20 Home-Based Proofreading Jobs

Have a knack for spotting spelling and grammatical mistakes? You might be perfect for becoming an online proofreader.

With a keen eye for detail, online proofreaders are highly sought after by many digital businesses. The nature of this work allows you to proofread from virtually anywhere, making it an ideal option for earning money from home. Plus, many online proofreaders enjoy the flexibility of setting their own hours and working at their own pace.

If the idea of becoming an online proofreader intrigues you, read on to discover all you need to know about this remote profession.

Proofreading vs. Editing: What’s the Difference?

Although often used interchangeably, proofreading and editing serve different purposes. Proofreaders primarily focus on catching spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and punctuation issues.

Editors, on the other hand, reorganize content for clarity, verify sources, and adjust the tone to connect with the target audience. Editors usually collaborate closely with writers through several rounds of revisions. While editors do proofread, not all proofreaders are tasked with editing responsibilities. Generally, editors need at least a bachelor’s degree, often in journalism or English. Explore remote editing jobs here.

Earning Potential for Online Proofreaders

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time proofreaders earn an average annual salary of $51,100. Earnings can vary based on workload and proofreader availability. Proofreaders who specialize or maintain consistent clients, particularly in areas like bilingual or legal proofreading, tend to earn more.

Necessary Qualifications for Online Proofreading Jobs

Most proofreading positions expect candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree or be enrolled in a degree program. Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Office and Google Docs is crucial, as is familiarity with key style guides such as AP, APA, MLA, and Chicago Manual of Style (learn more about style guides here).

If you’ve been out of academia for a while, consider taking a proofreading course to sharpen your skills. Caitlin Pyle’s Proofread Anywhere offers a free workshop to determine if proofreading fits your personality. In this workshop, you’ll learn:

Signs that proofreading is the right career for you
Advantages like freedom, flexibility, and financial rewards
How to attract clients effectively

Ready to dive in? Purchase the online proofreading course and start your journey to becoming a skilled proofreader. The course lasts about a month and covers everything from the basics to finding online gigs and managing your workflow.

Where to Find Online Proofreading and Editing Jobs

Looking for a proofreading job or considering online editing gigs? Explore the options below.

1. Appen

Appen hires individuals for data collection, translation, transcription, and proofreading projects. Fill out your profile to unlock more projects after creating an account. Check their LinkedIn job listings for requirements.

Education: Unknown, may not require a degree
Experience: Unknown, may accept beginners
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: 3.7 stars out of 5

2. CACTUS Global

CACTUS Global recruits writers, editors, reviewers, translators, and more from various countries. Editing positions require a degree due to their focus on research and publication.

Education: Requires a college degree
Experience: Depends on the role
Classification: Varies
Glassdoor Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5

3. EditFast

EditFast allows clients to request proofreading, editing, and writing services. Proofreaders must submit a resume and complete editing tests. The site retains 40% of project fees.

Education: A college degree
Experience: Must have prior editing experience
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: No rating

4. Express Writers

Express Writers hires copywriters, designers, and editors. Editors earn $15 per hour and need to edit a minimum of 3,000 words per hour.

Education: Unknown, may not require a degree
Experience: Unknown
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5

5. Focus Forward

Focus Forward specializes in transcription, translation, marketing research, coding, and proofreading services. Part-time proofreaders need to have intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Education: Preferred associate’s degree
Experience: Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: 3.3 stars out of 5

6. Gramlee

Gramlee offers services such as editing dissertations, essays, novels, and white papers. Proofreaders complete an application, background check, and assessment.

Education: Unknown, may not require a degree
Experience: Unknown, may accept beginners
Classification: Unknown
Glassdoor Rating: No rating

7. Kibin

Kibin works mainly with students and scholarly organizations. Pays are calculated per word, with bonuses for quick turnaround and customer satisfaction.

Education: Unknown, may not require a degree
Experience: Unknown, may accept beginners
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5

8. Proofreading Pal

Proofreading Pal offers services for resumes, books, essays, and business documents. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and a passed proofreading test.

Education: Minimum of college enrollment with a 3.5 GPA or
Experience: A graduate degree and at least five years of experience
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: 3.1 stars out of 5

9. ProofreadingServices.com

ProofreadingServices.com offers flexible hours and a pay rate of $19-$46 per hour. Apply by passing a 20-minute test to demonstrate your proofreading skills.

Education: Unknown, may not require a degree
Experience: Unknown, may accept beginners
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: No rating

10. Scribe Media

Scribe Media offers professional publishing services and hires for various roles, including copywriters, line editors, and cover designers.

Education: Unknown, may not require a degree
Experience: Must have manuscript editing experience
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: 2.9 stars out of 5

11. Scribbr

Scribbr is a Dutch company hiring editors worldwide to proofread academic documents. Editors process around 1,700 words per hour and earn €20-€25 per hour.

Education: A bachelor’s degree
Experience: Experience in editing academic texts
Classification: Independent contractor
Glassdoor Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5

12. Scribendi

Scribendi is an Ontario-based company offering in-house and freelance editing opportunities. Freelancers are screened rigorously and paid per project. They cannot hire freelancers from certain U.S states.

Education: A university degree
Experience: At least three years in editing, writing, or teaching English
Classification: 1099 and W2
Glassdoor Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

13. Study.com

Study.com hires people for roles in lesson and curriculum development, writing, editing, researching, proofreading, and tutoring. The positions offer flexible schedules and bi-monthly payments via PayPal.

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