A proofreading side hustle could help you make extra money while leveraging your language skills. Tons of writers need sharp eyes to fix their typos and mistakes in ebooks, blog posts, online stores, websites, and more.
The demand for proofreading jobs keeps growing, and with some smart tools and strong proofreading skills, you can make money by reading and fixing other peoples’ texts.
What is a Proofreading Side Hustle?
A proofreading side hustle mostly consists of checking written work for small mistakes. It’s all about catching typos, fixing misplaced commas, looking for style problems, and formatting rules.
Unlike editors, who might rework whole paragraphs, proofreaders don’t change big ideas or rewrite sentences. Their job is to make the text look clean and correct while adjusting the tone and clearing up confusing ideas.
To put it in a timeline, proofreading happens after editing. It’s the final polish before publishing.
Who Is It For?
A proofreading side hustle best suits people, who:
- Love reading.
- Have a sharp attention to detail.
- Prefer working alone.
- Have strong grammar and language skills.
- Can plan their own time.
- Are deadline-driven.
- Are comfortable working remotely.
If you match these traits, becoming a freelance proofreader might be your next exciting career move.
How to Get Started With Proofreading as a Side Hustle?
While launching a proofreading business may feel scary at first, setting a clear action plan will help you find your first clients and make money more quickly. The first thing you need to do is assess your abilities.
Assess Your Skills
Take time to look closely at what you can do. Ask yourself some tough questions about your potential as a proofreader:
- Can you catch tiny grammar mistakes?
- Do style guides like APA or MLA make sense to you?
- Are you patient?
If you’re not sure, try taking some online quizzes to help you figure out some stuff about yourself. Don’t worry if you’re not perfect right away.
Learning and training can improve your skills, so if you need some, make sure to look for online courses about proofreading.
Necessary Tools and Software
Starting a proofreading side hustle doesn’t require expensive gear. A few smart tools can make your work smoother and more accurate.
- Grammarly. It catches grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes in seconds.
- The Hemingway Editor. It helps you simplify complex sentences and improve how readers understand your work.
- Style guides. They help you meet professional writing standards and stay consistent in your style.
When you’re racing against tight deadlines for online proofreading jobs, these tools become invaluable resources.
Training and Courses
Jumping into proofreading requires more than just natural talent. Professional training can fast-track your success and make you feel more confident. Here are some options for you:
- Proofread Anywhere. It’s a top choice for newcomers, as it focuses specifically on launching a proofreading business.
- Skillshare. It’s a platform where you can find many classes covering grammar, proofreading techniques, and fundamental editing principles.
- LinkedIn Learning. It features instructions from seasoned industry professionals who share insider knowledge that is unlikely to be found in textbooks.
These training paths will give you the tools and confidence to take on paid projects and make money with proofreading jobs.
Practice and Build Your Portfolio
Landing online proofreading jobs starts with real-world experience. Don’t wait for perfect opportunities to fall into your lap. Take initiative and start small:
- Volunteer. Don’t expect to make money right off the bat. Offer to proofread documents for friends, local non-profits, or student projects to start up your portfolio.
- Create mock samples. These practice pieces help potential clients see your capabilities and attract more customers.
Following these practices will help you create the first additions to your portfolio, and from there, you will be able to land real clients that pay money more easily.
Where to Find Online Proofreading Jobs?
Freelance Platforms
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great opportunities to make money for beginners. These platforms connect you directly with clients seeking online proofreading jobs.
The competition is fierce over there, so you will have to craft a compelling profile that clearly showcases your skills. Price your services competitively to attract initial clients. Your first proofreading jobs will likely be small, but they will build crucial experience and reputation.
Online Job Boards
Job boards like FlexJobs and Remote.co are some other great options for online proofreading jobs. These platforms specialize in remote work opportunities and are convenient for people looking for part-time gigs.
Direct Outreach
Sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t advertised. Bloggers, small business owners, and authors often need proofreaders but don’t know where to look. Direct outreach becomes your friend.
Create a professional email template that sells your proofreading skills. Show potential clients how you can elevate their content and explain the value you bring. Your cold emails could be the start of great business opportunities.
Networking
Social media is a great place to find freelance proofreading jobs. Your network of connections or friends could become your best job-hunting resource.
LinkedIn stands out as a platform that you can use to connect directly with content creators and recruiters. Or, you can tailor your LinkedIn profile to fit a freelance proofreader so that recruiters and interested persons could find you first.
Another valuable resource is Facebook. You can join freelance proofreading groups on Facebook and check every now and then if someone needs proofreading services.
Essential Skills for a Successful Proofreading Side Hustle
Core Skills
Here are some core skills that you must have before undertaking any proofreading project:
- Grammar and syntax. Make sure your text is error-free.
- Style consistency. Stick to one style and tone throughout the text.
- Attention to detail. Spot even the smallest mistakes.
Additional Skills
If you master some of these additional skills, you will be far more valuable and far less replaceable in online proofreading jobs:
- SEO. Helps you notice keywords, break up the text in smaller pieces, format headings, and more.
- Terminology. In legal, medical, or academic niches it’s essential to understand specific words and phrases.
- More languages. If you’re working on international projects, you can make extra money by proofreading different languages.
Time Management
Balancing a proofreading side hustle with other jobs or responsibilities you may have takes some planning and time management. If you find it difficult to do on your own, try productivity tools like Trello and Asana for projects and Toggl for time-keeping.
How Much Can You Earn as a Proofreader?
Factors Affecting Earnings
The amount you earn mostly depends on your experience, specialization, and the clients you work with.
- Client type. Larger businesses or established authors typically pay more than small counterparts.
- Document complexity. Technical documents often allow for higher rates.
- Deadlines. Proofreading jobs that need to be done as fast as possible often come with higher pay.
- Niche expertise. Specialized knowledge in certain industries may allow you to charge more.
Hourly Rates vs Per-Project Rates
As a proofreader, you can expect to earn in the range of $15 to $50 per hour. However, if you’re working quicker than the average proofreader, you may want to charge per project to both save time and make more money.
Setting Your Rates
Research how much proofreaders make in your location. The rates will differ based on where you live, how many clients you’ve worked with, and your overall experience. Bargaining skills and how well you can sell yourself will also play a role.
Final Thoughts
A proofreading side hustle is a great opportunity to make money from the comfort of your home. Sharpen your proofreading skills on training platforms, find some proofreading tools to help you out, and find proofreading jobs on freelance websites, social media, or through direct outreach.