In today’s job market, having extra money is key. As a working parent, I know how hard it is to balance family and work. But, there’s a way to make more money without losing your work-life balance. It’s called proofreading side hustles.
Proofreading lets you use your sharp eye and language skills to make money from home. It’s great for students wanting to pay for school, retirees looking to save more, or anyone needing a flexible job. Proofreading could be your answer.
This guide will cover everything about proofreading. We’ll look at the best online jobs, how much you can earn, and what tools you need to be a freelance proofreader. If you want to improve your finances and find new ways to earn remote income, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Proofreading is a flexible and accessible side hustle that requires minimal startup costs and no specialized training.
- The average proofreader salary ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, with top jobs paying between $26 to $41 per hour.
- Remote proofreading jobs offer an average annual salary of $47,171 or an average hourly rate of $22.
- Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Scribendi offer various online proofreading job opportunities.
- Essential tools for proofreading success include spellcheckers, grammar checkers, and cloud storage/collaboration platforms.
What is Proofreading?
Proofreading is a key step in writing that means checking a document for spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors. It’s the last check before something is published. Proofreaders make sure the content is perfect and ready for readers.
Understanding the Role of a Proofreader
Proofreaders look at the text closely, making sure everything is consistent. They check formatting, citations, and references too. Their sharp eye and knowledge of language help make content top-notch.
Proofreading vs. Editing: Key Differences
Proofreaders and editors both are vital in writing, but they do different things. Editors work on making the content better in many ways. Proofreaders focus on finding and fixing small errors.
Proofreading is the last step before a document is ready for the public. Editing comes before that, often involving big changes to the content.
“Proofreaders are the unsung heroes of the writing world, ensuring that the final product is free of errors and ready to shine.”
Using proofreading services can save money and improve the quality of your writing. Even though courses can cost $500 to $600, the benefits are huge for both people and businesses.
10 Best Online Proofreading Jobs
The digital age has opened up many opportunities for those seeking flexible, remote proofreading jobs. From freelance platforms to specialized online proofreading companies, there are many options for those with a keen eye for detail and a love for writing. Let’s look at 10 of the best online proofreading jobs that can help you make extra money from home.
- Upwork: Upwork is a leading freelance marketplace that offers a wide range of proofreading jobs. It charges a 20% service fee but lets freelancers show off their skills and connect with clients.
- Fiverr: On Fiverr, you can start offering proofreading services for $5 per gig. This is a great option for those new to online proofreading.
- Scribendi: Scribendi is a well-known online proofreading and editing company. It hires native English speakers with a university degree and at least three years of experience. They require a minimum proofreading speed of 1,000 words per hour.
- Scribbr: Scribbr is an academic proofreading and editing service. It pays proofreaders around $22-$27 per hour, making it a good choice for those with expertise in academic writing.
- Proofreading Services: This company offers flexible remote proofreading jobs with pay between $19 to $46 per hour. Pay varies based on the proofreader’s experience and expertise.
Other notable online proofreading opportunities include Proofreading Pal, which is for graduate students and experienced editors, Gramlee, known for its quick turnaround times, and Polished Paper, which has a tough application process. Platforms like Edit Fast and FlexJobs also offer a variety of remote proofreading jobs for freelancers at all levels.
If you’re a seasoned proofreader or just starting, the online proofreading world has many opportunities to show your skills and make extra money. With competitive pay and flexible schedules, these jobs are perfect for turning your love for language into a profitable side hustle.
“Proofreading is not just about catching typos; it’s about ensuring the clarity, consistency, and accuracy of written work.”
By using these top online proofreading platforms, you can start a rewarding journey as a remote proofreader. You can earn a steady income while enjoying the flexibility and convenience of working from home.
Upwork: Freelance Proofreading Opportunities
Upwork is a top freelance marketplace for those looking for upwork proofreading jobs and freelance proofreading gigs. To do well, you need a strong upwork profile optimization. This should show off your proofreading skills and experience.
Creating a Winning Profile on Upwork
Your Upwork profile should focus on your proofreading abilities, your portfolio, client feedback, and your hourly rate. Talk about your relevant experience, any certifications you have, and your knowledge in areas like legal transcripts, marketing materials, or academic writing. Use upwork proofreading strategies to make a professional and engaging profile that stands out.
Tips for Finding Proofreading Gigs on Upwork
When looking for upwork proofreading jobs, use specific keywords to find the right opportunities. Be ready to start at a lower rate to build your reputation and get more client reviews. Customize your proposals for each job, showing how you meet the client’s specific needs. Also, apply to many jobs to boost your chances of getting hired, as there’s a lot of competition on Upwork.
“90% of the work for the first few years as a freelance editor came from Upwork. Currently, around 10% to 20% of editing work comes from Upwork, with the majority sourced from repeat clients, LinkedIn, and personal websites.”
By using the upwork proofreading opportunities and optimizing your profile, you can start a successful freelance proofreading side job on this exciting platform.
Fiverr: Entry-Level Proofreading Side Hustle
If you’re starting your proofreading journey, Fiverr is a great place to begin. It lets you build your portfolio and gain experience. You can offer your services starting at just $5 per gig.
The pay may seem low at first, but Fiverr is perfect for improving your skills. It helps you build a good reputation and move to better-paying freelance proofreading jobs later. Make sure to create a professional profile, describe your services clearly, and deliver top-quality work to get good reviews from clients.
Fiverr takes a 20% commission on all earnings you make. This is a fair fee for the exposure and chances it offers for entry-level proofreading jobs and starting a side hustle. With its easy-to-use interface and many potential clients, it’s a great place for newcomers to the proofreading world.
| Platform | Commission/Fees |
|---|---|
| Fiverr | 20% commission |
| Freelancer | 10% fee or $5 minimum for fixed-price projects, 10% fee for hourly projects |
| Guru | 5% to 9% of earnings based on membership plan |
| Upwork | 10% cut of the freelancer’s pay |
| PeoplePerHour | Varying percentages based on amount billed, starting at 20% for billings under £250 |
| Hubstaff Talent | No commission fees, entirely free to use |
Using fiverr proofreading jobs, you can lay a strong foundation for your freelance proofreading career. This could lead to more profitable opportunities in the future.
Scribendi: Reputable Online Proofreading Company
Scribendi is a top name in online proofreading services. It was founded in 1997 in Ontario, Canada. It’s known for its high-quality scribendi proofreading and proofreading services.
To be a proofreader at Scribendi, you need a university degree and 3 years of experience. This makes sure they hire only the best people. They can give top-notch results.
The company’s prices are clear and fair. For a 3,000-word document, prices range from $183 for quick service to $103 for slower service. This lets clients pick what fits their budget and needs.
| Proofreading Service | Turnaround Time | Price (3,000 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Scribendi | 8 hours | $183 |
| Scribendi | 7 days | $103 |
| Editor World | 5 days | $78 |
| Editor World | 1 day | $102 |
| Editor World | 8 hours | $159 |
In 2017, MAGNUM Capital Partners bought Scribendi. Then, in 2023, Edanz Inc took over. This change helped the company grow and keep its focus on quality and customer happiness.
Scribendi has about 400 freelance editors worldwide. This means clients can work with a variety of experts. Whether you’re a student, a business, or an individual, Scribendi is a great choice for proofreading services.
Scribbr: Academic Proofreading and Editing
Scribbr is a top choice for students and academics needing expert proofreading and editing. It focuses on high-quality services for theses, dissertations, and scholarly papers. This makes it a go-to for the academic community.
The application process at Scribbr is tough. It ensures only experienced proofreaders with a strong background in academic writing and styles like APA or MLA join. Those who pass get paid well, earning $22 to $27 per hour. This makes Scribbr a great scribbr proofreading chance for extra income through academic proofreading or dissertation proofreading.
Scribbr is all about student proofreading. They offer quick and careful attention to detail. Their skilled proofreaders can spot and fix many linguistic and formatting issues. This ensures your academic work is perfect for submission.
“Scribbr’s proofreading service was a game-changer for my dissertation. The attention to detail and expertise in academic formatting were invaluable.”
With Scribbr, you can be sure your academic scribbr proofreading needs are handled with top professionalism and care. This gives you the confidence to submit your work with pride.
Proofreading Services: Flexible Online Proofreading Jobs
If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle, Proofreading Services could be ideal. This platform offers proofreading services jobs both part-time and full-time, with pay between $19 and $46 per hour. You can pick your workload and schedule, making it great for those wanting to work from home or earn extra.
Proofreading Services has a wide range of online proofreading jobs for different skills and levels. Whether you’re an associate editor or a technical editor, there’s a spot for you. Plus, the flexible work lets you fit your side job into your life easily, making it both rewarding and convenient.
- Earn an average of $45 per hour as a proofreader
- Flexible schedules and the ability to choose your own workload
- Diverse range of proofreading jobs, from associate editor to technical editor
- Work remotely from the comfort of your own home
Looking to start a proofreading career or just want a side hustle? Proofreading Services offers great flexibility and good pay. Jump into proofreading services jobs and enjoy working on your terms.
“Proofreading Services has been a game-changer for me. The flexible schedule and diverse job opportunities have allowed me to achieve a work-life balance that I never thought possible.”
– Jane Doe, Freelance Proofreader
Proofreading Pal: Proofreading Side Hustle for Students
Proofreading Pal is a great way for graduate students or those with a graduate degree and over 5 years of editing experience to make extra money. This company focuses on proofreading services for students. They offer good pay, letting you make $500 to $3,000 a month. It’s a fantastic side hustle for students.
To apply to Proofreading Pal, you need to fill out several fields. These include your name, contact info, and details about your proofreading experience. You’ll also need to know about different writing styles and have the right software. You’ll answer questions about your skills and experience, with a limit of up to 2000 characters for each question.
After joining, you’ll work on a variety of documents. These can be letters of reference, term papers, business documents, or academic articles. You might work with different academic proofreading styles like U.S., U.K., or Canadian English. Plus, you’ll have support from in-house staff for any customer issues.
| Metric | Proofreading Pal |
|---|---|
| Satisfied Clients | 21,230+ |
| Documents Proofread | 162,000+ |
| Professional Editors | 72 |
| Words Trusted Since 2010 | 337,860,852 |
| Turnaround Time | 30 minutes to 7 days |
| Free Sample Edit | Up to 400 words |
| Customer Satisfaction Guarantee | 100% |
Proofreading Pal has a strong track record, offers good pay, and is flexible. It’s a top choice for proofreading side hustle for students wanting to make extra money and improve their editing skills.
Gramlee: Quick Turnaround Proofreading Jobs
Gramlee is a top choice for online proofreading jobs, offering a fast 24-hour turnaround. It’s perfect for those who work well under pressure, paying $0.03 per word up to 3,000 words. This means you can earn up to $90 per project, great for beginner proofreaders or those looking for short-term, high-volume work.
Gramlee’s gramlee proofreading service is ideal for clients needing fast proofreading and online proofreading jobs. Its quick turnaround and focus on efficiency make it a top choice for quick services.
| Service | Pay Rate | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gramlee Proofreading | $0.03 per word (up to 3,000 words) | 24 hours |
Whether you’re experienced or just starting, Gramlee offers a great way to earn extra income online with its fast proofreading and online proofreading jobs. It’s all about speed and efficiency, making it a valuable part of your freelance work.
Polished Paper: Proofreading Side Hustle for Experienced Editors
For seasoned editors and proofreaders looking for a side hustle, Polished Paper is a top choice. This company is known for its high-quality proofreading and editing services. They work with a select group of experienced professionals.
Getting into Polished Paper is tough. You’ll need to pass a 35-question test and go through a detailed interview. But, if you make it, you’ll be well paid for your skills. Freelancers usually charge between $25 to $50 an hour. Some experts can earn up to $90 an hour, especially in big cities.
Polished Paper is all about quality. Experienced proofreaders with a strong background in areas like academic papers, marketing materials, or legal documents will find great opportunities here. They can show off their polished paper proofreading skills and make a good income with a proofreading side hustle.
“I’ve been a freelance proofreader for Polished Paper for over two years, and it’s been a game-changer for my income. The work is challenging, but the pay is excellent, and I love the flexibility of working from home.”
– Emily, Experienced Proofreader at Polished Paper
If you’re an experienced proofreader looking for a rewarding side hustle, Polished Paper is a great choice. They have a tough selection process and focus on quality work. This can give you a steady income if you’re in the proofreading and editing field.
| Proofreading Service | Hourly Rate | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Polished Paper | $25 – $50 | Academic, Marketing, Legal |
| Freelance Proofreading | $10 – $90 | Varies |
Edit Fast: Variety of Online Proofreading Jobs
If you want to make extra money as a freelance proofreader, Edit Fast could be your go-to spot. This online job site has a lot of online proofreading jobs. You can work on everything from school papers to business documents. This lets you get a broad range of experience in edit fast proofreading.
The pay can change based on the project, but Edit Fast is a good place to find real proofreading jobs online. They look for a degree from a known university for their proofreading jobs. This means their freelancers are very skilled.
There are other great online sites that offer proofreading work too. Each site has its own rules and how much they pay. Some top choices include:
- Upwork, which gets over 10,000 applicants every day for many freelance jobs, including proofreading
- FlexJobs, a site focused on remote jobs
- Scribbr, which does academic proofreading and editing and pays about $22-$27 an hour
If you’re an experienced proofreader or just starting, the many online proofreading jobs at places like Edit Fast can help you earn more money. They also offer chances to grow your skills.
“The key to success in this side hustle is to be adaptable, meet client expectations, and continuously improve your proofreading skills.”
proofreading side hustle: Earning Potential and Requirements
Thinking about starting a proofreading side hustle? You’ll find the earning potential can be quite high. Proofreaders usually make between $20 to $40 an hour. Some pros even earn more. Your pay will vary based on your experience, the clients you work with, and the platforms you use to find jobs.
You don’t always need a degree to be a proofreader. But, you must have great grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills. You also need a sharp eye for details and good time management. Proofreaders are key to making sure written materials are accurate and clear. This includes everything from articles to marketing materials.
| Proofreading Salary Statistics | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Median Proofreader Salary | $20 – $30 | $54,805 |
| Average Proofreader Salary (Indeed) | $24.92 | – |
| Average Proofreader Salary (ZipRecruiter) | $22 | $47,171 |
| Average Proofreader Salary (Glassdoor) | – | $40,609 |
| Median Proofreader Rate (Upwork) | $25 | – |
Starting a proofreading side hustle doesn’t cost much. You just need a computer and internet. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer list proofreading jobs. You can also find work by networking with writers and editors who might recommend you for projects.
Whether you’re already a writer or want to become a proofreader, this side hustle can be profitable. Improve your language skills and focus on details. This way, you can meet the growing need for precise and polished writing. Enjoy the flexibility and good pay that comes with this freelance work.
Essential Tools for Proofreading Success
As a professional proofreader, having the right tools is key for top-notch work. From basic proofreading tools to advanced collaboration tools for proofreaders, these tools help you work better and faster.
Spellcheckers and Grammar Checkers
A grammar checker is a must-have tool for proofreaders. Word processors have spellcheckers that catch simple mistakes. But, tools like Grammarly find tricky grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A good grammar checker makes your work more accurate and polished.
Cloud Storage and Collaboration Tools
Today, cloud storage for proofreaders and collaboration tools are vital. Google Docs and Dropbox let you share files easily, give feedback, and work with clients from anywhere. These tools make managing documents, tracking changes, and editing together smooth and easy.
Using these proofreading tools and collaboration tools for proofreaders boosts your skills. It makes you more productive and helps you give your clients great results.
Starting Your Own Proofreading Business
Starting your own proofreading business can be both rewarding and profitable. First, you need to build a strong portfolio. This shows off your skills and eye for detail. Offer free proofreading to your network to start building your reputation and getting references from happy clients.
Building a Portfolio and Finding Clients
There are many ways to find clients. Networking, both in person and online, is key. You can also use job boards and sites like Upwork and Fiverr to reach more people. As you grow your portfolio and client list, offer proofreading rates that stand out to draw in business.
Setting Competitive Rates for Your Services
Figuring out your proofreading rates is important. Look at what others charge and set your prices to be competitive. This way, you’ll attract clients and get paid fairly for your work. Freelancers can earn $15 to $50 an hour, with some niches like science paying over $200 per project.
With a strong proofreading portfolio, active client search, and competitive rates, you can make a successful freelance proofreading business. The need for accurate content is growing, especially online. So, now is a great time to start your proofreading business.
Conclusion
Proofreading is a great side hustle that can bring in extra money. It offers many online jobs, flexible hours, and good pay. If you’re good with words and English, proofreading could be perfect for you.
This article shows how profitable proofreading can be. Proofreaders make $15 to $50 an hour. Projects can take from 30 minutes to a few hours. With low startup costs and platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, it’s easy to start.
It’s a great choice for students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone wanting more income. With the right training, you can make a lot in this field. It’s flexible and can help you reach your financial goals.
FAQ
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the last step in writing. A professional checks a document for spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors.
What is the difference between proofreading and editing?
Editors improve the content’s quality and structure. Proofreaders focus on finding small mistakes.
Where can I find online proofreading jobs?
You can find online proofreading jobs on freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr. Also, check out specialized companies like Scribendi, Scribbr, Proofreading Services, and others.
How do I create a winning profile on Upwork?
Make a professional Upwork profile. Show off your proofreading skills and experience. Include your portfolio, client reviews, and your hourly rate.
What are the benefits of starting on Fiverr?
Starting on Fiverr helps beginner proofreaders build their portfolio. It’s a great way to gain experience and move to higher-paying jobs.
What qualifications are required to work for Scribendi?
For Scribendi, you need a university degree and at least 3 years of proofreading experience.
What is the earning potential for a proofreading side hustle?
Proofreaders can earn between to per hour. Your pay depends on your experience, clients, and the platform you use.
What tools do I need to be an effective proofreader?
You need basic spell and grammar checkers. Also, tools like Google Docs and Dropbox for cloud storage and collaboration.
How can I start my own proofreading business?
Start by building a strong portfolio. Then, find clients through networking, job boards, and marketing yourself.