10 Easy Proofreading Jobs from Home (Make Extra Cash in Your PJ’s)

Last Updated November 10, 2024 by Davina Kelly

You want to make extra money, but finding something flexible, beginner-friendly, and actually worth your time feels nearly impossible. If that sounds like you, Proofreading jobs from home are a great option for you.  

Proofreading is a great way to make money if you’re proficient in English, have an eye for detail, enjoy reading and are good at spotting errors.

Whether you’re looking for a remote side hustle or a full-time gig, proofreading can be a great option, especially since it offers the freedom to work from anywhere. 

You might be wondering: how do you actually become a proofreader? What qualifications or skills do you need to succeed? 

Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about proofreading jobs from home including the best places to find proofreading jobs and how to get started without experience. 

After reading this post, you’ll have all the tools, tips and knowledge to start your proofreading career. 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we will receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

What Does a Proofreader Do?

Let’s start with the basics. Proofreading is the final step in the writing process. Proofreaders are responsible for spotting and correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting mistakes. If you’ve ever caught a typo in a book or an error on a website, you’ve done a mini-proofread! 

People often assume that proofreaders and editors are the same, which I understand because they are similar. But they’re not the same. 

Editors focus on structure and flow, ensuring the content is clear and readable. Proofreaders, on the other hand, are responsible for catching any final errors and making sure the content looks polished and professional before it’s published.

As a proofreader, you’ll work on a wide range of content and you can specialise in what interests you the most. 

Here are some of the common types of documents proofreaders can work on:

• Books
• Blog posts and articles
• Academic papers
• Legal documents
• Resumes and cover letters
• Marketing materials (brochures, emails, websites)

The type of document you proofread might affect how you work. For example, proofreading a novel is very different from checking a legal contract. But no matter the document, your job remains the same: find and fix those sneakily little errors. 

How Much Money Can You Make Proofreading?

When it comes to income, proofreaders have a wide range of earning potential, depending on factors like experience, specialisation and marketing skills. According to Indeed, proofreaders in the U.S. make anywhere from $12 – $40 an hour, with an average of around $22 an hour.

As a beginner, you’ll likely start on the lower end of the scale, but with practice and the right strategies, you can steadily increase your rates. 

If you’re looking for ways to boost your income early on, consider taking on multiple jobs. This way, you can maximise your earnings and reach your financial goals faster. 

What Qualifications Do You Need To be a Proofreader?

One of the great things about proofreading is that you don’t need any qualifications to get started. Some clients might prefer candidates with formal education in English or communications, but most are interested in your ability to do the job well.

Many people learn the trade through practice and experience. However, if you’re new to the field and want to accelerate your progress, taking an online course can be a great way to build your skills and boost your confidence.

Platforms like Skillshare offer affordable classes in proofreading such as this proofreading masterclass, which is perfect for helping you get up to speed quickly. 

You can sign up for Skillshare FREE for 30 days here and start learning how to proofread.

10 Best Proofreading Jobs from Home:

1. Proofreading Services.com

Proofreading services.com is a well-known site that offers both part-time and full-time remote proofreading jobs. The pay ranges from $19 to $46 an hour depending on the project and turnaround time. 

There’s a short 20-minute test you need to pass before getting started, but once you’re in, you’ll have access to a variety of jobs.  

2. Flexjobs 

Flexjobs is a great place to find work-from-home opportunities, including proofreading jobs. 

When looking for jobs search keywords like “online proofreading” to get the best available opportunities.

The site does charge a $14.95 monthly fee, but they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, the platform is known for thoroughly vetting its listings so you know the jobs are legit. 

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance platform that caters to beginners so it’s a great place to find entry-level proofreading jobs from home. If you already have some experience you can also find intermediate jobs.

To get started all you need to do is create an amazing profile that appeals to clients and attracts proofreading gigs.

The pay is low initially, but you can use the platform to get experience and build your reputation. Over time, you can join higher-paying sites and secure long-term clients. 

4. Upwork

Upwork operates similarly to Fiverr but is often seen as a more professional platform. As with Fiverr, your profile plays a big role in attracting clients, so make sure it stands out. 

When pitching to clients, take the time to craft a strong cover letter – it’s how you will stand out from the many freelancers on the platform. 

According to Upwork, proofreaders can earn between $18 and $35 an hour. Keep in mind, that Upwork charges a 10% service fee on your earnings, so factor this in when setting your rates. 

Because Upwork is free to join, it can attract scams. To protect yourself, work only with clients who have verified payment details and a high hiring rate. 

5. Scribendi

Another great platform to find proofreading jobs from home is Scribendi. This is a freelance platform that focuses exclusively on proofreading and editing. 

The platform also offers courses to improve your skills and a forum where proofreaders can connect and share tips. 

The downside is that Scribendi has some strict requirements you need to meet before you can get accepted to the platform. Some of them include:

• You need a university degree 
• You should be a native English speaker
• You have a minimum of three years of experience

If you can meet these requirements you’ll get access to good opportunities to monetise your proofreading skills.

6. People Per Hour

If you’re a beginner looking for entry-level proofreading jobs from home, People Per Hour is a great option. 

The site is similar to Upwork, the only difference is you need to apply to join. Once you’ve been accepted the platform will match you with clients based on your profile description. 

As a beginner, you can expect to earn between $15 and $100 per hour, depending on the project. Once you gain more experience you can make over $100 an hour and land consistent clients.  

7. Clickworker

If you have good communication skills and some proofreading experience, Clickworker is a good option for you. 

To start monetising your skills, sign up and create a profile highlighting your proofreading skills. Once you’ve signed up you will be required to take some tests before you can apply for jobs. 

It might seem extra, but the test does have advantages because it can reduce competition.

However, you only get one chance to take the assessment so it’s important to be prepared. 

The pay ranges from $0.02 to $0.10 per word, depending on the quality of your work. 

8. Freelancer

Freelancer is another great freelance marketplace where you can find proofreading jobs from home. Similar to Upwork, you’ll need to create a profile to get access to job opportunities on the site.

A well-crafted profile will increase your chances of attracting clients and landing jobs. So, be sure to include relevant keywords related to proofreading to optimise your profile and make it easier for clients to find you.

The only downside of Freelancer is you may get low rates if you’re new to proofreading, but the pay will increase as you gain more experience. 

9. Scribbr

Scribbr is known for its thorough application process but it is worth the effort because it’s one of the highest-paying platforms for proofreaders. 

To get started, you’ll first need to take a 30-minute language quiz. If you pass, you’ll receive a document to edit as a test within 1 – 2 hours. 

Next, you’ll attend Scribbr Academy for 2 – 3 weeks, where you’ll learn to edit projects according to Scribbr’s standards. Once you complete the course, you’ll be ready to take on tasks. 

Scribbr primarily focuses on editing dissertations, theses and essays for students, with pay rates as high as $145 for a 10,000-word thesis. 

10. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal is a great side hustle for students and one of the best websites for proofreaders. You can earn between $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on your skills. 

Due to the competitive pay, Proofreading Pal has specific requirements. Applicants must be employed by or enrolled as a U.S. university or college student. You must also have a graduate degree and at least five years of proofreading experience. 

To apply, simply fill out the online application on their website and submit your resume and cover letter.

Skills Needed for Proofreading Jobs

Here are the skills you need to start earning money with proofreading jobs from home. 

Strong Grammar and Spelling Skills

A proofreader’s bread and butter is their ability to spot grammar mistakes and misspellings. This doesn’t mean you need to be a human dictionary, but you should have a good grasp of grammar rules and the ability to catch errors others might miss. 

If you’re not super confident in your grammar skills yet, don’t stress. There are tons of free online tools to help you brush up, like grammar quizzes or apps like Grammarly. 

Attention to Detail

Proofreading is all about precision. The best proofreaders can catch the tiniest mistakes – whether it’s an extra space between words or a wrong date in a document. Being detail-oriented is key to succeeding in this role. 

If you naturally spot errors in everything you read, you’re already halfway there. 

Familiarity with Writing Style Guides like AP, MLA, Chicago, etc.

Different types of content use different style guides which are essentially sets of rules for things like punctuation, capitalisation and citation. Common style guides include the AP Stylebook, the Chicago Manual of Style and the MLA Handbook.

Familiarising yourself with these guides is crucial, especially if you plan on proofreading certain types of documents like academic papers or news articles. 

Good Communication

Effective communication is key to building strong relationships with clients. Keep your tone professional and friendly and be clear about your services and turnaround time. 

This not only helps avoid misunderstandings but also builds trust and makes you stand out as a reliable proofreader that clients want to work with again. 

Time Management

Managing your time well is essential in proofreading, especially if you’re handling multiple projects. Make a habit of setting realistic deadlines for yourself and prioritising tasks based on urgency and complexity.

Good time management helps you deliver quality work on time and keep your workload manageable – which makes you someone clients love to work with!

Tools and Software for Proofreaders

Proofreaders can’t solely rely on their eyes – there are several tools that can help make the job easier and more efficient. Here are some proofreading tools that you might find helpful. 

• Grammarly: One of the most popular grammar-checking tools that catches mistakes and suggests improvements. 
• Google Docs: The “suggestion mode” feature is handy for proofreading collaboratively. 
• Hemingway App: This tool helps identify complex sentences and offers suggestions to simplify the text.
• Microsoft Word: Its built-in grammar and spell checker is a great starting point for beginners. 
• PaperRater: This free tool checks for grammar errors and provides feedback on writing style. 

How to Become a Proofreader with No Experience

Breaking into proofreading without experience might sound daunting, but it’s totally doable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

Choose a Niche

Decide what type of content you want to specialise in – whether it’s academic papers, blogs, marketing content or something else. Having a niche can help you stand out in a crowded market and attract higher-paying clients. 

Learn the Rules

Brush up on your grammar and familiarise yourself with style guides like AP or MLA. There are tons of free resources online to help you get started. 

Build a Portfolio

If you’re a beginner offer to proofread for small businesses for free to gain experience. You can also start by proofreading blog posts or self-published books to build a portfolio. 

Join Freelance Platforms

Sign up for platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer to start finding gigs. These sites are great for beginners because you can start small and build your reputation over time.

Market Yourself

Promote your services on social media or LinkedIn and let people know you’re open for business. Networking can go a long way in helping you land your first clients. 

Respond to Clients Promtply 

Ensure you respond to any messages from clients quickly. It’s a simple way to show professionalism and commitment. Even if you can’t start a project right away, a quick acknowledgement lets the client know you’re on top of things. 

Responding in a timely manner can also increase your chances of getting hired as many clients appreciate quick and attentive communication. 

Pros and Cons of Proofreading Jobs from Home

Working from home as a proofreader comes with some clear perks, but there are also challenges to consider. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of being a proofreader:

Pros:

• Flexibility: You can work from anywhere and set your own hours.
• Low barrier to entry: You don’t need formal education or certifications to get started.
• Variety: You can work on different types of content from academic papers to novels. 
• Low overhead: All you need is a computer and internet connection. 

Cons:

• Competitive market: There are many proofreaders out there so you need to stand out. 
• Pay varies: As a beginner, it can be tough to land high-paying gigs.
• Repetitive work: Proofreading can be tedious, especially if you’re working on similar types of content day after day. 

Final Thoughts

Proofreading is a great job for anyone who loves to read, spot errors and work independently. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your freelance career, this post should give you a solid foundation. 

Remember to keep practising, building your portfolio and seeking new opportunities to refine your skills. 

Which proofreading job will you try? Let me know in the comments below. 

This post was all about proofreading jobs from home.

Other Posts You May Like:

10 Best Online Typing Jobs for Beginners

15 Lucrative Remote Side Hustles

11 Profitable Writing Side Hustles