, medical, technology, and law. They also may have knowledge of Spanish since Spanish document translation is offered.

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How To Get An Online Proofreader Job

Now that you know all of the jobs available and companies hiring skilled proofreaders, you may be wondering how to land an online proofreading job.

Just like with any job, it will take some effort in order to land a proofreading job as a beginner. Here are a few ways to make yourself more desirable:

• On rating sites, like Fiverr, offer your first few clients a discount in exchange for an honest review in order to get initial business.
• Brush up on proofreading skills by taking a course.
  • I recommend this FREE online workshop.
• Join job boards and social media groups to find clients.
  • Don’t forget about Facebook Groups.
• Consider courtroom transcript proofreading to diversify your talents.
• Promote, promote, promote!

If you’re not quite sure what to search for when looking for proofreading jobs, here are the most common terms to search for:

• Proofreading independent contractor
• Freelance proofreader
• Proofreading positions
• Beginner proofreading jobs
• Online proofreading jobs
• Remote proofreader
• Copy editing
• Editor
• Editing jobs
• Book editing
• Remote editor
• Academic editor
• Web site proofreading
• Book proofreader
• Online typing jobs
• Typewriting jobs

Currently, there aren’t any certifications required to become a proofreader. Your finished work and happy clients are what promote you.

Proofreading Jobs Overview

Proofreading is a great job for someone who will take the time to learn proper grammar and produce high-quality content. It doesn’t matter if you’re a proofreading beginner as long as your results are good.

Since most proofreading jobs can be done online and at home, stay-at-home moms can make the jobs fit their free time. Early morning or late night work hours don’t matter since you’re your own boss and not tethered to traditional business time.

If you’re an online proofreader, let me know in the comments how you like it. Did it give you the freedom you were looking for?

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