Editing and Proofreading Jobs On and Off Line

Last Updated: August 12, 2022

Have you ever read a book, newspaper, magazine, webpage - or any selection of text, for that matter - aghast at the way the words are written on the page?  Do spelling and grammatical errors make you crazy?  Then looking for online editing and/or proofreading jobs may be the answer to your desire to work at home.  There are plenty of online editing and proofreading jobs available if you have the skills and know where to look.

Many people think that just having a decent grasp of language and vocabulary is enough to be an editor or proofreader.  For the most part, being effective at editing and proofreading starts with having a good grasp of language and vocabulary, yes, that's true - but there are most definitely others things as well that make an editor or proofreader effective and desirable at their craft.

Things like having an understanding of recognized revision symbols and techniques; degrees, or some kind of certificate or credential in the language in which you are editing or proofreading; an understanding of tone and voice and the ability to revise, edit, and check a text without changing these things (unless requested to do so by the author); and, very importantly, direct documented (or otherwise believable) experience with editing and proofreading.  While none of these things are absolutely required to get started, they will make you a more desirable editor and/or proofreader when looking for editing and proofreading jobs.  Pretty much anyone can bill themselves as an "Editor" or a "Proofreader" if they want to, but it doesn't always mean they are the best, or even necessarily any good at what they do.  Having an understanding of and an eye for layout, formatting, and how publications are put together will also help you when seeking editing and proofreading jobs.

What's the difference between editing and proofreading anyway?  Proofreading is often thought of as the "final check," whereas editing is an active process that happens much earlier on in the writing process and most often requires multiple "pass throughs" to finalize.  You can think of editing and proofreading like a butcher practicing his or her craft - the editing part is where the butcher takes the animal and skins and quarters it and cuts out the select cuts of meat; the proofreading process is the last step when he (or she) shaves the last little bits of grilse off the tenderloin. 

If you do not have much editing or proofreading experience, you can start looking for entry level online proofreading jobs.  Many companies will outsource their editing and proofreading needs.  These companies are not necessarily always looking for the person with the most experience, making it easier for someone to find online editing and/or proofreading jobs with little experience.  You can also gain valuable knowledge about editing and proofreading through online classes and tutorials, which can also help translate into more online editing and proofreading jobs.  There are plenty of resources on the web that will allow you to learn the skills needed to be a qualified candidate for online editing and proofreading jobs.  You can check out the Ways to Make Money: Editing & Proofreading page right here on this website for some resources and inspiration to get started.

There are a number of places on the Internet where you can look for online editing and proofreading jobs.  You can begin looking for online editing and proofreading jobs in the places that most people look for jobs regularly.  There are often plenty of such jobs posted on both major and minor job boards all over the Internet.  Still, you can also put your foot forward and seek out online editing and/or proofreading jobs by finding companies that you think you might like to work for and contacting them directly.  You will usually want to build up at least some kind of a portfolio that showcases your editing and proofreading experience - however extensive or minimal it may be - before you start contacting companies directly, as you will have to sell yourself to these potential employers.

Another place that many people find online editing and/or proofreading jobs is through freelance marketplace websites where people place online proofreading jobs and proofreaders bid on those jobs.  These freelance sites are good for both the novice and expert alike, because some clients will be willing to pay more for experience while others are looking for the lowest bid.  Of course, you can also seek out online proofreading jobs by creating your own website to draw in potential clientele.

If you have a desire to work from home and also love to work with words, online editing and/or proofreading jobs may be a solid potential side hustle, or even full-time career path, for you.  Start off by using online resources to learn about the craft and "test the waters," if you will.  Learn "the talk," learn about what the various editing and proofreading symbols are, learn about what potential clients may specifically want from their editor/proofreader.  Then, take the time to scout out online editing and/or proofreading jobs through various resources on the web.  As you build up your experience in the field, your potential for finding higher paying jobs in the field will also increase.

Better life, better business, better you,

-Andreas

Andreas Philip Gross Enterprises
Ideas, Inspiration, Opportunity
 
Washington State Certified K-8 Educator, K-12 International Education Consultant, Professional Coach, Proofreader/Editor, Affiliate Marketer, Popsicle Stick Crafter, Print-on-Demand Products Designer, and Webmaster

Check out:
www.cityofpullmanportal.com,
www.949crafts.com

Looking for a professional coach?  I’m your man!  Let’s chat.

Go to:
​
Most Recent Blog Post

​Blog Archives List