20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners

Sharing is caring!

One of the simplest ways to earn money from home is by offering proofreading services to clients within and outside the country. Fortunately, there are numerous online proofreading jobs that you can engage in right now to start earning quick bucks. You don’t need to leave the comfort of your home or invest any money to get started.

As long as you have a good laptop and uninterrupted access to the internet, you can start making money as a proofreader. Moreover, unlike other freelance jobs, proofreading doesn’t require much experience or in-depth skills.

You can perform competently as a proofreader once you’re fluent in English and know how to spot simple grammatical and spelling errors in written content.

 

What Is Proofreading?

Proofreading is the act or process of editing a written document by painstakingly checking for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax. A proofreader can be charged with the task of editing any written copy, from essays to articles and even books.

 

How Much Do Online Proofreaders Make Per Hour?

Proofreaders can make anything between $12 – $30 per hour. Your earnings depend on the quality of clients you work for. Proofreading may not be as lucrative as some other jobs, yet you can make a decent amount of money from it if you’re hardworking.

 

How To Become A Proofreader

The first step to getting started as a proofreader is by practicing. You need to spend some time learning how to edit content correctly before making any attempt to get your first client.

You can speak with your friends online or offline if they can give you any document that needs to be proofread. You may not get paid for helping them, but it will add to your bank of work experience and make you competent enough to start seeking high paying online proofreading jobs from home.

 

Tools For Online Proofreading

In order for you to make your online proofreading jobs easier and less stressful, here are some of the online tools you’re expected to use:

 

  • ProWritingAid

This is one of the best tools for proofreading fiction and academic content. Both studies and authors rely on this tool to check for errors in their content. This AI editor is free, but there are premium plans for as low as $79 per year. Using the paid version would improve your efficiency in editing content. On the other hand, the free version can only edit 500 words at a time.

 

  • Paperrater

This online proofreader tool allows you to check for grammatical and spelling errors. It pinpoints the errors and explains why they need to be corrected.

The tool has a free package, but it’s better if you opt for the paid version since it offers more features that make editing easier and faster. Unlike some other proofreading tools, Paperrater’s payment must be renewed monthly for about $8.

 

  • Typely

As the name implies, this tool helps you check for errors while typing with your laptop. But more importantly, this tool is completely free, and you can edit as much content as you want without spending a single cent. Although some proofreaders don’t trust the accuracy of this tool, thousands of people use it daily to edit their content.

 

  • Grammarly

Grammarly is actually the most popular tool used for online proofreading jobs. Millions of writers and editors rely on this tool to deliver perfectly written content. Like almost every online editor, Grammarly has free and paid plans. However, the paid version works more efficiently than the free one.

Another thing that makes Grammarly unique is that it has an application for smartphone users. If you don’t have a laptop to edit content, you can download the app from Play store or Apple store directly into your smartphone.

 

  • Proofreading Tool

This tool is very popular in the academic field. It is used to grade essays and other written academic assignments most times. As a very effective tool, it doesn’t come with a free version. You’d have to pay a couple of bucks to use it.

Notwithstanding, there’s a 7-day free trial for anyone using the proofreading tool for the first time. The free trial will help you determine if the tool is worth paying off.

 

How To Get Online Proofreading Jobs

You can get online proofreading jobs by joining a freelancing platform, where thousands of clients visit to hire professionals, including proofreaders. Most freelance sites will help you get connected with potential clients, and they will also secure the payment process. This means no client can run away with your money after you complete a job.

Another way you can get clients to hire you as a proofreader is by advertising yourself on social media. You might want to invest some dollars in running ads and promoting your proofreading services to thousands of people on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

online proofreading jobs

 

20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners

If you are ready to become an online proofreader and earn thousands of dollars every month, here are 20 proofreading jobs you should check out:

 

1. CACTUS Communications

CACTUS Communication is a site that offers proofreading jobs almost every day. Most of the proofreading jobs are concerned with academic, medical, and scientific works. Although the company is headquartered in India, people from different countries are hired remotely to work for them.

CACTUS offers flexible work hours, making it easy for you to perform under less pressure. According to a report from Indeed, this site pays between $3000 to $4000 per month.

 

2. Cambridge Proofreading

This is one of the high paying online proofreading jobs for people who have a bachelor’s degree from a native English-speaking country. But before applying for a job at Cambridge Proofreading, you must know that the recruitment process can be rigorous.

You’ll have to take a few tests to prove your competence before the brand can hire you. Also, if you get hired, you will have to edit at least 10,000 words per week. You can choose to be paid weekly or monthly. The pay is between $20 to $25 per hour.

 

3. Clickworker

This is a freelancing site that coordinates freelancers to find clients. As a proofreader, you can find your ideal client via this platform. Clickworker also has a mobile app that allows you to find and accept jobs on the go. As for your earnings, you will get paid depending on the job you complete. However, you can negotiate prices with your clients.

 

4. Domainite

Domainite does not pay a lot of cash for completed proofreading jobs. But if you are consistent, you will realize a fair amount of money at the end of the month. To start earning from this site, you need to sign up by completing a quick online application. You will also submit a sample before any job can be assigned to you. The pay is about $0.25 per 100 words.

 

5. EditFast

EditFast is one of the legitimate proofreading jobs online for freelance proofreaders. However, you will need a college degree to sign up and activate your custom profile page on the platform. This profile serves as your resume and it determines the kind of jobs you’d be getting. Registration is free, but the platform takes %40 percent of your earnings.

 

6. Fiverr

Fiverr is the world’s biggest and most credible freelancing platform, and they offer the best online proofreading jobs from home. But if you are just starting on Fiverr, it would be difficult to make a lot of money, and most clients would only offer to pay you around $5 to $10 per assignment.

Nonetheless, if you gain experience and build your portfolio, you will definitely meet more prominent clients. Signing up on Fiverr is completely free, but the platform takes %20 of your earnings.

 

7. FlexJobs

If you are looking for a remote work portal where you can find online proofreading jobs, FlexJobs is a perfect place to start.

However, the site is not entirely free. You will have to pay $14.95 per month to access all the job listings, and this increases your chance of getting hired. Also, FlexJobs ensures that you don’t get scammed by any so-called client. Any gig listed on the platform is legit.

 

8. Freelancer

Freelancer is another popular freelancing platform where you can find legitimate online proofreading jobs. To get hired on this platform, you need to sign up and create a profile. Your profile is expected to look professional and convince potential clients to hire you.

Once your profile is created, you can start bidding for any available gig. The more jobs you complete, the more clients trust you to handle tasks for them.

 

9. Gramlee

Gramlee is a special site for proofreaders looking for remote jobs. Thousands of jobs are available on the platform but you will be required to meet deadlines most times.

You can be required to proofread a 3,000-word content in less than a day. Sometimes, you will be asked to complete such a task in a few hours. If you are not good at meeting deadlines, you may struggle to perform competently on this platform. Payment is usually determined by the client that hires you.

 

10. Guru

Guru is an online platform for freelancers where you can search for different types of remote jobs and bid on them. If your bid is accepted, you get hired immediately.

You can easily get online proofreading jobs on this site by quickly bidding for the job as soon as they are posted. It’s like a competition since other freelancers are also seeking to get hired.

Like Fiverr, your payment on Guru is determined by the client you work with and the type of gig you complete. Also, the platform takes %9 of your earnings.

 

11. Indeed

On Indeed, you can search for different types of jobs based on keywords, location, experience, and salary. As for proofreading jobs, they are available on this site. In fact, hundreds of proofreading jobs in different industries, including the medical sector, are listed on Indeed. Simply search for available jobs and apply. If you meet the requirements, you may get hired.

 

12. Polished Paper

Polished Paper offers freelance proofreaders the opportunity to earn money from the comfort of their homes by editing simple content. On this platform, you will find some of the best online proofreading jobs from different clients.

To apply for any job, you need to first sign up and register an account. You will also take a test to prove your competence. If you pass the test, you can access the job listings on the site and apply for them.

Polished Paper doesn’t have a fixed rate it pays proofreaders. Payment differs based on the assignment completed.

 

13. ProofreadingPal

Not everyone can work for this establishment. ProofreadingPal only hires proofreaders based in the United States and also college graduates. You must also have a minimum 3.5 GPA and a few years of experience working as a professional proofreader. These requirements are why many people cannot work for this brand.

According to information on the ProofreadingPal website, editors earn between $500 to $3000 per month.

 

14. ProofreadingServices

This site offers online proofreading jobs for beginners from any country. Amazingly, you don’t need to meet too many requirements before you can be hired. However, you will need to pass a 20-minute proofreading test to show the company how competent you are.

Another fantastic thing about this platform is that high-paying jobs are being offered, and you can earn up to $45 per hour.

 

15. Scribbr

Scribbr is another credible platform that provides the best proofreading jobs online for freelance proofreaders across the world. Most of the jobs are concerned with academics, and you will be required to edit different types of academic work, including thesis.

Also, you need to be from a native English-speaking country to be qualified for any gig on the site. Scribbr pays its proofreaders at least $25 per hour.

 

16. Upwork

Upwork is considered the second-biggest freelance platform after Fiverr. You can find thousands of online proofreading jobs on the site.

However, before you can start earning on Upwork, you need to first set up a professional profile, listing your qualifications and providing a link to your portfolio. This would convince potential clients to hire you. Besides, the more jobs you complete, the more clients you would connect with.

Based on the types of proofreading assignments you are assigned to complete, you can earn up to $3000 per month on Upwork.

 

17. Wordvice

Wordvice hired proofreaders to edit academic papers, admission essays, and other related assignments. To be qualified, you must have bagged a college degree or at least still be in college. You may also be required to take up a test before your first job is handed to you. Regarding your earnings, Wordvice pays $30 to $33 per hour.

 

18. Scribendi

To work for Scribendi, you need to be quite fluent in English. This is because most of the content you’d be assigned to edit is written by people using English as a secondary language.

You will be required to edit at least 1000 words within an hour. But if you can work fast, you will make a lot of money by completing several tasks. Scribendi pays an average of $27 per hour.

 

19. ZipRecruiter

This is a searchable database where you can find online proofreading jobs and apply immediately. Thousands of gigs are available on the platform, and you can set a job alert to receive an email whenever new jobs are posted on the platform.

ZipRecruiter doesn’t require any sign-up fee or take commissions from your earnings. They simply connect you to remote jobs and leave you to deal with your client as you please. You can earn between $10 to $30 per hour based on the type of gig you find.

 

20. Writer’s Job Shop

Anyone with an English degree can apply for proofreading jobs on this platform. Once your application is approved, you can access numerous job offers. You can select the gig you wish to apply for and wait to see if it will be assigned to you. Payment is made monthly, and bonuses are awarded to freelancers who perform exceptionally.

 

Pros And Cons Of Proofreading

Like every other online hustle or freelance job, proofreading has its pros and cons. Here’s what you should consider if you want to make money as a proofreader:

 

[Pros]

  • Proofreading job is very convenient. Since it’s an online job, you can work from anywhere, as long as you don’t fail to complete your task as when due.
  • You can work for multiple clients since there are so many people looking for proofreaders to hire. Besides, working for different clients means you would earn more money. However, you must be hardworking to pull this off.
  • You don’t need to invest money before you can start your first proofreading job. In fact, all the freelance platforms where you find clients won’t take any money from you when you are signing up. They will only earn a small percentage from every successful deal. The only money you might spend would be on an online proofreading tool.

 

[Cons]

  • Proofreading jobs may not be lucrative. Unlike other online jobs like graphic design, ghostwriting, or website designing, proofreading may not help you earn up to $10,000 per month. You will need to work for multiple clients to make a decent income.
  • You may sometimes face tight deadlines. Your clients may want you to complete a job quicker than the usual time, requiring you to work harder to deliver on time.
  • Proofreading seems like a simple job but some tasks may require 100% competence from you. For example, editing a simple blog post differs from editing a novel or school project. You’d need profound experience and knowledge to complete some jobs competently.

 

Quick Summary: Online Proofreading Jobs

If you are a native English speaker and are pretty good at spotting errors in written content, finding an online proofreading job might be a great way to support your main income.

Even if you don’t have many years of experience as a proofreader, you can get started and start improving your skill. Each assignment you complete broadens your knowledge of editing, and before you know it, you will become a highly sought-after professional.

Also, you must be willing to take low-paying jobs while starting as a proofreader. Don’t pay too much attention to how much you are earning. Instead, think about the experience and knowledge you’re gaining.

 

Pin this for later!

Online proofreading jobs for beginners

Sharing is caring!

Author: Anthony Ihz

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • I’m so glad I came across this article! The comprehensive guide to online proofreading jobs is a must-read for anyone looking to start a career in this field. The step-by-step approach and the list of recommended platforms provide a clear roadmap for beginners like myself. I’m excited to explore these opportunities and refine my skills as a proofreader. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights and resources!