39 Best Online Proofreading Jobs (Earn $50k No Degree)

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Do you enjoy reading? Do you have a good eye for spotting mistakes in grammar and punctuation? If so, then you might be interested in looking at online proofreading jobs.

If you ever catch yourself finding typos or grammatical errors when reading other people’s content, and those errors get under your skin and make you want to reach out to the author with a friendly email suggesting corrections, keep reading.

The thing is:

We all make mistakes, especially when it comes to writing.

A good writer, blogger, or author wants their mistakes caught and fixed before their work is published. This is why tons of people are willing to pay someone to proofread and correct their work.

Online proofreading jobs can be completed from home (or anywhere) since all you need is a computer, internet, and solid proofreading skills. That’s why proofreading is a great job to consider if you want to make money from home.

Best Online Proofreading Jobs

Entry-Level Proofreading Jobs
Experienced Proofreading Jobs
FlexJobs
Scribendi
Fiverr
Proofreading Pal
Upwork
Proofreading Services
People Per Hour
ProofreadNOW

Click here for more job opportunities and the details of getting a proofreading job online at these companies.

What exactly is proofreading?

Proofreaders are very valuable because their work is often the last line of defense before content gets published. Some people get proofreading confused with editing and may even use the two terms interchangeably.

However, the roles are quite different. An editor’s job is to review the writing and check for errors, including misspellings, grammar issues, and incorrect sentence structure. The editor may send the work back to the writer for revisions.

Once it gets to the proofreader, their job will be to give a final official review. Proofreaders make sure the writing is free of errors. However, your primary role as a proofreader is to catch anything that wasn’t exposed during editing and apply final touches to the piece to make sure the writing is fluid, the sentences are well-formed, and the tone is consistent.

Think of it as a quality control job.

Still need some more clarity on the role? This comparison will help!

Proofreading vs. Editing and Copyediting

Editors/Copy Editors:

  • Review several drafts of the writing (often kicking off the early revision stage).
  • Provide feedback on sentence structure, word choice, etc.
  • Fix spelling and grammar errors.
  • Ensure the project is consistent with specific editorial guidelines and style guides (if applicable).
  • Fact checks the work and makes sure sources are correctly attributed.

Proofreaders:

  • Only review the final draft of the writing.
  • Check to make sure no spelling, grammar, or word choice errors remain.
  • Make sure the content is consistent and flows well.
  • Make sure formatting is consistent.

Proofreaders don’t perform an overhaul of editing duties like moving paragraphs around, rewriting parts of the content, or commenting on the storyline or characters.

That type of work is reserved for the editor, and by the time the work gets to the proofreading stage, you mainly need to do a final review and make some slight tweaks if necessary.

For more info on proofreading, check out my in-depth guide to learning how to become a proofreader.

How much does a proofreader earn?

According to Ziprecruiter, full-time proofreaders make $52,110 on average, with top earners making above $105,000 per year. What you earn varies on your experience and the level of difficulty of the work.

If you work as an experienced freelance proofreader, you can charge more. Generally, prices range from $10 to $50 per hour. But for specialized legal or medical proofreaders, you can charge up to $90 per hour (or even more if your clients are in big cities like LA or New York).

You also need to consider how much you can work. A proofreader with several clients will make more than someone who’s just looking for some extra income and takes on only one or two clients and works part-time.

Graph showing how much money per year a proofreader can earn

Where to find the best online proofreading jobs

So how many people are really hiring proofreaders? And where can you find the best proofreading jobs?

Convincing someone that they need to hire a proofreader is not a difficult sell. The content industry needs it, and anyone serious about publishing quality writing work could benefit from it.

Here are some real opportunities to land a job as a proofreader working from home. Whether you have no experience or are an expert proofreader looking for an online job, there are websites for all levels.

If you are starting out, just apply to the websites that accept entry-level proofreaders.

1. FlexJobs

Flexjobs Logo

PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

FlexJobs is an online job board that lists work-from-home opportunities on a flexible basis, including remote, freelance, and part-time roles. It’s the perfect website to use if you want to start a freelance career. They have a section in which they list all proofreading jobs here.

All job opportunities are carefully screened and checked for scams before they are approved, which means all jobs listed here are legit opportunities to make money.

What’s the catch? It’s not free! You need to pay a $14.95 monthly fee to be able to apply to job listings. The great thing is that there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can pay the fee and ask for a refund if you don’t want to renew your subscription. No questions asked.

Click here to check it out!

2. Proofreading Services

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

Proofreading Services offers full- and part-time remote online proofreading jobs. They offer flexible hours, which means you can work from your living room or a beach in Thailand! Plus, they pay an incredibly competitive rate between $19 and $46 per hour, depending on the turnaround time.

Once you apply, you need to pass a 20-minute screening test to get any job assigned.

3. Contena

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate

Contena is more than a job board for proofreaders, editors, and writers. It’s a community where you can find all the resources you need to land a great job. Contena features freelance and full-time remote jobs, giving you more flexibility to pick what you like.

When you start your Contena membership, you receive access to all of their resources, including Contena Academy, which shows you exactly how to get started with freelance writing if it’s something you want to look into to expand your proofreading gig.

One thing you need to know is that Contena is a paid membership site. They offer a few different membership options, including payment plans to make Contena as affordable as possible. Memberships start at just $42 per month when paid in full for the year. And if you just want to try it out, they offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee to make sure you are happy with their service. 

4. Scribendi

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate

Scribendi allows you to offer freelance proofreading services to clients through the platform.

You can set your own schedule and work as little or as much as you like. Scribendi accepts applicants from all over the world, as long as you have a university degree and at least three years of previous experience with editing, writing, document production, or language teaching.

You need to be able to proofread at a speed of 1,000–1,500 words per hour and have high-speed internet access plus Microsoft Word 2010 or later on a secure PC (not Mac) computer.

You will be paid in US dollars via PayPal, no matter where you are.

5. Proofreading Pal

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

Proofreading Pal offers online proofreading jobs for current college students or anyone with a graduate degree and at least 5 years of proofreading experience. Proofreaders using this platform earn between $500 and $3,000 per month.

If you think you qualify, you need to answer a short questionnaire. Once you’ve submitted it, you should hear from Proofreading Pal within 5–10 business days about the next step of their hiring process.

6. Fiverr

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner

I am not going to lie. You won’t find many high-paying jobs on Fiverr. But it’s a great online portal to get experience when you are just starting out!

Everyone starts at zero on day one. If you put in some time to create a great profile, you should be able to get a few beginner jobs.

This will help you build experience to apply for much better-paying jobs on other platforms.

For more info, check out my guide on How To Make Money on Fiverr Like a Pro.

Case Study 1

How Caitlin from Proofread Anywhere made $43k a year working part-time!

“I’ve always had a knack for proofreading. When I was in college and studying abroad in Germany, students there would ask me to proofread their essays. I loved helping to turn their writing into masterpieces.

After I graduated, I proofread transcripts for court reporters at a court reporting agency. Well, I got fired from that job (I got my work done early and worked on my own projects when I had spare time, and they didn’t like it). It was a huge shock, but I’m grateful it happened because it forced me to forge my own path and realize that I didn’t have to keep working to fund someone else’s dream.

After that, I kept proofreading part-time for some of those reporters while I studied to become a personal trainer — until I realized I could make a full-time income from proofreading!”

“When I was proofreading, I earned around $43,000 per year. And I only worked on average 20–25 hours a week! I worked when I was most productive, and I wasn’t stuck to a 9-to-5 schedule.

Because I was so passionate about proofreading, I started ProofreadAnywhere.com as a blog back in 2014, and it’s exploded since then. I wanted to share my passion for proofreading with others – so they can start and grow their own freelance businesses as I did.”

Caitlin’s top tips for working as a proofreader:

“The #1 tip I can give to an aspiring proofreader is to invest in training that will teach you how to provide the best service possible.

Training is super important for three reasons:

  • It boosts your confidence. Starting a business is nerve-racking, and having confidence in your skills means there’s one less thing to worry about.
  • It boosts your client’s confidence in you. Taking a course demonstrates that you’re committed to providing top-quality service to your clients.
  • It protects your reputation. Learning on the job is a great way to get experience, but it can also mean making many mistakes. In the proofreading industry, mistakes are forgiven much less easily! Practicing your craft within the safety of a course means you’ll weed out bad habits and hone your eagle eyes before you work with real clients.”

If you’re a word nerd and you want to earn money reading for a living, check out Caitlin’s free training.

7. Upwork

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner

Very similar to Fiverr, Upwork is one of the biggest freelance websites in the world. And because of that, there are freelancers on it from everywhere, ready to be paid pennies for jobs. This means there is always someone bidding less for every job, which could end up in you charging a lower rate than you deserve. Upwork also takes a 20% service charge, which can add up to a good chunk of your earnings, especially if you are just starting out.

The advantage of using it is that it is a great user-friendly platform that can help you launch your proofreading career, especially if you have no experience and are just starting out.

8. Book Editing Associates

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

If you have any experience with traditional or self-publishing, you can apply for a proofreading role with Book Editing Associates. You need to pass a short copyediting and proofreading test to qualify.

If you want to apply for a proofreading job with Book Edit Associates, you must be 100% freelance (they will not accept people with another day job). And you also need 5+ years of editing experience and a track record of published books you have edited (traditional and self-published).

9. Cactus Global

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Expert

Cactus Global offers work-from-home jobs and opportunities for freelancers. They have over 2000 freelancers working for them, and they are rated one of Forbes’ Top 100 Companies For Remote Work in 2022.

They usually look for editors and proofreaders who have medical and scientific backgrounds. 

If you want to apply for a job, you’ll have to take a test that includes 10 multiple-choice questions for correction. The test is designed to assess your knowledge of English grammar, word choice, and sentence construction. The entire test should take about 30 minutes to complete. If you pass the test, you will be invited to take a round of subject-specific tests, followed by interviews.

Case Study 2

How Melinda from MC Edits makes $3,000-$4,500 a month!

“After having tons of jobs and thinking maybe I had found the right fit more than once, I was always disappointed. My last job was supposed to combine my degrees in teaching and coral reefs. However, the thing I did the most was proofreading. And I realized that I loved doing it! And even better, I could easily do it while working from home or traveling.

When I left that position, I was determined to figure out how to start my own business. I came upon Proofread Anywhere, which helped me hone my skills and gave me a framework and network to create the life I wanted. So now, whether I just want to snuggle with my pup all day or go on an adventure to explore the world, I can work AND enjoy my life at the same time!”

“The best place to find a client is where you would least expect it. You have to let people know this is what you do and be persistent. When I started out, most of my clients came from Upwork, but it is very competitive. You need a way to show people what you are capable of. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and find your own routes to get experience.”

10. ProofreadNOW

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Expert

ProofreadNOW looks for people with at least five years of experience as professional proofreaders, and you must surpass some tedious and challenging tests to qualify for a job there.

You also need to have a reliable internet connection and up-to-date software tools, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Professional (not the free reader). You can check this page to see if they are currently hiring.

11. Prompt

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

Prompt pays you to proofread college admission essays. They require a 4-hour per week minimum availability but prefer to hire applicants who can work 10+ hours per week.

Prompt offers competitive pay – editors who join the Prompt network begin with a $20/hour compensation for a brief evaluation period. After this time, if you are approved to become a full member, you will receive a raise to $25-$28/hr, depending on your weekly time commitment.

The average Prompt editor earns around $5,000 for the admissions season, with many earning $10,000+. 

12. People Per Hour

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner

People Per hour is a freelance marketplace that offers proofreading jobs regularly. It works a bit like Fiverr and Upwork. There are many offers for proofreading jobs, especially if you are just starting out, but don’t expect to make much money here.

But like Fiverr and Upwork, it’s a great portal to look for entry-level jobs that will give you the experience you need to apply for much better opportunities.

13. Gramlee

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

Gramlee is an online service that provides editing and proofreading services. They charge clients $0.03 per word for up to 3000 words. Projects with more than 3000 words are assigned to a senior editor and may cost more. This means you might not get paid much if you are an entry-level proofreader. But it’s still worth giving it a try to gain more experience.

You can simply click here to check if they are looking for proofreaders and/or editors. All you have to do is fill out a simple questionnaire with some basic questions about your experience. They receive hundreds of applications a week, which means the more experience you have, the more likely their team will contact you for an interview.

14. Scribe Media

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

I love the concept of Scribe! Formerly known as Book in a Box, Scribe Media is a publishing company that helps people turn their ideas into books. They look for freelancers but also have job opportunities for full-time proofreaders if you are not looking for total freedom.

If you become part of their family, they give you incredible support and training to deliver outstanding work. Everyone seems to love working there (have a look at their reviews on Glassdoor).

Salaries seem to change a lot, depending on experience.

Check out their job opportunities here.

15. Wordy

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

Wordy provides online proofreading and editing services for a fixed fee. They accept every level of experience, but the more experience you have, the more likely you will get jobs.

If you want to apply to work as a proofreader on Wordy, you will need to pass a series of tests to determine your proficiency in grammar and spelling, command of English, ability to spot inconsistencies, and awareness of ambiguities and textual structure. 

If you are accepted as a copy-editor on Wordy, you will work as an independent contractor. As a registered copy-editor, you will not be employed by Wordy but will only acquire work through it.

You can check if they have any openings here.

Case Study 3

How Nikki from Precise and Be Smarter Now makes $4,000-$6,000 a month!

“The catalyst for starting my business was unexpectedly becoming a single mom. After seasonal and part-time work plus assistance from family to make ends meet, I decided to use my writing talents and love for the English language to provide editing, proofreading, writing, and social media services to businesses, writers, and students.”

“I bootstrapped my business instead of seeking funding or investors. Getting my business off the ground and getting the word out was challenging. I was raising two young children, so working from home made sense. I brought them to and from school, attended functions and award ceremonies, and picked them up when sick. Now that they’re older, owning my own business affords me the freedom to schedule personal things during the day as needed.”

“To get started with a proofreading business, I would suggest creating an online presence and joining one or more business networking groups. Online, be the sharer of information and educate people about grammar, punctuation, writing, etc. This will help set you up as a leader in your field. Of course, you should promote yourself too, but this shouldn’t be the primary objective.”

“As a freelancer, you can find work on sites such as Fiverr and Upwork; however, most jobs won’t pay much, so use your best judgment. I also recommend joining the American Copy Editor’s Society (ACES). They are a highly supportive group of fellow editors and proofreaders who share a love for the English language and a passion for being precise. Plus, they hold an incredible annual conference, so you benefit from continuing education.”

16. Scribbr

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate

Scribbr helps students edit and proofread their thesis and dissertations.

If you want to work at Scribbr, you need to be a native English speaker: this is a basic requirement. If you are a native English speaker, you will need to go through a rigorous application process, in which you are asked to demonstrate your technical grammar skills, familiarity with academic writing, and an understanding of editing principles.
Once you pass the test, you also need to complete the Scribbr Academy training program, in which you will learn how to edit for students.

Once you become an approved Scribbr editor, you can expect to earn $22-$27 per hour, depending on the assignment.

Click here to learn more.

17. Cambridge Proofreading & Editing

cambridge proofreading logo

PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

Cambridge Proofreading & Editing has a network of more than 150 editing professionals, covering the full spectrum of academic subjects. They have an incredible team of talented editors and proofreaders, which means you need to be experienced to stand a chance to be hired here.

To qualify, you need to be an English native speaker and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

And you need to be able to commit to at least 10,000 words of editing per week.

If you get hired, you can earn an average pay of $20–$30 per hour, paid weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly—it’s up to you. Check out all the requirements and details here.

18. Polished Paper

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

Polished Paper offers proofreading and editing services and usually looks for experienced editors and proofreaders. If you want to be considered for a job with them, you need to register for a user account and upload your resume. You will then be directed to a 35-question editor test. 

If you pass the test, you will then be contacted by their team for a follow-up interview.

19. Edit 911

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Expert

Edit 911 offers home-based job positions for proofreaders and editors, enabling them to proofread work without leaving their homes. Before applying for a position, you need to make sure you meet their minimum requirements:

  • A Ph.D. in English or another writing-intensive discipline.
  • A published scholar with demonstrable talent and skills as a writer.
  • A teacher and/or book editor with verifiable experience.
  • A master copy editor and expert in various documentation styles, such as MLA, APA, and Turabian.
  • Proficient in MS Word and at least one other software application, such as InDesign or Publisher.

If you meet all these qualifications, you can send them your resume and a sample of your writing. They normally respond within 48 hours!

20. EditFast

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate

EditFast is a portal that lists online jobs for both online proofreaders and editors. To be able to apply for jobs, you need to register online. If you are accepted, you will work as a freelancer.

To start the application process, you need to upload your resume, take an editing test, sign a non-disclosure agreement, and build an online webpage with all your details. You will then need to wait for EditFast to approve your application. 

Once your profile is activated, you will be able to review all new jobs and apply. You will be paid via PayPal once the job has been completed.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that EditFast will retain 40% of the final price, which is a significant profit cut! Plus, I’ve had some negative reports that they delayed some payments, so make your own research before signing up with them.

Click here to apply.

Case Study 4

How Edee from BossLady Creatives makes $500-$1,500 a month in her spare time!

“I decided to start my business because I was already copy editing/proofreading for a science fiction author, and I wanted to share my expertise and skills with other writers. I am lucky to have a spouse who could support us financially, but I wanted to contribute, even if it was in a small way.

As women, it doesn’t matter if we are out in the corporate world or are at home raising the next generation. It is crucial that we can support ourselves on our own. I also wanted control over my time and the freedom of working from home.”

My best tip to get started is to find small jobs at job curating sites like Fiverr or Upwork.

Use smaller paying jobs to save up for membership in organizations like the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). You will be part of a directory of editorial freelancers of all stripes, and I have had clients find me in the directory there.

You will also have access to the job board and can bid on jobs that way. When you do good work for your clients, they will tell others, and you will build up a word-of-mouth clientele, as well.”

21. Steady

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

Founded in 2018, Steady is fast becoming one of the most popular places to find all sorts of profitable side hustles, including proofreading!

Simply download the Steady app to get connected with available gigs, which you can filter based on your location, skills, interests, and schedule.

What makes Steady truly unique is all the additional ways they offer to “Steady Your Income.”

This includes income boosters for doing things like signing up for a new bank account or referring a friend to the app.

It also includes emergency cash grants, which Steady provides by working with non-profits and local governments across the United States.

22. Freelancer

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

Freelancer calls itself “the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace,” and with nearly 60 million users in 247 countries, they may not be lying.

Just sign up and fill out your profile, and you will be able to make bids on available gigs around the world.

Freelancer is free to use, but if you want to bid on the most lucrative gigs, check out Verified by Freelancer. It costs $100 and you’ll have to complete a video interview, but you will earn a blue badge on your account which lets potential clients know that you are legit.

Check out proofreading jobs on Freelancer here.

23. Wordvice

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Expert

Wordvice is a high-level editing and proofreading platform which works with universities, medical centers, research institutions, and businesses all over the world.

To apply as a proofreader, you must have a postgraduate degree (master’s or PhD) and a minimum of two years of editing experience.

The application process is admittedly rigorous, though if you have experience in medicine, engineering, or natural science, you will have a much better chance of being accepted.

If you are accepted, Wordvice is great. They will offer you as many or as few gigs as you desire, with deadlines ranging anywhere from nine hours to one week.

Click here to apply.

24. Writer’s Relief

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Expert

Established way back in 1994, Writer’s Relief is a platform which helps authors get their books and articles published. For proofreaders, this means the opportunity to help someone make their dream a reality!

Click here to apply to Writer’s Relief, but note that they accept very few people who apply. Ideally, you will have a background editing at literary magazines or publishing houses if you want to catch their eye.

And just to answer the question I know you grammar nuts out there are asking — “Writer’s Relief,” and not “Writers’ Relief” is intentional and meant to reflect the personalized, one-on-one editing approach of the company.

25. Clickworker

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

Clickworker is a platform which offers clients the ability to outsource microtasks to freelancers, called “Clickworkers,” all over the world.

Once you sign up, you’ll be able to choose from a pool of available projects. Tasks for each project are broken up into smaller sub-projects, including proofreading, allowing global teams of Clickworkers to work together.

The best part is you don’t need any sort of special credentials to get started. Only a third of the more than 3.6 million freelancers working on Clickworker have even as much as a college degree.

Check out the available proofreading jobs at Clickworker here.

26. LinkedIn

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

We all know that LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with other professionals. But have you heard of LinkedIn Talent Solutions?

It is their proprietary jobs marketplace, and it’s easily one of the best places to find both freelance and full-time proofreading jobs!

In fact, LinkedIn claims that four hires are made every minute of the day on their platform. Maybe this isn’t a surprise, since LinkedIn has nearly one billion users worldwide.

Check out what proofreading jobs are currently on offer here.

27. Get Editing Jobs

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

As the name suggests, Get Editing Jobs is a job board for those looking for editing and proofreading work.

Simply sign up, then use the search bar to find freelance and full-time proofreading jobs to apply for.

The best part of Get Editing Jobs is that they have special boards for ‘critical needs editing jobs‘ and ‘high paid editing postings,’ both of which are updated frequently.

Make sure to check these out regularly for the most lucrative gigs.

Check out all the proofreading jobs currently available here.

28. Lionbridge

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

Lionbridge is a global company which says that they “create, transform, test, and train more content than anyone in the world.”

For proofreaders, this means a wide variety of potential gigs to choose from, both full- and part-time, as well as remote or in one of their 42 offices worldwide.

Lionbridge offers both full- and part-time employees the opportunity to set their own schedule and work on their own terms.

Plus, an added bonus, Lionbridge was named to both the Forbes list of Best Employers for Women and Best Employers for Diversity in 2021.

Take a look at current job openings at Lionbridge here.

29. American Journal Experts

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Expert

American Journal Experts works within the world of science and academia, helping researchers, scholars, and scientists construct their written work and share important findings with the world. This means that proofreaders can know they are helping contribute to research and discoveries important to society!

Working with American Journal Experts means you will be an employee of the company, rather than a freelancer, but their positions are remote and can be done from anywhere in the world. Plus, they offer an extensive benefits package.

However, you will need a postgraduate degree to apply.

Check out the full list of available AJE careers here.

30. OneSpace

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

OneSpace is a company that helps major brands with their e-commerce goals. They employ a huge team of experts in a variety of fields, including editing and proofreading, and offer both full-time positions with the company and freelance work.

As a freelancer, you’ll have the power to set your own schedule and work anytime you like from anywhere in the world.

And if you’re a full-time employee, well, check out these sweet perks!

There are no specific requirements to apply, but experience with e-commerce is definitely a benefit.

Check out OneSpace for Freelancers here.

31. Kirkus Reviews

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Expert

Fun Fact: In 2023, Kirkus Reviews will celebrate its 90th birthday!

It’s true. Since 1933, when Virginia Kirkus started her dream business, the company “has been a leader in editorial excellence in the publishing industry.”

For the past decade-plus, Kirkus Reviews has offered book editing services to authors and publishers.

No, it’s not easy to earn a position with Kirkus – they only hire editors and proofreaders who have worked on books published by a major publishing house or an award-winning independent press.

But if you’ve got the experience, you might want to check out what they have to offer.

32. SmartBrief

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate

SmartBrief is a digital publisher of business news and industry-specific information. They rely on a large team, including copywriters, editors, and proofreaders, to provide curated content to corporations, trade associations, and nearly six million senior executives around the world.

It is no surprise then that they’re always hiring!

If you are looking for something more full time, SmartBrief might be for you, especially if you have a background in business or technology, and particularly if you like perks!

Check out the full list of available jobs here.

33. Craigslist

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

Did you know that Craigslist has a specific section for Writing/Editing Jobs?

It’s true, Craigslist is a great place to find freelance proofreading jobs!

One big advantage of using Craigslist is that if you can find private clients you can trust, you can avoid paying the commission that many other platforms charge.

It might also be a good place for beginners to get comfortable with the process of proofreading before diving into something more serious.

Because with proofreading jobs, much of the work can be done remotely, be sure to check the search results for multiple cities, even those you don’t live in.

34. Media Bistro

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate

Media Bistro is a job board for media and content professionals. They provide constantly updating employment opportunities, both full-time and freelance, for proofreaders.

Simply go to their job board and type “proofreading” into the search bar, along with a specific city if you desire, and check out what they have on offer.

You can also set up personal job alerts, which will inform you when jobs appear with certain chosen keywords, salary or experience level, duration, or location, saving you time on your hunt for online proofreading jobs.

Check out proofreading gigs on Media Bistro here.

35. Guru

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PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

Guru is a great place to find proofreading jobs for anyone from a beginner to a more experienced proofreader.

Simply sign up (it’s free!) and create your profile, then start browsing available gigs and offering quotes to potential clients for your services.

Clients also have the option of finding you and offering you work, so make sure your profile stands out!

Find freelance gigs on Guru here.

Additionally, you can choose to get different paid memberships, which unlock additional benefits, like the ability to make more bids, offer promotions, and show up higher in the search results.

36. Managed Editing

managed editing logo

PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate to Expert

Managed Editing has been providing copyediting and proofreading to publishers, businesses, and government agencies since 1996. While their full-time team is set, they often look for freelancers to work for them as independent contractors.

All of their gigs are remote, and the requirements to apply are a college degree and at least five years of editing experience.

The application does take a fair bit of time to fill out, but what’s nice is that they then keep it on file and may contact you in the future with a gig offer when they need extra help.

Fill out Managed Editing’s independent contractor application here.

37. Reedsy

reedsy logo

PROOFREADING LEVEL: Intermediate

Reedsy is a platform that helps authors of all stripes publish their books, from first timers to best sellers.

Just sign up and create your proofreading profile, it’s free to join, and once your profile is accepted it will be made available in the Reedsy Marketplace.

Better still, Reedsy will use their proprietary algorithm to match you with clients they think will be a great fit.

From there, you keep 90% of each project you work on and pay Reedsy a 10% commission.

Sign up and find proofreading jobs here.

38. Writing Jobz

writing jobz logo

PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner

I’m not going to lie. I don’t love having “Jobz” in the name of a company focused on editing. However, Writing Jobz still makes this list because it is a great place for beginners to make real money proofreading.

In fact, proofreaders can earn up to $11 per page on Writing Jobz, and there are no requirements to join, save for taking a brief language test.

You even get paid for any extra time you might put in on a project, which can be especially valuable for those just starting out who don’t know quite what twists and turns to expect.

Sign up for Writing Jobz here.

39. Start your own proofreading business

PROOFREADING LEVEL: Beginner to Expert

If you’re looking for maximum freedom as a freelance proofreader, you may want to forgo the options listed above and start your own proofreading business.

These days, it is so easy to network and find proofreading clients on Facebook or other social media platforms, and you can even start your own online store to sell your services!

If you’re thinking about going this route, check out my definitive guide to How to Become a Proofreader in 5 Simple Steps.

And then, check out this free course, which will teach you how to be a better proofreader, and how to market yourself to the clients you want!

The tools to make your proofreader’s life easier

Proofreading allows you the freedom to work from anywhere. However, some tools would make your life much easier as you do your work.

Here are the top tools you’ll need:

  • Google Docs: Most people have a Gmail or GSuite account. Having Google Docs allows you to share documents with clients and leave comments for review easily.
  • Grammarly: Grammarly is a great tool to help with basic grammar and sentence structure editing. Again, your editor will take on the bulk of this work, but using Grammarly makes it easier to perform a final check.
  • Hemingway App: This is a helpful free tool that can point out issues with sentence structure, word choice, and overall readability. I love how it pinpoints how certain parts of the content can be improved to boost overall writing quality.
  • McGraw Hill’s Proofreading Guidebook: This affordable proofreading handbook serves as your guide through the proofreading process by offering step-by-step instructions
  • A style guide: Depending on the client and the work, you may need to follow a specific style guide, so it’s important to have some on hand or be knowledgeable about common writing styles like AP and Chicago Style. Here is a list of the different styles you can consider reviewing.

What skills do I need to find proofreading jobs?

First of all, proofreaders should be skilled in written English. You may think that everyone who speaks English has this skill, but written English is different.

Proofreaders must have an in-depth knowledge of the rules and best practices when it comes to proper grammar, sentence structure, word choice, and how information is presented.

You may need to follow a style guide and quickly determine whether certain words and phrases are clear and consistent with the main idea of the content.

You’ll also need to have solid communication skills, work well independently, meet deadlines, and have an eye for detail. Since you’ll be the last line of defense before something gets published, you must know how to spot inconsistencies and make sure things like page numbers, image captions, and headings are all accurate and match the correct formatting.

As with all skill sets, practice and implementation are key. The best thing you can do as an aspiring proofreader is to develop these skills over time.

To recap, these are the top skills you need to get proofreading jobs:

  • Skilled in written English
  • In-depth knowledge of English grammar
  • Attention to details
  • Great communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines 

Do I need any qualifications to become a proofreader?

You don’t need a special degree or certification to become a proofreader. But, some training is essential to help you find your first client much faster, as Melissa said.

Some proofreaders take an online course or attend training events to brush up on their skills. Doing this will also help you try your hand at proofreading and gain some experience before seeking out clients.

Most companies require that the candidate have a strong understanding of the English language, allowing them to recognize and correct editorial stylistic inconsistencies (but you don’t necessarily have to be a native English speaker!).

They also look for solid typing skills, attention to detail, proficiency in basic computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Word, and some hands-on proofreading experience. Some positions require a degree but don’t really specify the area of study, so you can likely use any past degree you have to qualify for a proofreader role – perfect for anyone looking to start fresh and pivot their career path!

How to get an online proofreading job

There are two critical steps when trying to get an online proofreading job that you should take before you ever speak with your first client.

First, figure out your niche.

There are so many different options out there; you need to determine which aligns best with your experience and interests.

Consider:

  • Students want their work proofread before they hand it in.
  • Academics want help transmitting their findings to the world.
  • Writers want to make sure their work is perfect before they submit it for publishing.
  • Content creators want proofreaders to help them build their brand.
  • Businesses need proofreaders for marketing material, press releases, and company reports.

As noted above, some online proofreading platforms are better for certain things. Choosing your niche will allow you to choose the platform that works best for you.

The second step, no matter which platform you use to get online proofreading jobs, is to make sure you have an exceptional profile.

This means filling out all available fields with detailed and accurate information, using high-quality images, and of course, not having any spelling or grammatical errors.

Your profile is the first thing potential clients will see when considering you for proofreading jobs, so make sure it’s good!

Where to get proofreading training at home?

If you are looking to take proofreading seriously, I would highly recommend taking an online proofreading course to enhance your skills and build your toolbox.

For beginners, a course can help you get over initial hurdles, but at any stage of the process, a course can boost your confidence, and the confidence customers have in you.

Without a doubt, the best place to get proofreading courses is Proofread Anywhere.

Remember Caitlin? Over the past seven-plus years, she has taught over 15,000 burgeoning proofreaders her secrets, and she currently maintains an “excellent” rating on Trustpilot!

Her courses give you everything you need to succeed as a proofreader — practice essays, information on how to market yourself and grow your business, even a graded exam and a certificate of completion at the end!

Check out Caitlin’s 76-minute workshop. It’s completely FREE!

Ready to work from home as a proofreader?

Working from home as a proofreader can be a great way to earn extra money. You can seek out online proofreading jobs or build your own small business by marketing your skills.

If you’re ready to start, begin by developing some of the core proofreading skills you need and work on some sample assignments.

And if you spot any grammar or spelling mistakes above, feel free to practice your proofreading skills and leave a note in the comments!

I promise not to get upset!

And if you are not sure if proofreading is for you, take Caitlin’s free workshop. You’ll learn if this is the right path for you, how you can use proofreading as a tool to reach freedom and financial security, and how to find your first client!

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31 Comments

  1. Diane Duke says:

    I’ve been looking for a way to work from home using my paralegal skills and my love of reading and writing. I am very encouraged after reading what you have to say about all the opportunities out there. Thank you so much for putting it all together so nicely!

    By the way, the sentence in the description of what Upwork offers that reads (in part) “…way a much lower rate.” is very awkward at best.

  2. Annabelle S. Tiaga says:

    Thank you for your eye opener… Am planning to try proofreading to earn extra income…

    1. Hey Annabelle,
      Thanks for your comment, glad you found this helpful. Proofreading is a great way to make extra money and be flexible. Good luck 🙂

  3. This article was very enlightening.It shows there are so many opportunities out there that we are not aware of and which can greatly enhance someone’s life.
    Thank you and keep up!

  4. DO NOT WORK FOR EDITFAST!

    Something is going on with EditFast and/or its owner Robert Kidd, and they have suddenly stopped paying their editors. I’ve been registered with the site for several years and taken on a variety of small projects during that time, for which I was always paid. Last year I edited two much larger projects and never received payment. All emails and follow-ups I’ve sent since have been ignored. I wanted to believe it was an honest mistake and I would eventually be paid, but after seeing recent comments on other sites about other editors also not being paid, it’s obvious this is a larger trend and I wanted to warn others before they waste their time on work they may not ever be paid for.

  5. Lwitikano Sibakwe says:

    This is something I can relate to, I unknowingly am always criticising my works mates on using wrong grammar in their emails. Hence, this article has my full attention

  6. Tony Dunn says:

    I’ve been using Grammarly an app to help with your grammar as you type online. I don’t need it for grammar but my typing is not too great so it’s useful for that

  7. Tom Hagemann says:

    Thank you so much for this article.
    It’s very helpful to have the experience level required, and nuances of each site, upfront.

  8. I am doing proofreading job work from home, I tried many platforms and I found Upwork is best from every platform but after reading your blog, I am also attracted to Fiverr.

  9. Thank you! This is very helpful- I have been using this time in quarantine to learn how to be a proofreader. I’m hoping to become a great helper within this field.

    1. Thank you, Rachel! I am sure that if you work hard on your proofreading skills, you are going to become great at it 🙂

  10. I read your blog and found it interesting, you suggests the platforms where can be get a job with secure payment. I recommend Upwork top of the freelancing platform to start career with no scam and fraud.

  11. Very useful article, thanks for sharing this. This work can be both a way to earn extra money, and as a whole career. In such difficult times as now, when we have to sit at home, I think this is a great opportunity to try ourselves in something new and earn a few dollars to pay bills. I heard a lot about some of these services and have long wanted to try. But due to work, there was not enough time, and now there is plenty of it during quarantine. I will definitely take advantage of this, good luck!

    1. Thanks, Jerrold! I hope you and your family are well. And yes, using this time to learn something new is the best thing we can do 🙂

  12. This is such a wonderful resource on how to earn money proofreading! Thank you. And, since you invited your readers to report any errors, I’d like to point out a typo in Case Study #1. “How Caitlin from Proofread Anywhere made $43k a year working par-time!” It should be part time, and I could be wrong but I think a dash is only used when “part time” is being used as an adjective, and here it is used as an adverb. 😉

  13. Excellent tips and guidance on how to begin an online proofreading business. Thank you for this post.
    BTW, I believe there may be 8 ‘mistakes’ in the article.

  14. Mosab Alkhteb says:

    Well, I have been searching about sites that offer proofreading jobs and I read many articles. This is the best one so far! Thank you so much.