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Last updated on Nov 02, 2023

How to Become a Proofreader: the Ultimate Beginner's Guide

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

This article was written in collaboration with professional editors and proofreaders Allister Thompson , Aja Pollock , David Haviland , and Sally Apokedak . 

Proofreaders are keen-eyed professionals who specialize in going over texts to make sure no typos and grammatical mistakes are present before publication. Essentially, if you choose this career path, you'll be reading for a living, and you can do it from your own home, so what's not to like? 

If you’re interested in having a proofreading career, we’ve contacted some of our top professionals here at Reedsy to put together this comprehensive guide on how to become a proofreader in six steps:

1. Understand the proofreading job description

2. identify what proofreading services you want to offer, 3. take a proofreading course, 4. develop a strong command of style guides, 5. search for freelance proofreading jobs, 6. network and keep building your business portfolio.

Let's take a closer look.

What does a proofreader do? A proofreader does the final check of a piece of text to catch any remaining grammar and punctuation mistakes, spelling errors, or formatting issues before it reaches the eyes of the public, after the author has adjusted the structure based on a developmental editor's feedback and the polished the language based on a copy edit. Their services make news articles, essays, books, website copy, or any other type of text error-free and ready for publication.

More specifically, proofreaders are often freelancers, and they carefully read documents from many types of clients (authors, publishers, businesses, and so on) to double-check for:

• Typographical errors
• Inconsistencies in style or layout
• Awkward page and word breaks
• Missing punctuation and spelling mistakes
• Any other issues that might spoil the reading experience.

Top tip: to keep track of all creative decisions such as alternative spellings of names and places or italics for thoughts, proofreaders often use customized style sheets. You can read more about how to use a style sheet and download two free templates here .

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Editorial Style Sheet Templates

Set up a sleek and easy-to-use style to keep track of all your creative decisions.

While some authors may be tempted to skip over proofreading to save time and money, proofreading is an integral part of making any text look spot-on and professional. “A proofreader is the ‘last line of defense’ between a book that looks professional and one that is obviously amateur and sloppy,” says Allister Thompson , a proofreader with over 25 years of experience. “So a proofreader actually has a lot of responsibility in the publishing process.”

Proofreaders vs copy editors

An important distinction to make is that between copy editors and proofreaders: as opposed to copy editors, proofreaders are not necessarily concerned with the quality of the sentence on a subjective level, but how well it adheres to grammar conventions and the logic of the text. That means that a proofreader will not go into a text and make suggestions for better ways to phrase things, so long as there are no objective spelling errors, missing punctuations, or formatting issues, for example. 

Below is a table that clarifies the different steps of the editorial process. This applies best to books — in article or copywriting you may have content editing followed directly by proofreading, for instance.

Emphasizing the difference between copy editing and proofreading, Aja Pollock , a freelance editor for Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Macmillan, says that “probably the main piece of advice I'd give to new proofreaders is that proofreading is not copyediting. Your job as a proofreader, aside from catching outright errors, is to back up the copy editor and make sure the style they've established is applied consistently, as stated in the style sheet.” 

“If it’s clear and consistent,” she continues, “don’t change it without checking with whoever hired you.” Unauthorized and unnecessary corrections at the proofreading stage can set the whole production schedule back and cause further issues down the line, so “as a proofreader, you need to develop a sense of when to stay in your lane.”

🎓 What qualifications do you need to become a proofreader?

While you don’t necessarily need any specific formal qualifications to become a proofreader, you do need to demonstrate somehow that you have the skills for the job. Most proofreaders will hold bachelor’s degrees in fields like English or Journalism and, most importantly, must have a strong command of language and grammar. To that, Allister Thompson adds that a skilled proofreader must be able to focus for long periods of time: 

“A distracted proofreader is a bad one. The eye always wants to skip over text, especially when you're pressed for time. You can't do that.” 

David Haviland corroborates this statement:

“Proofreading is all about focus and attention to detail. Many of the issues that a proofreader identifies are ones that most educated people would spot, if they were paying attention. But maintaining this kind of focus on every line over the course of an entire manuscript, and then doing the same thing day after day, is an acquired skill.”

Further, you should be able to spot typographical or design errors, as you might be working with laid-out book files and not just text documents.

Having a university degree or special qualifications in the form of certifications, though not strictly required, can be helpful in showcasing that you have the skills and techniques clients expect proofreaders to have, and help you stand out during the job application process.

With that said, you can study in other fields as well, especially if you want to work as a proofreader for technical or academic content. This makes the job quite accessible to students, freelance writers, and just about anyone with a sharp eye and love for wordsmithing . You can also opt for vocational training programs that specifically teach proofreading, and which come with certifications. 

💰 How much do proofreaders make?

According to ZipRecruiter, professional proofreaders make around $23 per hour on average. As of 2023, that means the average salary of proofreaders is around $47k per year. 

That being said, proofreaders with more experience and expertise — or expertise in niche fields — can command even higher fees, with top professionals making between $30-$35 an hour. Professional proofreaders on Reedsy, for instance, can make anywhere between $600–$1,000 working on a book, depending on the book’s genre and length. 

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If you like the job description and the money sounds good, the next step towards becoming a proofreader is to pick your niche, i.e. what type of texts and industries you would like to work with.

Since media content is everywhere nowadays, you get a lot of choices. You can work with authors on books, with content creators on websites and blog posts, with scholars on academic papers, with reporters on news articles — the list goes on. With the right background, you can even proofread medical texts or court reports. 

Now, as you’re building experience, you can try your hand at a variety of projects, though the key to getting a leg up is to find a specific niche. Each field has their specific requirements in terms of language and format, so it’s simply easier to learn them one at a time. Moreover, your niche is your competitive advantage when applying for proofreading jobs: clients will appreciate expert services more than they do a melange of barely related work experiences.

If you want to work in publishing, it’s even beneficial to narrow your focus down to book genres , since they can require quite different skills. Proofreading a fantasy novel, for instance, may demand sharp attention to details and the mechanics of a fictional language, while proofreading picture books may present technical challenges, notes editor and proofreader Sally Apokedak : 

“If I proof PDFs with illustrations, I take into consideration the design of the book. For instance, maybe the text is centered and paragraphs lack indents. Quote marks can present another problem. So, when possible, I proof the work according to the typesetter's  rules to maintain consistency.”

With this in mind, consider where your expertise and genuine interest lie, and work towards eeking out your presence in your desired niche.

If you do not yet possess the skills and qualifications to land the proofreading jobs you’re applying for, you might want to consider bulking up your resume with a proofreading course. Since there’s more to proofreading than just reading and catching a spelling mistake here and there, (and since real-life experience can be hard to come by) we highly recommend signing up to a proofreading course that can guide you through other duties of the job. This is what Aja Pollock did: 

“I took a proofreading class at NYU, just to get some kind of credential under my belt, and a class taught by someone who knows what they're doing is a great way to learn best practices and conventions for proofreading. Someone who's new to proofreading might not think to check for things like stacks and ladders or make sure the folios and running heads are correct; you should be able to come out of a class with a full checklist of things to look for beyond just typos.”

A course not only gives you a head start on understanding style guides (more on this in a bit) and grammar rules, it also allows you to familiarize yourself with editing tools and provides a chance to practice proofreading while getting feedback from veteran professionals. Working together with your course mates while meeting deadlines not only shows that you're a team player, but is also a great way to kick-start your networking efforts; a proofreading course is a great place to meet potential future colleagues and employers, after all. 

Of course, each program offers different things: some might be more tailored to fiction proofreaders, others to legal paperwork; some can offer more theoretical knowledge, others come with a mentorship program. The point is to find a curriculum that provides the best training for your chosen niche. Start your research with our summary of the best proofreading courses in the market right now. 

Beyond the work that a course gives you, here are some other options to hone your proofreading skills:

Practice, practice, practice

They say practice makes perfect, so get going! Make an effort to proofread anywhere and everywhere you go (silently in your head, of course). And don’t stop with correcting grammar and spelling mistakes; think about your punctuation errors and inconsistencies in language as well. 

For more material to work on, offer to proofread a friend’s work for free. Be mindful of the context of each piece — is it a cover letter, an essay, or a website copy? What style guide would it follow? What kind of English is used — British or American? The answers to questions like these will give you the standards which the piece needs to satisfy, which is the basis of your proofreading work, as a competent proofreader knows how to distinguish between objectivity and personal preferences.

Reading texts with these criteria in mind can sharpen your skills. The more you do it, the more competent you’ll be at noticing discrepancies and errors.

Take a proofreading test

Now that you’ve studied up and practiced your proofreading skills, it’s time to test them out! There are tons of tests out there, ranging from multiple-choice quizzes to textual exercises, that are great for gauging your ability to find and recognize key errors and inconsistencies. For some quick tests, check out these sites:

• Freelance Writing
• Editing Tests

As David Haviland says: “One way or another, you need to study the art of writing clearly, stylishly and consistently.” And whether that be through a course or through other avenues, you will have to know how to work with style guides.

Style guides are manuals that provide standard guidelines for the writing and formatting of various documents. If you’re going to become a proofreader, you’re going to want to know them like the back of your hand.

Which style guides you learn, of course, depends on your niche and the types of texts you’ll work with. In many projects, however, the choice will come down to the client so, at the very least, you should acquaint yourself with the following styles:

• Chicago Manual of Style;
• APA Style; and

David Haviland notes that he will always ask his clients what style guides they prefer at the start of a project. If your client doesn’t have a preference, you can refer to whatever style guide you feel most comfortable working with.

“It's handy to have a style guide like Chicago on hand,” Thompson adds. “Or whatever style guide your client uses. It's also handy to have a style sheet for a particular project, so copy editors can be encouraged to make those to explain spellings and style choices in the book.”

“I use the Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (online edition), as well as the house style sheet if I'm working for a publisher who has one,” Aja Pollock says. “When you start out, you may need to consult these a lot until you learn the fundamental style conventions and M-W spelling. That can slow things down when you're new to proofreading, but it's part of the learning process.”

If your niche is academic or scholarly in nature, you might also want to consider learning MLA and Turabian Style. Knowing these style guides will help you maintain objectivity and follow consistent rules whenever you’re editing a manuscript.

You can find the handbooks to these styles (which are essential resources  for editorial professionals) in libraries or on the internet. Having the one you're following on hand is always a plus, even when you become an experienced proofreader!

Once you’re all trained up in the proofreading department, you’re ready for your job search. But first, a word of warning: beginners in any editorial field will have less access to quality projects in their desired specialty or genre. Do take smaller proofreading roles that come in at the beginning of your career, and always keep your eyes out for opportunities that are adjacent to your chosen specialty. 

If you manage to weather this challenging first stage, you’ll emerge on the other side with the skills and track record to pull you through the rest of your proofreading career. 

“Proofreading suits a particular kind of person who loves language, cares about the fine details, and has a critical mindset. It’s quite difficult to do well, so there will always be work for a proofreader who is professional, reliable and fastidious.” — David Haviland

Since most proofreading services are provided by freelancers — even publishing houses  outsource this task often, to be more economical — you’ll find a lot of proofreading jobs on marketplaces like Reedsy or other freelancer job sites which connect you with a community of writers in need of proofreading services.

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Publishing job boards are also useful platforms to check out. And if you feel like working with a specific publisher or a media company, find and follow their editors on Twitter or LinkedIn. Managing and production editors commission proofreading services all the time — they often post something online when new gigs are available.

💡 Pro-tip: Impress your potential clients with this freelance proposal tempate and this invoice template. 

Setting your rates

In most cases, as you’re a freelancer, you’ll get to set your own proofreading rates. Remember not to undercharge! We recommend thinking about how much you need to cover your living and business costs (think office space and time spent on keeping the books) in order to come up with an absolute minimum, below which you should not accept. 

Experience and exposure is too often used as an excuse to underpay, and you should not accept that, especially if you have nailed down the fundamental skills for the job!

Before you know it, you’ll know plenty of people in the industry and will start finding jobs with ease, perhaps even commanding higher pay. But, don’t forget: keep building your résumé and treat everyone as a potential business partner! Make sure your portfolio is always updated and includes the latest projects relevant to your career goals. 

In other words, focus on presenting pieces that reflect what you want to keep working on and cultivate your professional relationships. So if you want to proofread more fantasy novels, highlight projects that involve other-worldly elements, even if they are review articles or short stories. That way, only the suitable clients will send you a request. Or perhaps you'll know a guy who knows a guy who can hook you up with your next project.

And, Sally Apokedak reminds us, even though proofreading is less concerned with the style and flair of the writing, it’s still an art-form which you can practice and get better at: 

“In all proofing, consistency is king because there is some room for art when proofing. Some of it is science—there is never a time when ‘it's’ will be a possessive pronoun, for instance. But some of it is art—some questions could be punctuated with an exclamation point instead of a question mark, for example. So the key is to make a reasoned choice in the beginning about certain gray areas and then be consistent all the way through to the end.”

Proofreading, just like any other editorial job, will come with its challenges. It’s not uncommon for newcomers to have to deal with low wages, competitive job prospects, and long work hours. But if you put your mind to it and really invest in your craft, then making it as a proofreader will be more than worth it in the long run.

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21 Websites Offering Legit Freelance Proofreading Jobs

This content may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. However, I only recommend products or services that I genuinely like and trust.

Want to become a successful proofreader but struggling to find freelance proofreading jobs? 

Finding clients is one of the most stressful parts of being a freelancer, but it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of online proofreading jobs available; you just have to know where to look. 

I’ve compiled a list of proofreading websites that hire proofreaders and editors to work for them. They find the clients; all you have to worry about is doing the work! 

Of course, working for an agency has pros and cons. You don’t have to do as much marketing, but as a result, you may earn a little less once the company has taken its cut. 

Stick around for the FAQ section at the end of this post, where I share some information about starting your own business. 

Table of Contents

Websites That Provide Freelance Proofreading Jobs

1.  scribendi.

Scribendi  is a Canada-based company that hires editors and proofreaders to edit content for its ESL, academic, professional, and student clients. It has both in-house and freelance positions. 

Suitable for beginners?

No. Scribendi requires that you have at least three years of experience in editing, writing, document production, or language teaching.

Do you need a degree?

Yes, you need to have a university degree in a relevant field. 

Special requirements:

You need to have native level English ability. However, the website states that the company hires proofreaders and editors outside the US and Canada. 

Your computer must have Microsoft Word 2010 or higher. 

2.  Proofed Inc.

Proofed offers proofreading, editing, and formatting services to businesses, students, and academics, and promises to return documents within 24 hours. 

Yes. If you don’t have experience yet, you can take its Knowadays Becoming a Proofreader and Becoming an Editor Courses (formerly Proofreading Academy) first. If you graduate with a score of 80% or higher from both courses, you are guaranteed the chance to work with Proofed.

Sign up for a free trial of the Knowadays Becoming a Proofreader course here!

I wrote a review of the Knowdays (formerly Proofreading Academy) Becoming a Proofreader course here.

Yes. Proofed is looking for meticulous, passionate proofreaders with a PhD, master’s, or undergraduate degree from a top university. However, if you complete its course, it will waive this requirement. 

You must upload a copy of your résumé and cover letter to apply for a role with Proofed. 

3.  ProofreadNOW

ProofreadNOW’s proofreaders and editors have been proofreading business documents since 1999. Its clients include law firms, marketing agencies, universities, healthcare providers, and more. 

ProofreadNOW is not hiring at present, but you can  sign up for its email list to be notified  when it is hiring. 

No. ProofreadNOW requires that you have five years of experience as a proofreader. 

The website doesn’t specify.  

You must pass a series of tedious and difficult tests before being hired.  

4.  Polished Paper

Polished Paper is a proofreading and editing service for students, businesses, and ESL writers. 

Register here to be considered for a position with Polished Paper. 

Possibly. The website doesn’t specify how many years of experience you need. 

You must pass a 35-question editor test before being hired. 

5.  Reedsy

Reedsy connects authors with proofreaders, editors, designers, and marketers who can help them bring their book to life and publish it. 

With Reedsy, you can set your own rates, and it charges a 10% commission. To apply, you must  sign up for a free Reedsy profile , and once you are accepted, you will be added to the marketplace. 

From what I’ve heard it can be quite difficult to get into Reedsy. I believe you need to have some experience already, but the website doesn’t specify. 

The website doesn’t specify. I think experience is more important to them.  

Not aware of any. 

6.  Domainite

Domainite  offers a range of services like marketing, website design, and direct mailing to its business customers. 

Possibly. The website doesn’t specify how much experience you need to have.

You must complete an  editing sample  before being hired. You must also confirm that you are familiar with using track changes in Microsoft Word. 

7.  Gramlee

Gramlee offers copyediting, grammar check, and proofreading services for students and academics.

You need to  fill out Gramlee’s employment form  to be considered for a proofreading or editing position.  

Possibly. The website doesn’t specify how many years of experience the company requires, but the form does ask how much experience you have.

The website doesn’t specify, but the form does ask if you have a degree.   

8.  Wordvice

Wordvice has been editing academic material and admissions essays for ESL clients since 2013. It has service agreements with many universities, academic societies, medical centers, research institutions, and laboratories.

Apply here to become a freelance editor with Wordvice. 

No. You need to have two years’ professional editing experience. It prefers that you have an educational background or have experience in medicine, engineering, or other biomedical and natural science domain.

Yes. You need to have completed or be enrolled in a graduate degree program.  

You must have native fluency in English. You must also have experience with various formatting styles such as APA, AMA, MLA, and Chicago.

9.  CACTUS

CACTUS  specializes in editing scientific and medical documents for academics. It is known for being a good place to work, consistently ranking among the top 20 on the global list of the Top 100 Companies for Telecommute Jobs (Forbes.com) since 2016.

The website states that “prior editing experience would be great.”

Yes. You need to have a PhD/master’s/bachelor’s degree or expertise in one or more specialized subject areas in physical sciences, engineering, materials sciences, healthcare, life sciences, medicine, and surgery. 

In addition to freelance positions where you can work from anywhere in the world, CACTUS also offers some full-time remote positions for people based in India. You may be asked to take an editing test to secure one of these positions. 

10.  Sibia Proofreading

Sibia Proofreading  was founded by Dona, a Harvard graduate. It offers proofreading and editing services for academics including journal articles, dissertations, theses, essays, etc.

The website doesn’t state how many years of experience you need to have; however, it does mention that its editors have experience editing PhDs. 

Yes. Sibia Proofreading carefully selects talented and experienced editing professionals who have graduated from top-tier universities such as Harvard University.

You need to be a native English speaker. 

11.  ProofreadingServices.com

ProofreadingServices.com  has helped thousands of academics, jobseekers, businesspeople, and authors refine their writing. It has part-time and full-time remote positions available.

It offers competitive pay ranging from US$19 to US$46 per hour depending on turnaround time, with the highest pay for the most urgent deadlines.

The website doesn’t specify. 

You need to complete an online application that includes multiple choice questions and a three to four-sentence writing sample.  

12.  ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal  uses a two-proofreader model whereby all documents must be proofed by two proofreaders to ensure it provides the highest-quality proofreading service. 

No. You need to have a minimum of five years of professional proofreading and editing experience or be working toward a degree.

Yes. If you do not already have a degree, you need to be currently employed by or enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited United States college or university and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.

You must have experience with several popular writing styles, such as APA, MLA, CMS, AP, and CSE.

13.  Edit24-7

Edit 24-7  specializes in proofreading and light editing for academics, businesses, and writers.

According to the website, Edit 24-7 has an extensive application process. To apply for a position, you need to send a writing sample and either your resume or a description of your relevant experience to [email protected].

14.  EditFast

The   EditFast  platform allows eligible editors and proofreaders to set up a web page where potential clients can reach out to them. Clients can choose which editor they want to work with or have EditFast choose someone.  

EditFast gets 40% of the final project price. 

The website states a requirement for past editing/proofreading experience, but it doesn’t say how many years.  

You need to have a degree from a recognized university. 

You must keep all communications with clients on the EditFast platform. 

15.  Edit911

Edit911  provides book, dissertation, article, and document editing by editors with PhDs.

The website doesn’t specify how many years of experience you need to have, but it does mention that you should have verifiable experience, so I don’t think it is suitable for beginners.  

Yes. You need to have a PhD in English or another writing-intensive discipline. You must also be a published scholar, with demonstrable talent and skills as a writer.

You need to send your résumé and a sample of your writing to Edit911 to be considered for a position.

16.  First Editing

First Editing provides fiction, nonfiction, and academic editing services. 

The website lists  First Editing’s requirements  here.   

It would be advantageous. First Editing is looking for people with a doctorate degree with experience in technical editing, theses, dissertations, research, article submissions, etc.

It also mentions master’s, bachelor’s, specific editing courses, proofreading certification, publishing seminars, etc.

You must be available to work at least 25 hours per week. Living in an international location may be advantageous, especially one that serves a time zone outside of the continental North American market, especially those editors located in the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, or Hawaii.

17.  Cambridge Proofreading LLC

Cambridge Proofreading  was founded in Cambridge, England, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It matches the clients’ documents with editors who have subject-matter expertise. 

The average pay is US$20 to US$25 per hour, paid twice monthly.

The website states that the company’s preferred candidate will have experience in academic editing or publishing, or as university faculty.

Yes. Cambridge Proofreading boasts that all its editors hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, with the majority having master’s or doctoral degrees. 

Expertise in STEM, business, economics, education, and computer science would be advantageous. 

18.  WordsRU

WordsRU   was established in Australia in 2002. It provides a specialist proofreading and editing service to businesses, academics, and writers.

No. You must have at least two years of professional experience as an editor, copyeditor, or proofreader.

Yes. You must hold a master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent professional experience in any academic discipline.

WordsRU is currently in need of qualified editors who are available to work on weekends.

19.  Scribbr

With an office in the Netherlands and a team of over 500 freelancers worldwide,  Scribbr  helps over one million students per month to improve their writing. As a Scribbr proofreader and editor, you would be editing papers, detecting plagiarism, and generating citations. It offers services in ten languages!

On average, Scribbr’s editors edit 1,700 words per hour and earn from €20 to €25 per hour.

No. You must have experience editing academic texts. 

Yes. You must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. 

You must be a native English speaker and be available to work for at least ten hours per week. 

To  become a Scribbr editor , you must pass a rigorous application process including a language quiz and two to five simulation orders. 

20.  Stickler

Stickler  specializes in helping academics get published in a top-tier journal, complete their PhDs, or obtain funding by providing world-class proofreading and copyediting services. 

No. You must have significant experience editing academic texts. 

You must be able to turn work of 14,000 words or less around in two to four working days (more time will be allocated for longer jobs). You must also be familiar with Harvard and APA referencing styles (as a minimum).

21.  Editana

Editana  recruits editors and proofreaders from the world’s top universities to edit academic and nonacademic texts. 

No. You must have relevant proofreading experience to apply.  

The website doesn’t specify, but it does say that they actively recruit from universities, so it’s likely you’ll need to be working toward a degree.  

You will need to fill out an application form, provide a cover letter and résumé, and take an editorial test to be considered for a position. You must also be a native-English speaker. 

FAQs about Freelance Proofreading Jobs

Whew, that was a lot of information to get at one time! You probably have a lot of questions now like

• How do I become a freelance proofreader without a degree or experience?
• Can I start my own business instead of working for proofreading and editing companies?
• How much can I earn per hour as a proofreader?

Keep reading for the answers to those questions. 

How do I become a freelance proofreader without a degree?

You probably noticed that many of the proofreading jobs above require their editors and proofreaders have a degree or even a master’s or PhD! So it is even possible to become a proofreader without a degree?

Yes, you don’t need to have a degree to start your own proofreading business. You can market your business to get your own clients without relying on proofreading companies. 

When you work with proofreading agencies, they keep a percentage of the profits—sometimes even as much as 50%! Getting your own clients means that you get to keep all the money for the project (minus transaction fees). 

Start Your Own Proofreading Business

The first step to starting your own proofreading business is making sure that you have the appropriate skills and resources. 

One course that I have personally taken and can recommend is Proofread Anywhere’s  General Proofreading: Theory and Practice course . It includes lots of worksheets and essays so you can practice your proofreading skills as well as an entire module dedicated to teaching you how to market your business to get clients.

Sign up for a  free Intro to Proofreading workshop  to learn how you can become a proofreader. 

Once you have the appropriate training, you need to gather your resources including a laptop/desktop computer, editing software, and  proofreading books and style guides . 

For more details on starting a proofreading business from home, check out my post about  how to become a proofreader without any experience . 

Can you make money proofreading?

One of the most common questions I get asked about working as a proofreader online is “Can you make money proofreading?” The answer is YES! You won’t become a millionaire by proofreading, but you can make a decent living. 

According to ZipRecruiter, a freelance proofreader in the United States can earn an  average of $51,391 per year  or $22/hour (as at August 11, 2020).

Caitlin Pyle of Proofread Anywhere  earned $43,000 a year as a part-time proofreader!

How much should I charge for proofreading per hour?

How much you can charge for proofreading depends on many factors. If you work for a proofreading agency, it will decide how much you will be paid. However, if you start your own proofreading business, you can set your own rates.

Proofreaders can charge per word, per page, per hour, or per project. It depends on the type of document you’re working on. 

Some editorial associations publish median rates that they have compiled by surveying their members. According to the  Editorial Freelancers Association  (EFA), proofreaders can charge between $0.02 and $0.03 per word or between $40 and $50 per hour for proofreading nonfiction (as of January 2024). 

The  Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders  (CIEP) suggests a minimum hourly rate for proofreading of £29.85, and a minimum hourly rate of £34.70 for copyediting (as of March 2024).  

I cover how much proofreaders make in more detail in this post.

Final Thoughts about Online Proofreading Jobs

I hope this post gave you lots of ideas on how to find freelance proofreading jobs online. 

Don’t forget to check out this  free proofreading class  to find out how to become a proofreader with no experience!

Not sold on proofreading? There are tons of other options out there!  Check out this list of 33 home-based business ideas!

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Proofreading Jobs: 38 Best Online Options from Home

By Hannah Yang

Proofreading is a necessary step for all written content, including blog posts, journalism articles, fiction, and more.

Becoming a proofreader is a great option if you’re looking for a flexible income stream. You can work from home, set your own schedule, and take on jobs based on your availability.

So, how do you find freelance proofreading jobs?

This article will explain the skills you need to become a proofreader, and show you where to find the best online proofreading jobs.

How to Become an Online Proofreader

Skills needed for proofreading jobs, best proofreading tool, 38 online proofreading jobs, conclusion: let pwa help you become the best online proofreader.

To start your freelance proofreading career, you need to proactively connect with clients and search for new projects.

There are dozens of websites and platforms you can use to start your job search, many of which post online proofreading jobs every day.

Some platforms let you post a profile without going through an application process; others ask for a resume and an application form.

The most competitive websites might ask you to pass a language editing assignment, or complete a proofreading sample, before they allow you to register.

If you have an area of expertise, you might be able to specialize in freelance proofreading jobs within that niche. For example, if you used to work in biology, you can proofread academic biology articles for a higher fee than the average proofreader.

A few high-paying websites and companies require proofreaders to have a degree in a writing-related field. For most freelance proofreading jobs, however, you can use your experience to prove that you are skilled, without the need for formal training.

If you’re worried about your lack of credentials, you can start with an online proofreading course to learn the basics and strengthen your resume.

As a new proofreader, you can expect to make around $10–$20 an hour. As you gain more experience, you can add jobs to your resume, build your proofreading and editing credibility, and increase your salary to match. The average freelance proofreader earns over $50,000 a year.

To succeed as a freelance proofreader, you need five skills: attention to detail, excellent grammatical knowledge, understanding of editorial styles, time management, and proficiency with online tools.

Skill #1: Attention to Detail

To be a successful freelance proofreader, you need a great eye for detail.

Proofreaders are the last line of defense—they examine the manuscript after the writer, developmental editor, copy editor, and the rest of the team have completed their tasks. Their job is to spot the spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, and other issues that everyone else missed.

Proofreaders need to ensure that all headings are consistent, there are no double spaces, and all page numbers are formatted in the same way.

You will need to pay strong attention to detail to make sure nothing slips by you.

Skill #2: Excellent Knowledge of English Grammar

When should you use a hyphen , and when should you use an em dash ?

What’s a dangling modifier , and how do you correct it?

Does the period at the end of a parenthetical remark go before or after the closing parenthesis ?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you might need to brush up on your grammar before looking at job listings. All freelance proofreading jobs require excellent knowledge of English grammar.

Skill #3: Understanding of Editorial Styles

Style and grammar are different. Before applying for proofreading jobs, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook . These are the two most common editorial styles.

You don’t need to memorize these manuals, because you can always reference them as you work—you just need to know how and where to find the answers to your style-related questions.

Different clients prefer different styles, depending on the audiences they’re writing for. Each client will have their own guidelines, and ask that you proofread based on that editorial style, so it can help to familiarize yourself with more than one manual.

Skill #4: Time Management

Most freelance proofreading jobs have tight deadlines.

Companies usually set their publishing schedules well in advance. This means that if you don’t finish your freelance proofreading job in time, you might slow down the publication pipeline and damage your reputation with the client.

Time management is important for all freelance work, because you need to set your own schedule. If you take on too many projects at a time, you will not be able to complete them. You have to understand your own capacity, and take on jobs to match.

Skill #5: Proficiency with Online Tools

Most freelance proofreading jobs will require you to use specific software and editing tools.

At the very least, you will need to know how to use editing softwares, such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs . You might also need proficiency in document-sharing softwares, such as DropBox.

For your own records, it can help to be proficient using spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel. Spreadsheets are the easiest way to keep track of your projects and income in a consistent and organized way.

The exact IT skills you’ll need will vary depending on the client or project. Don’t worry if you haven’t used all of these tools before—you can often pick them up as you go.

Even proofreaders can miss mistakes, especially when working with long manuscripts. The best way to succeed as a proofreader is to utilize the most effective tools you can.

You can use a grammar checker like ProWritingAid to help you excel at your freelance proofreading jobs. ProWritingAid’s Consistency Report will highlight capitalization inconsistencies, differently formatted ellipses, and more.

Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account.

Using ProWritingAid’s reports will help you improve your attention to detail, grammar skills, and editorial styles. You’ll be able to deliver clean, error-free writing to your clients every time.

There are dozens of platforms that can connect you to online proofreading jobs.

Some sites post a variety of different clients’ online proofreading jobs, and let you pick which ones interest you. Other sites require you to join their team, and then send pre-chosen work your way. You can decide which style you prefer.

If you’re a beginner, you should start with the least selective platforms and work your way up to more advanced jobs.

So where do you find your first legitimate, remote, high-paying freelance proofreading jobs?

Here’s a list of our 38 favorite options.

Upwork lets you create a personal profile and advertise yourself. You can use terms such as “freelance proofreader,” “online proofreading jobs,” and “remote proofreader” to tell clients what kinds of jobs you’re looking for.

One great perk of using Upwork is that you can see the profiles of other proofreaders. This means that you can compare your rates to them and ensure you’re charging a competitive fee.

2. Freelancer

Freelancer is a platform where you can bid on freelance proofreading jobs. Clients post their projects and describe what type of writer or editor they’re looking for.

You will need a premium account to continue bidding after you reach a certain number of projects, but to start with you can try it out for free. It is a great way to start your job search and land your first online proofreading job.

3. Hubstaff Talent

Hubstaff is a zero-fee platform for freelancers that allows you to bid on projects. The perk of using Hubstaff over Freelancer is that bidding is always free.

4. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a site that manually vets freelance writing and editing jobs, so you know you’re always looking at legitimate, high-quality opportunities.

There is a small annual membership fee which will give you access to a trove of remote positions. You can search for the keywords “online proofreading jobs” or “online proofreader” to find high-quality, suitable, remote positions.

5. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great place to search for jobs in any industry.

Many clients will start looking for freelance proofreading services on LinkedIn. You want your profile to show up when they search for proofreaders.

Create a clean, professional profile with a headshot and a summary of the types of jobs you’re looking for. Use the keywords “proofreader,” “editor,” and “freelancer.”

There are also plenty of proofreading job ads on LinkedIn, so you can search them instead of waiting for clients to come to you.

Social media can be a great way to connect with other people in your field and find new opportunities.

Twitter has a thriving community of writers and editors who often post about jobs. Try searching for the hashtags #proofread, #proofreader, or #proofreading to meet other proofreaders. Proofreaders can help each other succeed by pooling their knowledge about where to find relevant, well-paying jobs.

7. Wordvice

Wordvice offers online proofreading and editing services. They have clients worldwide, some of whom speak English as a second language and are looking for native English-speaking proofreaders. Wordvice also has many clients at prestigious universities, such as Stanford and Columbia.

To join Wordvice, you need to go through a detailed application process. You’ll need to send them an application form, your resume, an editing sample, and you normally need a graduate degree to be accepted. If you meet their qualifications, however, Wordvice can be a treasure trove of online proofreading jobs.

8. CACTUS Communications

CACTUS Communications hires both freelance and full-time proofreaders. They specialize in proofreading for specific industries, such as medicine, biology, and chemistry. If you have a degree in a scientific field, you might excel in this company.

9. ProofreadingServices.com

Proofreading Services hires both full-time and part-time proofreaders. Their salary is competitive, ranging from $19 to $46 per hour, and you can work flexible hours from home. You can also connect and collaborate with other proofreaders, which is a great perk.

You don’t need a degree or a lot of experience to get started with this site–all you need is to take a 20-minute preliminary test. This site is another great way to start your job search.

10. SearchTempest

SearchTempest is a search engine that helps you find paid freelance jobs on Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, and Oodle.

You need to vet some of these jobs yourself, because anyone can post a listing, but you can find some great proofreading and editing opportunities if you have the time to sift through the list.

11. Polished Paper

At Polished Paper, you can find plenty of remote proofreading and editing jobs. The site tends to hire more experienced proofreaders, which means they pay more than sites that hire beginners.

To apply, you need to upload your resume and take a 35-question test, which you can use outside resources, such as formatting guides and stylebooks, to complete. If you succeed at these initial steps, they’ll ask you to complete an interview before you can start taking on proofreading jobs.

12. Guru.com

Guru.com is a tried-and-true platform that has been around for a long time. This platform will connect you to clients offering all kinds of jobs, from translating to proofreading and more.

Fill out your profile and start searching for proofreading gigs.

13. Gramlee

Gramlee offers editing services for all writers and they’re often looking to hire new proofreaders.

They charge a starting rate of 3 cents a word for a maximum of 3,000 words, so you’ll be making up to $90 per order. Once you become a senior editor, you can access even better-paid orders.

The application process is simple, you only need to submit a form. Once accepted, you’ll have access to a variety of different remote work projects.

Reedsy connects freelance editors and proofreaders with authors and writers. Clients will send you requests, and you can suggest a fee for their proofreading and editing projects.

Reedsy also has a great matching algorithm, so they’ll be able to pair you up with clients who fit your skills and expertise.

15. Scribbr

The application process for Scribbr is more involved than most of the sites on our list, however, you’ll get legitimate, high-paying jobs in exchange.

To apply, you need to take a language quiz, fill out a motivation statement about why you want to proofread with their team, and complete an editing assessment.

Once you’ve been accepted, you need to go through a short training program called Scribbr Academy where you edit several simulation orders. After completing the academy training, you’ll be ready to edit professionally as part of Scribbr’s team.

Scribbr Academy can also help you improve your own proofreading skills, which will be beneficial if you continue your job search with other sites and platforms.

16. Proofreading Pal

Proofreading Pal has a variety of projects, from academic papers to fiction manuscripts. The average pay for an editor at Proofreading Pal ranges from $500 to $3,000 per month.

To apply, you need a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience. You can also work as a college or graduate student if you have a 3.5 GPA or higher, which is a great way to earn a high proofreading salary if you’re still in school.

17. EditFast

EditFast, which connects editors to various clients, is a quick and efficient way to find new projects.

However, it’s important to note that EditFast retains the rights to 40% of the total project price, and that you can’t communicate with clients outside of the EditFast system.

It’s a good site for building experience as a beginner proofreader, but over time, you may want to migrate to a site that takes a smaller cut.

18. Scribe Media

Scribe Media offers a wide variety of book editing services and you can join as a full-time editor or a freelance editor.

They don’t always have openings available, so you can set up email alerts to be notified when they have open positions.

19. Wordfirm Inc.

Wordfirm Inc. hires skilled editors to work as independent contractors. You need to be a highly skilled professional to be chosen, so this isn’t an option for beginners. On their website, they say that editors should have a college degree and at least five years of editing experience.

You have to fill out a lengthy application, which if you pass, will give you access to a wealth of high-paying proofreading jobs.

20. Click Worker

Click Worker is a site that lets writers and publishers outsource small tasks, such as editing, translation, and proofreading. Clients can create completed projects by hiring different people to do each of these micro-tasks.

Different projects offer a different fee per word depending on the level of experience you have.

You have to take a short proofreading test before you can start applying for available jobs.

21. Lionbridge

Lionbridge offers various types of remote jobs. Like Click Worker, Lionbridge outsources different jobs within each client’s project to freelance contractors.

The application process is fairly straightforward; you need to sign up and take a short skills test before you start taking on proofreading jobs.

22. ProBlogger

ProBlogger Jobs is a job board that specifically caters to bloggers. If you’re interested in proofreading for blog posts, this site can be a great way to find freelance work.

23. Get Editing Jobs

If you google “Get Editing Jobs,” you’ll find an online job board with listings for projects that require editors, proofreaders, and more.

You can check this job board regularly for new listings.

24. Sibia Proofreading

Sibia is a site that offers proofreading and editing services for fiction manuscripts, job applications, business memos, doctoral dissertations, and more.

If you’re a native English speaker and a college graduate, you can apply to join Sibia’s team. This will give you access to a wide variety of projects based on your personal preferences and experience.

25. American Journal Experts

American Journal Experts is a site that specializes in remote academic proofreading.

The application is straightforward, so it’s a great place to look for jobs as a beginner.

26. Quality Proofreading UK

Quality Proofreading UK provides professional proofreading services in the fields of business and academia.

They’re always looking to hire freelance proofreaders and editors who have science or business backgrounds. If you have experience in these fields, joining their team can be a great way to land consistent freelance work.

27. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media helps authors get their books edited and reviewed. You can sign up to be a book reviewer , an editor, or a proofreader. All of these online jobs are fully remote and let you work flexible hours.

28. SmartBrief

SmartBrief specializes in business news and industry information, so if you have a background in a specific industry, this site might be a great way to use that knowledge and experience.

At $15 an hour, their proofreading jobs pay slightly less than most other sites on this list.

29. MediaBistro

MediaBistro compiles various media-related jobs, such as marketing, sales, writing, editing, and more. The site takes some knowledge to navigate, since there are many different job postings, but once you’ve figured it out, it’s a very effective option.

You can start by searching for proofreading jobs to see what they have available. You can also set up notification alerts, so you’ll see new relevant opportunities as soon as they appear.

30. Writer’s Job Shop

Writer’s Job Shop is an online resource for freelance editors, copy editors, and proofreaders. They offer a steady stream of editing and writing jobs.

31. Contenta

Contenta is a job board that tracks companies that hire writers. Almost always, companies that need writers also need proofreaders, so you can reach out to the companies that post ads on Contenta and ask if they need a proofreader.

32. Writer’s Relief

Writer’s Relief is a service that proofreads submissions for creative writers to increase their chances of getting published.

They’re often looking for new proofreaders to join their team, but they’re extremely selective. They accept only a small fraction of their proofreading applicants, however, it’s always worth applying because your skills may match their requirements.

33. Scribendi

Scribendi is a platform specifically designed for proofreaders. All jobs are remote, flexible, and high paying.

To apply, you need to be a native English speaker and a college graduate. They also ask that you be able to proofread at a speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words an hour.

34. WritingJobz

WritingJobz specializes in proofreading for academic papers, online blogs, news sources, and books. You can earn up to $11 a page for proofreading.

35. Managed Editing

Managed Editing requires all proofreaders to have a degree and a few years of experience.

To apply, you’ll need to fill out a form describing the topics you’ve had experience in and they might follow up asking for samples of your proofreading work.

36. Edit911

Edit911 requires more in-depth qualifications than most of the other opportunities on our list. In order to apply, you need a Ph.D. in English or another writing-intensive discipline. You also need to be a master copy editor or book editor.

If you have these qualifications, it’s worth applying to Edit911. As part of this company, you’ll stand out from the crowd.

37. OneSpace Freelancers

OneSpace Freelancers is a job marketplace that posts all kinds of freelance jobs, including proofreading projects.

You can submit an application form and ask them to notify you if they get new proofreading postings. Alternatively, you can check the site periodically to look for jobs on your own.

38. Start Your Own Proofreading Business

Once you’ve gained some proofreading experience, it can be a great idea to start an independent proofreading business. You can create a website detailing the services you offer and the rates you charge. That way, clients can come to you directly, so you don’t have to pay fees to external websites and platforms.

If you’ve stayed in touch with your previous clients, you can let them know that you’re starting your own company and ask if they have any new proofreading needs.

You should consider the business start-up costs, since you may want to pay for a website design, advertisements, and other initial needs. In the long run, however, the extra money you make will cover these costs.

Now you have all the tips and tricks you need to start working as a proofreader.

With the help of ProWritingAid, you can start your proofreading job search! ProWritingAid can help speed up your proofreading process by picking up errors all in one go.

Do you think proofreading might be a good option for you? Let us know in the comments.

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Hannah Yang

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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Book Proofreading Jobs and How to Land Them

| Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Would you rather proofread an entire novel over multiple articles a day? If yes, then being a book proofreader might be destined for you. 

I found my two proofreaders via word of mouth from other authors in my community, but I know there are tons of other places online you can land a sweet gig.

Let’s discuss these helpful steps to finding a book proofreading gig. I’ll also show you the best freelance platforms where you can apply as a proofreader from home. 

How to Find Book Proofreading Jobs from Home

Take a look at how you can find some book proofreading jobs from home.

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Offer Your Services as a Book Proofreader on Freelance Platforms

The most common way to find a proofreading job is by marketing yourself on different platforms. There’s a huge availability of proofreading jobs on these websites. They range from proofreading projects for articles to a long novel. 

Some common freelance platforms that allow you to work from home include Fiverr, Upwork, and Guru. PeoplePerHour and Guru are also excellent websites to find a gig. 

One benefit to offering your services on these sites is that they’re beginner-friendly. Experienced proofreaders can work here, but there are more entry-level jobs available. These websites also have built-in payment systems for the client and freelancer.  

The only downside to these payment systems is that the websites eliminate a percentage of the payment. Many clients also have low salaries for book proofreaders who are new to the industry.

Find Proofreading Job Boards with Remote Listings

Some people do not prefer online freelance editing jobs . Instead, they want to perform proofreading novels for companies. Many businesses have remote listings for proofreading careers so that you can do everything online.

If you’re a beginner who wants to target the book proofreading niche, you can try the following sites:

• ProofreadingPal.
• Grammar Chic.

The expert proofreader can find a job on the following websites:

• BookEditing.
• Managed Editing.
• ProofreadingServices.com

These also offer copy editing jobs. You can review an in-depth article or novel’s spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.  

Network With Other Proofreaders and Writers

You’re likely to land book proofreading jobs if you have networking skills within the industry. A professional freelance proofreader uses their contacts to make new connections with proofreading and editing businesses.

It just might be as simple as handing out your business cards or requesting an introduction from other freelancers. You can also message your close friend’s online proofreading business to ask for potential clients.

A professional freelance proofreader also uses social media. Set up your work profiles, email writers and clients, and join Facebook groups for book proofreaders. 

Lastly, try attending face-to-face events. Conferences and workshops for proofreaders will also help you meet more potential clients. 

Establish Your Own Online Proofreading Business

Instead of posting your job on freelance platforms, try setting up your own company. Many online proofreading courses like Proofread Anywhere and Knowadays will teach you how to plan everything.

First, start planning the costs involved in opening a business. If you plan to proofread books from home, the prices will likely be lower. You might need to invest in a computer setup, WiFi access, and some proofreading resources. 

All businesses and jobs for proofreaders also require you to invest in your knowledge. Continue honing your skills, research your target market, and discover how to set rates for your business. 

Consider Having Luck Through Word of Mouth

Word-of-mouth marketing is the most authentic and effective strategy for online proofreaders and businesses. That’s how I found my trusted proofreaders for my books.

It helps build a valuable business relationship based on trust and respect. That’s because they come from familiar sources to potential clients.

You can have a proofreading partner to help spread each other’s business. Another tip to using word-of-mouth marketing for proofreading books is to connect with consumers rather than collecting them.

This strategy also proves that having thousands of social media followers is insufficient. It would help if you ensured these thousands of writers trust you over any other book proofreader. Otherwise, you’re only collecting dust.

Create a Book Proofreading Gig on Freelance Platforms

Online marketplaces offer various opportunities to proofread novel, non-fiction, and long-form content. Check out the following platforms for freelance jobs. 

Fiverr is a fantastic platform for finding freelance proofreading jobs for beginners. It’s a legitimate marketplace that has been around for many years now. Just sign up and start selling your proofreading services. 

The only downside to Fiverr is its limited options for book proofreaders. The platform is also more suitable for beginners who have just entered the proofreading industry. 

You’ll start earning a small amount of money at first. But you’ll be able to make more as you improve your skills.

Upwork is currently the most popular freelancing marketplace on the internet. You’ll find many home-based projects on this website, from web design to proofreading, writing, and social media marketing.

Standard proofreaders usually started on this application to gain work experience. Many clients accept beginners who want to improve their skills by working on short-term projects. As you get better, you can apply for proofreading a comprehensive article or book. 

Upwork lets you sort the job postings based on your experience level. Look for proofreading careers for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Make sure to display your work experience, skills, and academic background to attract more potential clients.

Another well-known platform for freelancers is Freelancer . Many self-published authors look for potential proofreaders on this platform to spot mistakes in their manuscripts. 

Anyone can sell their services on this website. You can even create a profile without training or work experience. But a potential client is more likely to purchase your proofreading service if you show your credentials on your profile.

However, Freelancer offers lower salaries than Upwork. It keeps 10% of your earnings for hourly projects. Freelancer also takes $5 or 10% for fixed-price tasks. You can start applying for mini tasks on this website if you’re a beginner. 

If Freelancer and Upwork are too saturated for you, try Guru . This underrated online marketplace is more prevalent among developers and programmers. But some independent authors look for proofreaders, copy editors, and developmental editors here.

Guru also offers opportunities for increases for proofreaders who have spent much time on low-paying websites. It only takes at least 5% of your earnings based on your membership plan. You can also subscribe to the basic plan for a free trial. 

You can create profiles more than once on Guru if you want to find more proofreading jobs. Make sure to look for a career under “writing and translation.” 

PeoplePerHour

One platform where you can unleash your proofreading prowess is PeoplePerHour . Aspiring proofreaders on this website can send up to fifteen proposals to clients monthly. If you want to submit more applications, you need to buy credits. 

But you shouldn’t worry if you haven’t used your purchased credits. You can still use them in the next few months. 

As with other sites, PeoplePerHour gets a few percent of your earnings. But that depends on your lifetime billings. If you make under $350 for a project, they will take 20% of your profits, which is quite high. 

Instead of creating a traditional resume in Word format, you can arrange your profile on EditFast . Showcase your proofreading skills, certifications, academic credentials, and previous work experience on the online database. 

Clients may ask for your portfolio or a few samples to check if you offer chic quality proofreading. If your work aligns with their requirements, they will quickly pick you. Most proofreading jobs on this platform also let you start the job as soon as you’re hired. 

Although the salary on EditFast is higher, the company keeps 40% of the total price. 

ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal is a website that aims to connect writers with proofreaders. This company receives several applications from proofreaders daily, so the competition is high. But it’s all worth it once you get hired.

They also have higher standards than other proofreading websites. Proofreadingpal seeks applicants enrolled or graduated with Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the US. It’d help if you also had a GPA of at least 3.5 to be accepted. 

ProofreadingPal also prefers if you have years of experience as a proofreader. You may check their website for a complete list of their qualifications.

Grammar Chic

Grammar Chic is another proofreading platform that offers writing, editing, and proofreading services. Apply as a professional proofreader to correct other people’s spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting issues. 

This company also hires copy editors and developmental editors for different types of writing. Make sure you are familiar with house style guides like Chicago, MLA, and APA if you want to be hired. 

Grammar Chic doesn’t always have vacant jobs. Always stay updated on their website to see when you can apply.  

If you want to be an expert proofreader to friends and strangers, Wordvice is the place to be. You can apply as a general proofreader on their website so you can work with an array of documents, including books. 

Wordvice prefers proofreaders who can also offer editorial services to writers. They require a master’s degree to ensure you have enough English skills. Their other requirements include proficiency with MS Word and knowledge of formatting styles. 

Are you flexible with different written document types? Try applying at WordsRU . This website provides editing and proofreading services for business papers, academic articles, books, and blog posts. 

WordsRU is currently looking for qualified and experienced editors and proofreaders. You need to have at least two years of work experience in the proofreading industry. Copy editing and structural editing experiences are also acceptable for WordsRU.

The company also asks you to have additional proficiency in different tools. These include Adobe Acrobat version 8, Adobe InDesign, LATEX, and Final Draft. 

Reedsy is a reputable company that connects many freelancers with independent authors or publishers. This freelancing platform is the closest you can get to a traditional publishing house. They have listings for editors and proofreaders who are familiar with different genres.

Reedsy only accepts 1% of your candidates. Don’t let this competition make you lose hope. As long as you have work experience, then you should be good. Everyone can create a free profile even before they become accepted. 

One website where you can find a good job is Glassdoor . You can look for the best proofreading companies on this platform and apply for available careers. Feel free to read reviews or valuable insights about different proofreading businesses.

FlexJobs claims to be the best job board if you’re looking for a proofreading job . Getting hired for a project is easy but comes with a cost. Because FlexJobs screens every job they post, they need to charge job seekers to use their board. 

If you want to post your career for a week, the price is $6.95. The longest possible time you can post your job is one year, which costs $49.95. BBB has given this company an A+ rating, ensuring every customer is satisfied.

Scribe Media

Scribe Media is an online platform you can join as a freelance or full-time proofreader. Explore different opportunities on this website, and decide what type of document you can proofread . If there are no available jobs, try joining their email lists for updates.

Writer’s Job Shop

Writers Job Shop is a great place to look for jobs in the content industry. Proofreaders can sign up on this site and instantly land a new project since the company always looks for employees. Writer’s Job Shop requires you to be a native English speaker before applying.

Writer’s Relief

Writer’s Relief is a helpful website for writers who want to publish their work. They submit their manuscripts here, and proofreaders can check their work. It’s easy to apply on Writer’s Relief, but they only accept a few applicants. 

Work as a Book Proofreader Now!

The companies above will allow you to post your freelance proofreading service or be accepted for a book proofreading gig. Whether you want to handle a novel, non-fiction, or technical book, there are plenty of opportunities to work from home.

Start building your resume and portfolio to attract more clients. It’s also a great time to take proofreading courses and tests to hone your language skills . 

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20 Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners (2024 Guide)

by Joanna Kneller

on May 27, 2024

Searching for ways to work from home and considering online proofreading jobs?

It could be a perfect fit if you have an eye for detail and enjoy polishing other writers’ prose.

But how do you get started?

This post has all the answers you need to become a professional proofreader, whether you want to work online, remotely, be an employee, or freelancer — it’s your choice.

Since proofreading is a major part of the writing process, proofreaders are always in demand.

Ready to learn how to become a proofreader, how much proofreading jobs pay, and the top 20 sites for finding legitimate online proofreading jobs?

Great, let’s go!

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is the process of reading and examining a piece of written work to find errors and mark them for correction. A proofreader is generally the last person to read through a document before publication. Proofreaders scour text for errors missed during the editing process.

They look for:

• Improper grammar
• Misspelled words
• Incorrect punctuation
• Inconsistent spellings of words
• Formatting errors
• Incorrect capitalization
• Typesetting issues

Proofreaders work on all kinds of documents for:

• Academic and student clients
• Business and professional clients
• Creative writers, authors, and publishers
• English as a second language (ESL) writers

Now that we have a better understanding of what proofreading entails, let’s see how it compares to editing.

Proofreading vs. Copyediting

It’s easy to confuse proofreading and editing, as the lines between the two are sometimes blurry. However, they are different.

Copy editing involves correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, word choice, inconsistencies, and syntax ( the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences ).

Overall, a copyeditor’s main concern is to ensure their documents are clear, coherent, consistent, and correct. Copy editors often have the responsibility of proofreading, as well.

Proofreading and copyediting do involve some of the same tasks; however, a copy editor is more likely to change the phrasing or structure of a document , while a proofreader is less likely to significantly alter text before it’s published.

In addition, proofreading is considered the final stage of the editing process, so the proofreader can pick up any errors the copy editor may have missed.

The Top 20 Sites for Finding Proofreading Jobs

Before searching for proofreading jobs, consider your interests and what type of documents you’d enjoy proofreading. This will narrow your options and ensure you find suitable jobs.

Some sites listed below include job boards with search bars. Here’s a short list of search terms to start with:

• Remote proofreading jobs
• Freelance proofreading jobs
• Proofreader
• Copyediting
• Editing jobs

Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that connects buyers and sellers while offering high-quality services at every price point, including proofreading services.

It’s different from other marketplaces in this post because buyers seek you out, instead of you bidding or applying for jobs.

Fiverr is a great place to make money as a beginner because it’s totally acceptable to only charge $5 for your services. And as you gain experience, you can increase your prices.

Simply sign up, set up your “Gig,” and offer your services to a worldwide audience.

2. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job site that offers high-quality remote proofreading jobs (amongst others) for freelancers and employees.

You can easily search jobs by keyword, category, or title.

Rest assured, all job listings are legitimate since FlexJobs takes extra precautions to protect job seekers from scams. That’s why, in order to view full job details, FlexJobs charges a small (satisfaction guaranteed) membership fee.

Don’t hesitate to check their listings first — it may be well worth it!

Gramlee is a copyediting site that also provides proofreading services done by independent contractors who work from home.

Their website says they are always looking for exceptional editors, which could mean you!

Applying is simple: fill out the Gramlee Employment Application, and if they like your application, they’ll contact you.

Upwork is one of the largest online job marketplaces.

Clients post projects and jobs, ranging from entry-level to expert, for freelancers to choose from. This is beneficial for beginners looking to get started.

Sign up for a free account, create your profile, and search for proofreading jobs via the search bar or by selecting the Editing & Proofreading category. Once you find a fun project or remote job, submit a proposal and bid for the job.

Just know that Upwork can be highly competitive, so you may initially need to accept low wages and submit multiple proposals before getting hired.

5. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal is a proofreading website that offers a variety of professional proofreading services and utilizes a unique two-editor approach, wherein every document is proofread by two skilled proofreaders. This is a benefit for job seekers since it means a higher demand for proofreaders.

ProofreadingPal editors can earn between $500 and $3,000 per month, but you must be enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student (with at least a 3.5 GPA) in an accredited US college/university OR have a graduate degree and five years of experience as a proofreader.

6. Wordvice

Wordvice is a global leader in providing editing and proofreading services to academic, admissions, and business customers.

They offer remote part-time editing and proofreading jobs to freelancers who are enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree program and have some previous editing experience.

To apply, submit an application (include expected pay rate) and resume, complete an editing sample, and then wait for notification of results.

7. American Journal Experts

American Journal Experts is a team of former academics and publishing professionals who provide manuscript preparation services.

Current proofreader job openings and available freelance job opportunities are listed on the Careers page (scroll down to view contractor opportunities).

American Journal Experts is currently looking to hire independent contractors who are affiliated with specific US research institutions.

8. Domainite

Domainite is a platform that provides marketing services to business owners, including website design, social media marketing, and reputation management.

Before applying to proofread for Domainite, be aware that they may offer low pay. However, if you’re brand new to proofreading, this could be a good opportunity to gain some experience.

The application process is simple: Fill out the short Freelance Editing Job Hire Form and edit the sample text provided.

9. EditFast

EditFast is a platform where freelancers and clients connect to provide and receive services, including editing and proofreading.

Freelancers create their own Web pages (profiles) to promote their skills and talents for clients to view. Clients can either select a freelancer or submit their documents for EditFast to assign an appropriate freelancer for their project.

Complete the registration process to get started, and once EditFast approves your information, your Web page will be activated.

To be hired, EditFast requires a degree from a recognized university and past proofreading experience.

EditFast receives 40% of the project price.

10. ProofreadingServices.com

ProofreadingServices.com provides proofreading, translation, publishing, and professional services.

When you work with them, you’ll proofread “just about everything under the sun” and have access to part-time and full-time online proofreading jobs that pay between $19 and $46 per hour, depending on turnaround time.

To be considered for hire, you’ll need to successfully complete a 20-question proofreading test within 20 minutes and score 95% or above on it.

11. Scribbr

Scribbr provides academic proofreading and editing services to help students earn their degrees.

They look for editors with a passion for language and a bachelor’s degree.

For an editor role, you’ll need to pass Scribbr’s quiz and have your resume reviewed to determine if you’re a good fit. Next, complete an editing assignment, and if you pass, you’ll be invited to join Scribbr Academy to receive training.

After successfully completing two to five simulation orders, you’ll be officially welcomed to the Scribbr editor team.

12. Scribe Media

Scribe Media helps authors write, publish, and market their own books, which includes proofreading services. Scribe Media offers full-time careers as well as freelance and part-time roles.

Full-time employees enjoy plenty of time off, flexible hours, the option to work from home, as well as health and financial benefits.

Check Scribe Media’s “Careers” page for a list of available full-time and freelance opportunities. If there are no open proofreading jobs, simply join the Careers List to receive notification of new roles.

13. Scribendi

Scribendi provides editing and proofreading services to a variety of clients, including those in business, academia, and publishing fields.

They hire both freelancers and in-house employees for editor/proofreader positions.

Freelancers make their own schedules, choose interesting assignments, and interact with in-house staff and other freelancers via an online forum.

Scribendi looks for experienced proofreaders and editors with a bachelor’s degree or higher who are also native-level English speakers (since much of their work is from ESL students and clients).

Simply click on the “Apply Now” button on Scribendi’s Jobs page.

14. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an online business platform for professional networking where you can connect with other professionals to either market your services or find employment.

Open an account, create your profile, and start connecting with everyone you know .

Search for online proofreading jobs by clicking on the “Jobs” icon. When using the search bar, click on the “City, state, or zip code” bar and select “Remote” from the dropdown menu.

If you plan to offer freelance proofreading services to those in your network, be sure to indicate on your profile that you’re providing these services.

15. Polished Paper

Polished Paper offers “world-class” proofreading and editing services to business, academic, personal, author, and ESL clients.

They look for exceptional editors with diverse educational backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

To apply, register for a user account, upload your resume, and take a 35-question editor test. The good news is that Polished Paper encourages the use of outside resources to help you complete this test.

16. Freelancer

Freelancer is an online marketplace that connects employers and freelancers worldwide.

Employers post projects, receive bids from freelancers, and select the best freelancer to complete the job.

Set up your profile and browse proofreading jobs (you can save job searches and get notified when relevant new jobs are posted).

Once you find a job opportunity, write your best pitch , get hired, and deliver high-quality work.

Guru is a platform where freelancers and employers work together.

Employers post a variety of jobs for freelancers to browse and to submit quotes for.

You can easily find proofreading jobs by either selecting the Editing & Proofreading subcategory (under the Writing & Translation category) or by simply entering relevant terms into the search bar.

Sign up on the website, build your profile, view job listings, and submit quotes for proofreading jobs.

Employers evaluate all quotes and choose the best freelancer for the job.

18. Clickworker

Clickworker is an online platform that hires independent contractors called Clickworkers to perform small tasks for clients.

Clickworker takes large, complex jobs and breaks them down into microtasks that include proofreading and copyediting. These tiny tasks are then completed by Clickworkers on a piece-rate basis.

To become a freelance Clickworker, simply sign up on the website, create a user profile, complete some assessments, and then get to work.

19. Get Editing Jobs

Get Editing Jobs is an online community of job seekers and employers that includes a job directory with writing, editing, and proofreading positions.

To find a list of proofreading jobs, start with search terms like “proofreader,” “proofreading,” and “editor.”

It may also be beneficial to create a job seeker account so you can manage your resume, create custom alerts, and receive job notifications.

20. Lionbridge

Lionbridge is a global communications platform with a community of talented, remote workers who help customers with their content.

They outsource various tasks to their workers and often have online proofreading jobs available.

If no proofreading jobs are listed, be sure to join the community , register for proofreading tasks, and take the relevant evaluation tests. Lionbridge will then contact you when proofreading work is available.

How Much Do Proofreading Jobs Pay?

Can you make decent money proofreading?

Salary.com reports that, as of March 29, 2021, the average proofreader salary in the United States was $53,226, with ranges typically falling between $46,709 and $60,779, depending on education, certifications, skills, and number of years in the profession.

For hourly rates, as of April 4, 2021, Payscale.com reports the average proofreader hourly pay to be $18.53, with individual pay ranging from $11.84 to $30.17.

These numbers are likely for full-time proofreading jobs.

When it comes to freelance work, it’s possible to be paid per word, per page, per project, or by the hour. And, as a freelancer, you have the ability to set your own rates .

According to the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), freelance proofreaders can charge between $31 and $45 per hour, OR between $0.02 and $0.039 per word, depending on experience level and type of proofreading job.

This gives you an idea of what to expect, but ultimately your pay depends on your experience and skills, who you’re working for, and how you’re being paid .

Let’s look at the skills and qualifications needed to be a proofreader.

Proofreader Skills & Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in English or a related field is sometimes required, but it’s not necessary to find proofreading work.

Prior proofreading experience may also be required.

If you’re a beginner proofreader, think about your schooling or past employment. For example, did you do any academic editing while attending college?

Or, how about friends and family? Did you ever proofread correspondence, resumes, or creative writing for them?

Include these experiences in your application or resume.

You’ll also need these proofreading skills:

• Strong language skills to correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Attention to detail  to spot small errors and inconsistencies, which also requires patience and concentration.
• Communication skills to work directly with clients and be able to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to meet deadlines to submit completed work within specific turnaround times.
• Computer skills  to learn formatting, use software, and utilize the Internet.

You should also become familiar with style guides, like The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and The Associated Press Stylebook (AP).

How to Become a Proofreader

If you have a natural tendency for finding errors and noticing inconsistencies while reading, this is a great start. And if you enjoyed English class and scored well, this is good too.

But if you have no prior proofreading experience, it would serve you well to get some training before applying for jobs.

While you don’t necessarily need a college degree, it’d be wise to brush up on those skills you learned in English class.

A multitude of online training courses are available, and most are reasonably priced. A simple Google search for “online proofreading courses” will provide a list of high-quality options.

Two popular courses are Proofread Anywhere ’s General Proofreading and Proofreading Academy ’s Becoming a Proofreader.

Another option is Udemy.com , which offers many inexpensive editing and proofreading courses-some as little as $11.99 during sales.

Once you take a course or two, start updating your resume.

As you find jobs, create a portfolio to show prospective employers or clients your work.

Next, let’s find out what tools you’ll need to do proofreading work from home.

What Tools Do You Need for Remote Proofreading Jobs?

Besides a computer and internet access, some other tools are useful for completing remote proofreading jobs.

Microsoft Word may be the most common word processing program used for online proofreading jobs. Newer versions of Word include a “Review” menu with useful features for proofreading and editing, such as Editor, New Comment, Track Changes, and Compare.

Google Docs works with Google Drive. Drive is like a filing cabinet that stores files, while Docs is the word processing program where you open and work on your files/documents. Drive and Docs allow you to share files (and your work) with your employer or client.

Dropbox is similar to Google Drive and can also be used to share files with your employer or client.

Spell-check is a feature included with your word processing program. Use it! However, don’t fully rely on this as it’s incapable of picking up every error due to homophones and context, etc.

Grammarly (affiliate link) scans your work, points out spelling and grammatical errors , and offers options for correction. ProWritingAid (affiliate link) is another great option, and it comes with a 20% discount. But don’t fully depend on Grammarly or other tools — they’ll miss some errors, depending on context, type of document, etc.

Ready to Do Proofreading Jobs from Home?

So you’ve found a way to work from home AND make money doing what you love.

You’ve also learned how to finally go after and get your dream job.

If you’re new to the idea of proofreading, don’t hesitate. Get some training to build your confidence.

Then, update your resume and search the sites above for interesting proofreading jobs.

If you already have education and experience proofreading, then begin by examining which new skills you can either acquire or improve.

Now, get out there and be the best dang proofreader you can be!

Joanna Kneller

GET PAID TO WRITE

A "cheat sheet" to making 2-5k per month as a writer,  even if you're a total beginner ..

Written by Joanna Kneller

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31 Online Proofreading Jobs for Beginners (Up to $35 Per Hour)

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Proofreading Jobs from Home No Experience

Table of Contents

Do you have the skill to correct punctuation and spelling errors?

If yes, then you have what it takes to become an online proofreader with an income potential between $36k-$60k a year.

Online proofreading jobs are in demand, because there is an increase in online content and marketing, which means more job opportunities for proofreaders.

A good number of bloggers and online businesses need help to proofread blogs, books and other digital content. They require a second pair of eyes to check and correct mistakes and edit errors before the article is published and goes live.

There are many online proofreading jobs for beginners who are interested in working either full-time or part-time.

If want to begin online proofreading jobs from home, you will find this to be a flexible work from home option that is not country-specific.

Online Proofreader Job Role

It’s a known fact that businesses and individuals need writing.

Writing covers tons of digital space, from emails to website “About Us” pages to product descriptions to eBooks and more. But what about the rest of the writing process?

Companies don’t just need someone to put pen to paper; they need someone to make sure the writing is clear, clean, and error-free. That’s where proofreaders come in.

Proofreaders make sure that writing is concise and accurate.

It’s great work for a detail-oriented individual who likes a challenge. Knowing what goes into solid proofreading is important, as it lets you earn more and helps you build a stable career.

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is a vital part of editing.

It’s the process of reading through a piece of writing and marking any errors you find so that they can be fixed before publication.

Proofreading is normally one of the last steps before a piece is published, and it’s used to catch smaller errors that might not have been caught in the initial drafts or developmental edits.

Proofreading jobs require you to take a piece of content written by someone (like a blog post or an email) and make it perfect.

It’s the final stage of editing, which involves correcting grammatical errors like misplaced commas and spelling errors.

Proofreaders look for:

• Simple grammar mistakes like improper spelling or punctuation errors.
• Strange sentence structure or word choice which makes the writing hard to read.
• Factual inconsistencies or small plot holes.

Catching and fixing these errors adds polish to pieces and gets them ready for professional publication.

It can make the work appear more authoritative and trustworthy, which is especially important to businesses and individuals looking to be seen as experts on a particular topic.

Here are a few types of online content that require proofreading:

• Blogs/websites
• eBooks, novels
• Email Newsletters
• Online Marketing Material – advertisements and brochures
• Social Media Posts
• Essay editing
• Research papers
• Resumes and cover letters

How Do You Make Money Proofreading?

While some publishing companies will hire in-house proofreaders, most people who make money from proofreading are freelancers.

Freelancers work on a project-by-project basis with a variety of clients; they aren’t full-time employees of a particular agency, and instead, work for themselves.

Getting started as a freelance proofreader is as simple as signing up for a job listing site (or multiple sites) and putting together a proofreading resume, which should focus on your experience and expertise with the English language.

In today’s post we will be taking a look at some proofreading companies that offer online proofreading jobs for beginners.

These sites let companies post listings for individual projects or longer-term contracts that you can apply to work on remotely.

Do You Need Qualifications to Become a Proofreader?

Since proofreading is often done on a freelance basis, there’s no one set of qualifications a proofreader needs to start working in the field.

Findings on Indeed suggest that proofreaders should be proficient in various academic writing styles, as well as familiar with editing software like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word.

Many employers will administer their own proofreading competency tests to applicants, which on its own is enough to get many entry-level proofreading jobs.

How Do You Become a Proofreader?

If you are good with the red marker and can spot errors easily, you are halfway there.

The next half requires you to learn about the proofreading industry, how to run a proofreading business from home and to land clients.

For that I would recommend you take a look at this online training – Proofread Anywhere . It teaches you everything you need to become a proofreader.

Don’t forget to check out this free online proofreading workshop , so you can learn to use your word skills to make money from home.

How Much Do Online Proofreaders Make Per Hour as a Beginner?

According to Salary.com , the hourly rate for entry-level proofreaders are $20 an hour, the average pay rate is $26 an hour and the highest level of pay is $33 an hour.

So, a proofreader with no experience can still expect to make at least $20 an hour, making it more lucrative than many entry-level jobs.

Read our interview with a stay-at-home mom earning $1,000+/month with Proofread Anywhere’s online training .  

How to Land Entry Level Proofreading Jobs Online

Caitlin Pyle, creator and owner of Proofread Anywhere , has created a comprehensive online training suitable for aspiring proofreaders with no proofreading background or experience.

She has taught over 15,000 students in the last 7 years to become online proofreaders.

If you would like a taster session, feel free to watch Caitlin’s introductory video on proofreading, to see if this is the career  you are interested to pursue.

Proofread Anywhere’s online training teaches:

• How to proofread research papers, blogs and books
• Everything you need to know about proofreading
• How to find potential prospects
• Avoid common mistakes made by beginner proofreaders
• Practical step-by-step lessons
• Everything from basics to marketing!

The training also gives you access to a support team and a student community to help provide guidance and answer question as a new proofreader. 

For proofreaders not knowing where to start, this would be the best way to land entry level proofreading jobs online, with support and assistance to help you along the way.

Check out Cailtin’s free online video workshop to understand how to start and run a proofreading business at home.

31 Legitimate Online Proofreading jobs from home

The first few on the list are entry-level online proofreading jobs, while the options further down are for more experienced proofreaders.

While these are just some places to find remote proofreading jobs, social media and networking can land you more gigs. Joining Facebook blogger groups can help you connect with online business owners – a great way to network and find clients.

Let’s now take a look at these proofreading jobs that you can do either part-time or as a full time career.

1. Click Worker

At Click Worker, you get to work on a freelance basis in content creation, proofreading, editing or app testing. With the freedom to work whenever you like, this can be a flexible work at home job for stay at home moms.

Payments to you are made by PayPal either weekly or monthly.

Upwork is one of the best online platforms to find any type of freelance work, including proofreading jobs. 

They offer both short term and long term projects that can last up to 6 months.

Glancing at Upwork, you will see the pay rate for proofreaders are $16-$30 an hour. Definitely a worth checking out Upwork.

Fiverr is the best place to search for online proofreading jobs for beginners.

While the pay can be on the low scale, this makes a good starting point for entry-level proofreading to find work and experience.

Another freelance job board when you can use their search box to narrow down results for online proofreading jobs.

At Guru, jobs are offered at a fixed price or an hourly rate.

5. We Work Remotely

Offering a number of writing and copyediting jobs, We Work Remotely is another site to keep track, when searching for remote jobs.

6. Lionbridge

Lionbridge offer proofreading jobs online. Most of their job openings have very basic requirements which include a high school diploma.

7. Clear Voice

Clear Voice offers freelance proofreading jobs that hire worldwide.

The type of jobs they have available range from writing to proofreading. You get the opportunity to work as a freelancer, following a flexible work schedule.

Payments are made to you weekly or monthly by PayPal.

8. Polished Paper

To apply for an opportunity with Polished Paper, you will need to submit an application form and upload your resume. And the final stage is a 35 questionnaire editor test.

9. Kirkus Media

They are looking for freelance book reviewers in English and Spanish.

Reviews need to be 350 words and due 2 weeks after the book is assigned. Submit some of your writing samples to increase your chance of being accepted.

10. Babbletype

The criteria for eligibility is that you are a native English speaker with a fluency in English and basic grammar knowledge.

They pay weekly via PayPal and is a great place to start for beginner proofreaders.

11. Proofreadingservices.com

Pay is between $19-$46 an hour and you can apply from any country.

You will need to complete a 20-minute preliminary test to begin the application process. They have both full-time and part-time work opportunities.

12. Get Editing

They offer freelance editing and proofreading jobs.

If you sign up to their email listing, you will receive weekly new job openings in your inbox.

13. Writing Jobz

Writing Jobz offer a wide range of work for writers such as copywriting, essay writing and proofreading.

With over 100 jobs posted daily on a variety of topics, Writing Jobz can be the best place for freelancers to find proofreading work.

14. Ubiqus On Demand

Primarily a job site for transcriptionists, Ubiqus also offer jobs for proofreaders and copywriters.

15. Cambridge Proofreading

They are actively recruiting remote academic editors.

A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement due to the academic nature of the work.

You can expect to be proofreading and editing a wide range of materials but predominantly dissertations and theses from ESL students and academics.

Typical rates of pay are $20-30 per hour, depending on your editing speed.

16. Domainite Editing Jobs

You can apply by filling out an online application form. They require you to edit a sample as part of the application process.

17. Gramlee Jobs

Their website accepts clients that need editing completed within 24 hours. 

This means there is constant work coming in through the door – more opportunity for you. You can submit your application form right here .

18. Edit Fast

Edit Fast offers part-time proofreading jobs from home.

They will send you notifications when there is potential work available from clients, so you need to sign up with them to be notified.

19. English Trackers

They have a job board directory that you can check regularly to see if there is a suitable job vacancy.

You can also sign up with them to get weekly job listings delivered to your inbox.

20. eCorrectors

Whether you are a professional proofreader or a translator, you can apply with eCorrector. Just email them your resume to be eligible.

They occasionally hire proofreaders and freelance editors. Good to check them out to see if they are hiring.

You can choose to work either full time or as a freelance proofreader. If you see a job that doesn’t suit you, subscribe to get email alerts to be notified of new job openings.

They have been on the top 20 list of the best telecommuting jobs by Forbes in 2016.

To apply you need to have a degree in the subjects listed here.  Prior editing experience is not necessary but can be an advantage.

24. ProofreadingPal

They require you to have a minimum of 5 years of work experience and you can earn up to $3,000 a month.

If you are eligible to apply, there is an online independent contractor form that needs to be completed and you should hear back from them within 5-10 business days.

25. Scribbr

Scribbr offers a wide range of essay editing jobs online.

They provide work from home proofreading jobs with a flexible schedule – accept/decline job offers according to your preference.

You will also need to be a native English speaker and be available for work at least 10 hours a week.

If you are interested in editing papers online – try Scribbr.

26. Wordvice

You need to be a qualified and experienced freelance editor to apply.

They don’t specify how many years of experience is needed, although typical work involves editing research articles, thesis, and essays.

27. Sibia Proofreading

Currently not accepting new applications. But be sure to check back to apply.

28. Proofread Now

They require you to have a minimum of 5 years of work experience to apply. You can sign up to their newsletter to be notified of new job openings.

29. Words RU

They are looking for highly qualified proofreaders from any country. They are currently hiring, so you can apply if you meet their requirements.

30. Scribendi

Experience is required for editors and proofreaders to apply.

31. Managed Editing

You will need to have a college degree and at least 5 years of editing experience in order to apply.

How to Find Online Proofreading Jobs?

If you are looking for freelance proofreading jobs on a large platform, here are a couple of places you can find work.

Freelancing is a great way for entry level proofreaders to build a portfolio.

While searching for a job, apart from using online proofreading companies, also browse the internet using keywords such as editing jobs, copy editing jobs, or remote proofreading jobs to broaden your search results.

Job boards:

Job board directories are also great to find new jobs on a regular basis. Because of their massive reach and database, you have more jobs to choose from, with new vacancies added frequently. Here are two of the biggest websites that hire remote workers.

• People Per Hour
• Pro Blogger
• Virtual Vocations

Start your own website

If you want to ride solo and be your own boss, the best thing to do is to  start your own website .

It costs less than $100 a year to have your own site, which you can use to promote your proofreading services.

You can set your own rates, offer discounted pricing and also provide special offers on certain services.

Create a blog section on your website to showcase samples of your work. You can also post reviews of customer satisfaction on your site.

How do you promote your work?

It’s great when you own your business, but the big question is where can you find clients especially if you are just getting started?

• Start a Facebook page and promote it to family and friends. Word of mouth is the best way to get started as a beginner.
• You can share your services on relevant Facebook groups.
• My best option is Pinterest. It can get the word out a lot faster. You can create pin images of your website and direct readers from Pinterest to site. Here is a more detailed post on how you can do this.

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• Do you often correct texts on social media?
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Use your proofreading skills to branch out into these 4 online editing jobs that are also high paying.

• Transcription – As a transcriber, you will need to convert a set of live or pre-recorded audio files into text. You can put your proofreading skills to use in this career, as it requires you to type out an error-free document.  Transcribers earn up to $45,000 a year.
• Freelance writing  – Every writer needs their content to be proofread, and as a proofreader, you are going to be able to spot errors instantly. You can offer your writing service on freelance websites or on blogs and websites. Highlighting your proofreading skills will land you high paying gigs, and give you higher chances of being accepted.
• Blogging – Start your own website and put your writing skills to use. There are many bloggers making a 6 figure income working from home, blogging.
• Sell a book  – As a proofreader, you will be able to create an error-free book. You can consider this option if you are looking to make a passive income from home. 

Get Paid to Proofread Online

Proofreading for money is a relatively simple field to break into.

As long as you’re able to prove your mastery of the language, give consistent work of high quality, and manage your own schedule, finding proofreading jobs from home is a great way to earn money on your own schedule.

If you are happy to edit papers for money, this is definitely the career to consider.

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The Work at Home Wife

Helping you work at home and make money online

Get Paid to Read Books: 8 At-Home Jobs for Book Lovers

August 4, 2023

If reading is your great love in life, why not turn it into a side hustle and get paid to read books?

One of the best things about the book publishing business is that thanks to the internet, it adapts well to copy editors, designers, and even editors looking for a home job, as well as voice talent for narrating audiobooks.

And if you’re simply a book lover who gets excited about free copies of new young adult lit or interesting nonfiction, you can turn your passion for reading into pocket change by writing a book review.

So settle in, my excellent bookworms! I’ve got some great ideas that’ll let you read books and make money in a remote job .

Make extra money with book review opportunities

If you aren’t necessarily looking to pay all your bills by reading books, you may be able to find work as a paid book reviewer or at least get a free book in exchange for an online review. Here are some sites where you can provide paid book reviews or get a new book.

• Online Book Club requires your first review to be unpaid, but you’ll still get a free book to review! After your initial review, most projects offer $5 to $60. As you can see, book reviewing really isn’t a gig that compensates well for the time involved. You really need to love to read — and quickly — and consider any compensation a bonus while having fun .
• Kirkus hires freelance reviewers and expects a 350-word review within a 2-week time frame.
• Booklist accepts freelance book reviews – assigned reviews only. Freelance opportunities are limited but pay $12.50 for a blog post and $15 for a full book review.
• The US Review does pay reviews, though their website does not say how much. Reviews must include a short book summary, be turned around within 2-3 weeks, and follow a style guide.
• Bethany House specializes in Christian books and is specifically looking for reviewers who have an existing online platform like a YouTube channel, a book blog, etc. There is no mention of compensation, but you may be able to use your affiliate marketing link within your review on your own website or channel.
• Writerful will allow you to submit an honest review of any book of your choosing. You just won’t get paid as a new reviewer, so expect to put in some time on the site. Paid book reviewer opportunities are offered if you become a trusted, experienced reviewer. These paid opportunities compensate $10 to $50 per review.
• Moody Publishers is another publishing house specializing in Christian titles. They do not pay for your reviews, but you will receive free books.

If you need to earn a living from your side hustle , you’ll probably have to do more than review books. Here are some additional opportunities that pay more and will still have you reading.

Also see: How to make money as an Amazon reviewer

Become a narrator

Audiobook narration is an industry that has been picking up steam in the work-at-home world in recent years. With so many books now being consumed through Audible and similar services, even self-publishers are publishing their works on various platforms.

To become an audiobook narrator , you’ll need a great voice, the ability to perform in different voices (training as a voice actor helps), and editing skills (most narrators do their own post-production file editing). You can mark up the manuscript or printed book with tips to help you avoid problems when narrating.

Audiobook work also requires the right equipment, such as a microphone, a pop screen filter, good-quality headphones, a tablet or e-reader, and recording and editing software. Learn more about becoming an audiobook narrator here .

Copy editing and proofreading jobs

Large and small publishers — not to mention websites, magazines, and corporations — often outsource online proofreading jobs as well as copy editing jobs. If you’d like to copy edit for a traditional publishing house, it will most likely require you to have a professional copy editing certificate, which you can get by completing a copy editing course. Universities often offer these courses, and many can be completed online.

If you aren’t able to get a certificate right now, don’t worry! You can still land a professional proofreader job or copy editing position from someone else, such as a website or corporation. To apply for a copy editing or proofreading job, simply demonstrate your superior grammar and spelling skills! If you are looking at some resources, two that were helpful to me were this free workshop with the basics of getting in the proofreading business and The Copyeditor’s Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications by Amy Einsohn. (Be sure you pick up the latest edition.)

With a little bit of luck, you can score an editing work-from-home job . These opportunities are not that common, but you’ll periodically find websites or online publications looking for assistant editors and even managing editors. A small traditional publisher may also work with remote editors. Bookjobs.com is one great place to keep an eye out for book editor openings; you can also keep a tab on Indeed, and make it a habit to regularly check the Careers page on your favorite websites.

Or you could develop your own freelance editing business , selling your services to authors seeking a professional evaluation and polish of their manuscripts. This will take some time and legwork on your part. You’ll need to build your business from the ground up: decide your rates, design your website, and gather customer testimonials. Then you’ll need to land clients!

You may want to look for editing jobs via other services while you work on your own base of operations as a freelancer. You can find a remote editing job on various low-paying job boards (such as UpWork) or via better-paying Virtual Assistant companies (like Time Etc). This work-while-you-build strategy serves two purposes: First, it brings some money in, and second, it lets you collect testimonials about your performance. Be careful when employing this tactic, however. Make sure you don’t poach customers from another service or violate the terms of your agreement with any virtual assistant platform.

If you are fluent in a second language, you may find online opportunities for translation jobs . These gigs are plentiful on sites like UpWork in addition to translation services and marketplaces such as:

Today Translations

Translators Base

Layout and design

There are a lot of emerging opportunities to work with writers who are self-publishing these books. While these folks may have a great story to share, they may not be as passionate about formatting their book or graphic design needed to create a compelling book cover.

You can learn how to do book layout and editorial or graphic design for free at sites such as The Book Designer . And many great desktop publisher computer programs, such as Adobe InDesign, Quark XPress and Microsoft Publisher, can help you with the actual book layout.

Then just hang out your shingle as a designer or formatter! You can create a website to advertise your book layout and design services, network with authors and publishers on social media, and look for designer gigs in all the usual places.

Some smaller publishing houses even hire freelance book designers, giving you the opportunity to establish a lucrative business relationship. Or you can actively seek out self-publishing authors getting their books ready for print-on-demand and ebook stores like Kindle. (The latter will likely be your primary clientele.)

Become a book publisher

This is the ultimate “get paid to read books” job.

Let’s say you’ve been building all the skills I outlined above. You’ve maximized your opportunities in the book business. You can recognize good writing. You’re a good copy editor and overall editor. You know how to make a book look beautiful on the page and on the screen. So why not start publishing books yourself? Go into business to create your own publishing company!

If you’re a writer, you could start by self-publishing your own work. Once you’re established as someone who can turn out a beautifully designed and cleanly edited product, you can start looking for other authors to publish. You’ll need some start-up capital to land your first author, but you’ll have all the skills and a golden opportunity to create a book that you believe in. And be sure both you and the author make some money, of course!

Marketing and public relations

One of the key tools in your arsenal is knowing how to market yourself, your skills, and your products. Not only is this crucial to making your own freelance editing or publishing business work, but you can also turn book marketing and public relations into its own business! With so many self-published authors new to the field every month and traditionally published authors who are struggling to come up with their own PR strategy, there are tons of opportunities to step in and help them out. You can become their freelance book marketing and publicity pro, who lines up blog tours, plan author interviews, and really gets the word out about their books with viral marketing .

Where can I find these jobs for book lovers?

• Kirkus hires book reviewers as well as several of the positions mentioned above.
• Freelance Writer’s Den offers a job board specifically for writers and editors.
• Publishers Weekly offers several freelance publishing positions, such as book reviewer and editor.

Are you a book lover who’s excited about these opportunities? I’m excited for you! There is so much remote work for you to turn your love of reading into a livelihood, and now you know how to look for it. Whether you’re reviewing books for extra cash or narrating the next best-selling audio book, I’d love to hear from you about any and all jobs you land and businesses you begin from here!

About Angie Nelson

Angie Nelson began working from home in 2007 when she figured out how to take her future into her own hands and escape the corporate cubicle farm. Angie’s goal is sharing her passion for home business, personal finance, telecommuting, and entrepreneurship, and her work has been featured on Recruiter, FlexJobs and Business News Daily.

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10 books to add to your reading list in August

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Critic Bethanne Patrick recommends 10 promising titles — fiction and nonfiction — to consider for your August reading list.

New releases this month deal with music and healing, faith and community, physics and biology — and those are from just a few of the nonfiction titles. Fiction lovers will find big ideas awaiting them, too: A surprisingly lush take on Shakespeare’s backstory, a backwoods survival story with a dystopian twist, and a harsh but essential new adventure for a beloved protagonist. Happy almost-end-of-summer reading!

And So I Roar: A Novel By Abi Daré Dutton: 400 pages, $28 (Aug. 6)

Abi Daré’s debut novel, “The Girl With the Louding Voice,” introduced readers to the smart, determined adolescent Adunni, who wanted a life beyond the confines of her small Nigerian village of Ikati. “And So I Roar” brings Adunni to take refuge in the Lagos home of Tia, a woman who helps her enroll in school. But Tia has just learned of a family secret that may force her to choose between protecting Adunni and claiming resolution for herself.

The Hypocrite: A Novel By Jo Hamya Pantheon: 240 pages, $26 (Aug. 13)

They say when a writer comes into a family, the family is finished. What does having two writers in a family mean? Hamya (“Three Rooms”) explores the ghastly tension between a 60-something novelist and his playwright daughter as he watches the premiere of her new work and she awaits his reaction. Its subject is a vacation during which the father’s callous use of his child as both dogsbody and sounding board is meant to shock the audience, especially her father — while the playwright herself is upstairs listening to her mother’s bitter memories of her ex-husband.

Burn: A Novel By Peter Heller Knopf: 304 pages, $28 (Aug. 13)

Many of Peter Heller’s books — fiction and nonfiction — concern outdoor adventures, by which I really mean survival stories: on a river, in a mountain lodge, even on a Japanese whaling ship. But Heller always goes deeper than derring-do, excavating the complex emotions beneath a character’s avalanche of fears. “Burn” centers on two pals returning from an annual moose hunt in Maine who learn that the world they so recently knew has become a terrifying dystopia.

By Any Other Name: A Novel By Jodi Picoult Ballantine: 544 pages, $30 (Aug. 20)

Fear not, sirrah! Even if you cling firmly to the idea of William Shakespeare as a cishet white man who wrote all his own material, you can still very much enjoy Picoult’s fictional take on the real life of Emilia Lanier, née Aemilia Bassano. She quite likely would have known Shakespeare, because they moved in the same circles. Did she write things attributed to the Bard? Who knows. But her own life is interesting enough: born to an Italian father in England, baptized though possibly only as a cover for her family’s Jewish identity, courtesan to Queen Elizabeth I’s lord chamberlain, professional poet.

There Are Rivers in the Sky: A Novel By Elif Shafak Knopf: 464 pages, $30 (Aug. 20)

Few historical novelists in North America know what it’s like to be tried for “insulting” their country, or to be investigated on charges of obscenity for including scenes of sexual abuse in a narrative, but Elif Shafak, the Booker-nominated British Turkish author, does — and that’s why she feels her new book, which connects three women from different times and places through a single drop of water, means not just entertainment or edification, but also: freedom.

The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore By Evan Friss Viking: 416 pages, $30 (Aug. 6)

Whether bookstores are flourishing or dying out, they have been essential to the American experiment since Ben Franklin opened his Philadelphia print shop, offering a marketplace for ideas that has evolved along with our country’s story. Friss, a historian, includes very American bookselling ideas like early signings (held at Marshall Field’s in Chicago) and successful author-owned places such as Ann Patchett’s Parnassus, in Nashville.

Circle of Hope: A Reckoning with Love, Power, and Justice in an American Church By Eliza Griswold Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 352 pages, $30 (Aug. 6)

Griswold won a Pulitzer for nonfiction and teaches at Princeton, among other accomplishments. But for her new book, the author’s upbringing as the daughter of an Episcopal priest (Frank Griswold eventually served as presiding bishop) might matter the most. She learns about a progressive, evangelical church in Philadelphia, known as Circle of Hope, and embeds herself with the community for a time, observing how delicate ties of caring and concern sometimes break down.

Life as No One Knows It: The Physics of Life’s Emergence By Sara Imari Walker Riverhead Books: 272 pages, $29 (Aug. 6)

“Being alive is not a binary, it is a spectrum,” writes Walker, an astrobiology professor at Arizona State. If that doesn’t blow your tinfoil hat from your head, try this: Life consists of matter — but life is not a property of matter. What does all of that mean? Keep reading, because even if you don’t fully understand it, this is vital information.

I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine By Daniel J. Levitin W. W. Norton: 416 pages, $33 (Aug. 27)

The eminent psychologist and neuroscientist (“This Is Your Brain on Music”) turns his talented little gray cells to the frontiers of music and healing. For example, in his chapter about how Parkinson’s patients can learn to modulate movement difficulties with music, Levitin demonstrates how exciting progress can be, even when we don’t know much about it yet. As the author says, even in choosing a song to cheer you up, you’re essentially self-medicating.

Where We Stand By Djamila Ribeiro Yale University Press: 104 pages, $20 (Aug. 27)

The term “intersectionality” has been bandied about so much that it may have lost some of its power in acknowledging that all forms of feminism are not equal. Brazilian scholar, philosopher and activist Ribeiro writes a manifesto on an individual’s social standing and its effect on what is said as well as what is heard. Those seeking a way to decolonize discussions of gender equality will find this slim volume rewarding.

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BookPeople of Moscow

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We have a great team of book-lovers working at the store! Carol Spurling is the full-time manager. Jesica DeHart is the part-time assistant manager. Jonah Mix provides continuity from the old store to the new, and we’re thrilled to have added Nick Brunsfeld to round out our talented crew.

Nick Brunsfeld:  Born and raised in Moscow, Nick grew up playing rock ‘n roll and reading On the Road like your average teenage muscovite.  It was only after high school that, with an absurdly overladen backpack, he embarked on a sort of Grand Tour through Europe and found his true passion for all things European.  Delighted and awestruck by the plays of Luigi Pirandello and Eugène Ionesco, captivated by the striking beauty of poets Rainer Maria Rilke and Arthur Rimbaud, and finding something akin to faith in the literary odysseys of James Joyce and Marcel Proust, Nick voraciously read until he became the enthusiastic Europhile he is today.  When he is not playing bluegrass guitar, foolishly trying to make homemade ravioli, or attempting (also foolishly) to watch a Fellini film without the subtitles, Nick is probably reading something migraine-inducing and foreign.  Although he spent much time abroad in France and Russia while receiving his degree in foreign languages from Lewis & Clark College, Nick harbors an abiding love for the great American authors.  If you’re looking for a good book from this side of pond, he will start to rave about Fitzgerald and Salinger, Eggers and Safran Foer, only to invariably tell you to read his favorite book of all time: Infinite Jest .

Jonah Mix : Following his move from Seattle as a seven year-old, Jonah is now the sixth generation of the Mix family to live in Moscow. He primarily enjoys reading, but can also be found watching 80’s action movies and listening to obscure Midwestern punk bands. Anything from south of the border is guaranteed a spot in his pantheon of greatest novels ever, but otherwise he has a deep admiration of American minimalism and anything surreal, nihilistic, or silly – preferably all three. Raymond Carver, Franz Kafka, Hubert Selby Jr, and Kathy Acker fight for the title of Jonah’s favorite author, but J. G. Ballard, Kurt Vonnegut, and Julio Cortazar are in the running as well. Anyone with questions about novels that explore the weirder side of life, as well as any American classics, LGBT literature, or political science shouldn’t hesitate to ask him for recommendations!

Jesica DeHart : Jesica grew up in a log cabin in the Pacific Northwest that was hand built by her family.  For many years they didn’t have electricity or running water and nights were spent huddled around the kerosene lantern reading piles of beautiful books checked out from the library or from their wall to wall bookshelves.  In college she studied environmental and adventure education and then intrigued by the beauty, creativity and integrity of Waldorf Education, she went on to get her M.Ed. with a specialty in Waldorf.  She has taught in Waldorf Schools throughout the country, helped to found new schools and worked as a mentor for pioneering schools.  She loves sharing her love of books with her children Emmit and Asher and some of their favorite books are the ones that come from Europe or a bit more obscure like Tal: His Marvelous Adventures with Noom-Zor-Noom , anything by Barbara Berger, the Tip Toe Lightly Books, The Moomins and most recently the Wombles series.  In addition to her specialty in children’s books she also is well versed in cook books (especially those that specialize in food allergies), contemporary fiction, parenting, crafts of all kinds and nature writing.  Her husband Dennis’s job as a professor in the art department at WSU brought the family from Orcas Island to Moscow where they enjoy working in their garden, finding treasures at thrift stores, traveling and laughing a lot with each other and their friends.

Carol Price Spurling : Carol was that kid who spent summers reading, going back and forth between the library and her home with a paper grocery bag full of books every week until she’d read almost everything appropriate for her age group and some that wasn’t. She realizes now she lost out on a lot of reading time by watching too many cartoons on t.v. on Saturday mornings, but on the other hand, she was exposed to a lot of great classical music thanks to Looney Tunes. She majored in English and Literature in college and graduate school and then worked at a library before getting her dream job at Old Harbor Books in Sitka, Alaska, where she learned the book business. She learned the used book business at Brused Books in Pullman before branching out into freelance writing, and then outreach and education at the Moscow Food Co-op.  There are a few writers who inspire her to read everything they’ve ever written: M.F.K. Fisher, Laurie Colwin, Calvin Trillin, Peter Mayle, Jane Austen, Barbara Kingsolver, Michael Pollan, Lillian Beckwith, and Harriet Doerr, to name a few. Mystery series she adores include Donna Leon’s Brunetti series, and Laurie King’s Mary Russell series. Carol’s reading habits go through phases, and she has at various times in her life been obsessed with 1) classic science fiction, 2) cheesy teen romances, 3) the classics, 4) contemporary fiction, 5) travel writing, 6) food writing, 7) cookbooks, 8 ) sustainability and simple living, 9) mysteries, and 10) anything to do with France and French culture. The latter obsession has lasted the longest, now going on 20 years, and she even went back to school to get a degree in French and graduated in May 2011 from the University of Idaho. Carol is a staunch advocate of local, independent businesses of all kinds. Unfailingly excellent customer service and providing a wonderful shopping experience for all are her first priorities as manager of Bookpeople of Moscow. Building community and nurturing the region’s readers and writers is right up there on the top of her priority list, too.

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5 comments on “ people ”.

Gad! Sounds like a mighty literate crew. Where do y’awl find the time to do all that reading?

When I’m supposed to be cleaning my house, John! Or going to the gym. 🙂 Carol

Hi Book People in Moscow. . . I just graduated from the UI in May, and just finished my first compilation of essays and poems “Clips in Time.” My Historical Fiction should be out the end of the year (2012). Look for it, “Sapphire.” I would love to do a book signing at your great little store, if you can give me an opportunity. You can order my book at: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clips-in-time-julie-lilienkamp/1111725658?ean=9781475917772 . I love your book store and would love to visit Moscow again. Thanks for all of your help with my books and advice while finishing my degree [there in Moscow]. Cheers.

Julie Lilienkamp, Author

Julie, I think we talked about this once, but, in case I’m remembering wrong, or if we need to restart the discussion, get in touch with me at bookpeople AT moscow.com and we can discuss some more. Thanks! Carol

“Sapphire: A Celestial Twist Historical Fiction” is now finished and ready for orders. Find this one of two part stories at the Book People of Moscow or any major bookstore across the country, in paperback or e-book version. Enjoy! Julie Lilienkamp, Author

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Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., children at play | board books roundup.

Inclusion and play seem to be the watchwords for this roundup. These books include children using cochlear implants, eye shields, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other helpful tools and devices, but the text never points them out or even mentions them. Welcome to the world of children at play.

Inclusion and play seem to be the watchwords for this roundup. Disabilities are no longer a spotlight feature in doz-ens of board books we combed through, but simply part of the landscape of roaring, rolling, racing, raucous children and child-substitutes, as in Jo Byatt’s wonderful gray raccoon, below. These books include children using cochlear implants, eye shields, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other helpful tools and devices, but there is joy in absence: the text never points them out or even mentions them. Welcome to the world of children at play. Board books have never been so much fun.

BRETT, Jan.  The Mermaid.   illus. by Jan Brett. 32p. Putnam. May 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9780593695746. PreS-Gr 2– It’s never too soon to start bringing toddlers and babies into the wondrous details of Brett’s books, so there is much to love about this sturdy 2017 retelling of Goldilocks’s story, now in a board book and therefore a portable, chewable form. The text has not been altered; in the waters just off Okinawa, Kiniro, a mermaid is drawn to a small seashell house. When she enters, she finds a table set for breakfast. She samples each dish, but prefers the smallest one and finishes it. Her puffer fish friend observes all, including her discovery by the octopus family when they return to their home. Vibrant illustrations in shades of turquoise, pink, green, and blue include fantastical border art, perhaps for older siblings to help explore. VERDICT This has always been a book to share, but now it’s ready for little hands. For folktale and fairy-tale shelves, too.

BYATT, Jo.  City.  illus. by Jo Byatt. 12p. (Raccoon Rambles). Child’s Play. Apr. 2024. Board. $6.99. ISBN 9781786288448. Toddler-K –Like  Park and Beach , this board book uses simple forms to invite toddlers and preschoolers into familiar places, known to them or not yet. This time, the star of the “Raccoon Rambles” series shows them the way through the city. That child jumps in puddles, watches a river of water run down the gutter and into the storm drain, balances on the slippery brick wall, and holds an adult’s hand (at last, an adult in the little raccoon’s world) before crossing the street. At the end, as in all the books, there is a circular map showing the path of the day. VERDICT Those who have the other titles will not need this one, but the little raccoon is winsome and those adventures are so compelling.

BYATT, Jo.  Home.   illus. by Jo Byatt. 12p. (Raccoon Rambles). Child’s Play. Apr. 2024. Board. $6.99. ISBN 9781786288455. Toddler-PreS –Like  City , this “Raccoon Rambles” board book once again invites toddlers and preschoolers to join the small, gray critter to explore a familiar environment (this time, home) as if part of an exciting expedition. The raccoon never fails in a cheerful exploration of, for example, eating a soft-boiled egg with toast, changing from pajamas to play clothes, “Swish! Swash!” making a painting, reading to animal friends in a tent, or stretching out at bedtime. The use of a circular map at the end reminds onlookers of all the activities they have just witnessed. VERDICT These books charm, and this one is no exception. Purchase all or one by one as budgets allow.

BYATT, Jo.  Park.   illus. by Jo Byatt. 12p. (Raccoon Rambles). Child’s Play. Apr. 2024. Board. $6.99. ISBN 9781786288462. Toddler-K –In the “Raccoon Rambles” series, a sweet outing to the park offers six succinct spreads on the gray raccoon’s day. This child needs a park bench for rest after sniffing flowers, enjoying ice cream (manners and “thank you” in place), going on the swing, playing ball, using the slide, and more. The various facial expressions tell caregivers and toddlers whether the mood is cheerful or introspective, for the day has many moments. VERDICT A tidy addition to a winning series, this is a perfect way to put preschoolers into the park before they get there, or to remind them, on rainy days, of a little piece of outdoors.

Let’s Go Home, Baby Shark.   illus. by Carolina Búzio. 8p. (Let’s Go Home). Nosy Crow. May 2024. Board. $10.99. ISBN 9798887770543. Toddler-PreS –“Let’s go home, baby shark” is the book’s opening line. The left side of the spread shows all the things baby shark might see, from a jellyfish to a turtle to some seaweed, while the right side has baby shark itself on an S-shaped simple sliding mechanism that toddlers can use a finger or two to move toward home and family. The next spread features a baby crab and the same structure; what follows is a baby octopus and a baby puffin. The variety of flora, fauna, clouds, or rocks that children can locate will keep them captivated. VERDICT A gentle game of seek-and-find, a few motor skill exercises, but mostly the reward that at the end of a path, home awaits. A very sweet book.

Little Lion, Where Are You?   illus. by Ekaterina Trukhan. 12p. (Baby Faces). Nosy Crow. Jun. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798887770390. PreS-Gr 1– Trukhan can be counted upon to deliver a search-and-find that toddlers will love and even kindergartners will sit still for. Here, a brightly painted little lion on the cover seems to be the one asking, “Little giraffe, Little giraffe, where are you?/ Here I am! Here I am!/ Where are you?” says a giraffe with a blue kerchief. Will children fold down the flap to reveal the mirror to find that they are the ones asking the animals questions and being found? A hippo, a zebra, and that lion finish the game before baby is asked, “where are you?” VERDICT A child-pleaser, worthy of repeat readings, as baby after baby will want to see a familiar face behind the animal’s own smiling one.

LLOYD-JONES, Sally.  Strong:  Psalm 1.   illus. by Jago. 18p. Zonderkidz. Feb. 2024. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9780310151517. Toddler-K –Lloyd-Jones’s book doesn’t waste any time on an intro: “By a stream is a good place for a little tree to be.” Jago, in a pastoral scene, shows a balding older white man with a fringe of gray hair with a shovel, a dark brown-skinned woman with brown hair in a bun, using a cane, and two slightly lighter brown-skinned children with black hair busily panting a birch with its telltale black-and-white bark. The next spread takes onlookers of the left page to a beach where a Black girl with a black bob and a blond boy with tan skin swing from a palm tree leaning over the water, while on the right is a stand of bamboo and three more children, with just as varying skin tones and hairstyles. The landscapes change, but the tree or “trees” live by water, deciduous or baobab, winter, spring, summer, or fall, and now we come to Psalm 1, where readers are the tree, and the water is God. VERDICT For those who observe, this is a simple and powerful metaphor for the presence of an omniscient and benevolent force, and one that will make children feel safe and loved. Librarians should purchase as needed.

Meet the Friends.  10p. (Monpoké). Scholastic. May 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781339007793. PreS-K –Monpoké Island, where the Pokémon friends live, has become the setting for a series of board books. This one hardly makes sense. Die-cut pages, when the book is closed, offer a peek at each one; thumbing through the pages gives onlookers the full name and the general ID: “Here’s Piplup! Piplup is a little blue Pokémon.” Piplup looks like a puffin. Next comes Rowlette, then Dedenne, Gengar, Ludicolo, Pikachu, Mimikyu, and Smeargle. That’s the book. VERDICT Pass. This board book doesn’t even pretend to engage readers or their caregivers.

Pokémon Playtime: A Touch and Feel Adventure. 10p. (Monpoké). Scholastic. Feb. 2024. Board. $10.99. ISBN 9781339007786. Toddler-K –For any parent who has ever thought that Pokémon was too commercial, too cartoony, too much, too everywhere, here comes the soft version of Pikachu and Dedenne, a small rodent Pokémon, against simple, almost toddler-drawn landscapes (straight, green rectangle below, square of blue above). Pikachu finds food and toddlers can touch it; the lemon or berry will be bumpy under small fingers. Dedenne finds a beach ball, and this is puffy and pliable (but sturdy). Eevee finds flowers (these are soft to touch) and Gengar eats the candy it finds so preschoolers get the tactile, crinkly candy wrappers. It’s a short book, but younger children will love having first access to the characters that their older siblings already know and collect. VERDICT Not essential but plenty cute.

SCHERTLE, Alice.  Little Blue Truck Feeling Happy: A Touch-and-Feel Book.   illus. by John Joseph. 12p. (Little Blue Truck). HarperCollins/Clarion. Mar. 2024. Board. $14.99. ISBN 9780063342705. Toddler-K –“Little Blue Truck is on the road,/ taking a drive with good friend Toad./ Ride along with Little Blue./ Toad can touch things—/ you can too!” A sheep, pig, duck, black hen, squirrel, and bird keep the truck company, too, in Joseph’s version of Jill McElmurry’s old-fashioned watercolorlike illustrations, which will be completely familiar to fans of the “Little Blue Truck” series. Textures are the topic: feathers for Hen and Duck, fluffy for Sheep, etc. Throughout, Blue’s wide eyes (headlights) look on mutely. VERDICT For fans of the series, this textured treat will provide good vocabulary choices as well as the idea of grouping by touch.

SMITH, Craig.  Where’s Wonky Donkey?.  illus. by Katz Cowley. 10p. Scholastic/Cartwheel. Mar. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781339051062. Toddler-PreS –A classic search-and-find lift-the-flap comes to life in just about 10 sweet spreads as Dinky Donkey gazes at toddlers, imploring them to help her find her dad, Wonky Donkey. “Is he behind the bush?” The shape is just about as simple as it comes, scalloped edges with the hint that something is behind it. No. It’s a friendly caterpillar, and what onlookers glimpsed was an antennae. More questions follow, and an elephant, hummingbird, and unicorn join the search, providing plenty of opportunities to point and name. The tone never gets desperate or worrisome, and it’s a board book! All comes right in the end. VERDICT A lovely, domestic search with just enough suspense, the flaps may not stand up to heavy circulation but could work for story hours or in supervised settings.

EVERETT, Elizabeth.  Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky.  illus. by Beatriz Castro. 24p. (Skytime: Bk. 2). Platypus Media. Feb. 2024. Board. $11.96. ISBN 9781958629376. K-Gr 1– This entry in the “Skytime” series offers an interstellar tour for the smallest lapsitter. Everett set her solid facts to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” but failed to nail the rhyme scan: “Twinkle, twinkle, nighttime sky./ What secrets do you hide so high?” Three children roast marshmallows as they sing: a boy with black hair and tan skin, a child using glasses, with brown hair and light skin, and a Black girl in overalls with dark hair with reddish tints. Use the book as a simple guide to the sky and don’t attempt to make this rhythmically flow: “You seem to go on for forever and more./ We invented the telescope to help us explore.” VERDICT This may connect kindergartners to their future selves, and certainly makes sky exploration seem within reach.

FORESTER, J.D.  Triceratops.   illus. by Sarah Rebar. 10p. (My Tiny Dino Library). Grosset. Mar. 2024. Board. $7.99. ISBN 9780593660348. Toddler-PreS –This series addition is a straightforward story about a teal-blue triceratops that has three horns, of course, but this is how we teach toddlers to count! “I’m searching for shrubs and plants to eat./ That makes me a ‘herbivore’ because I don’t eat meat!” VERDICT Amiable dino-lore in a tidy die-cut package, this is a bouncy nonfiction book of facts for the very youngest of fans.

MAGSAMEN, Sandra.  Love My Selfie!.  illus. by Sandra Magsamen. 10p. (A Let’s Play Board Book). Scholastic/Cartwheel. May 2024. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9781339043234. PreS-Gr 1 –In the “Let’s Play” series, children can take that first step toward genuine self-absorption—the selfie, which in this case is a cardboard board book camera with a die-cut “lens” that is really a mirror. Charming parent-child twosomes of animals—blue elephants, lovestruck giraffes surrounded by hearts, plus an orange chick with three little yellow chicks—keep the tone light. Are cameras a thing in most homes? Isn’t a selfie about the phone? This is fun, no matter how it’s cut. VERDICT A play camera, more toy than book, and not essential but certainly harmless.

SONDKER, Juree.  Woo Woo Baby: Yoga.  illus. by Neil Clark. 22p. Gibbs Smith. Mar. 2024. Board. $14.99. ISBN 9781423665434. PreS-Gr 1– With companion books  Woo Woo Baby: Meditation and Woo Woo Baby: Breathing , or in libraries where baby yoga classes are already part of story hour, here’s a board book to help convince caregivers how much fun it can be! All the critical poses are here, including Tree, Kitty Cat, Five-Pointed Star, and Butterfly, demonstrated by blocky, digitally created children who run from slender to round, alabaster to deep brown in skin color, with ginger hair, tucked-away brown locks, fades, twists, and doggy ears. The text briefly explains the meaning of yoga, or union, to help mind and body come together as well as to be in tune with one’s surroundings. VERDICT It’s a great start for preschoolers up to early elementary children. Even alone, a child could try out the poses with friends.

TEKIELA, Stan.  Forest Mamas & Babies.   photos by Stan Tekiela. 22p. (Mamas and Babies). Adventure Publications. Mar. 2024. Board. $9.95. ISBN 9781647553579. PreS-Gr 1– In the “Mamas & Babies” series that includes Lake , Mountain , and Prairie , this one gives toddlers through early elementary children a true life, full-color photographic glimpse of parents and offspring in nine species. Tekeila’s pictures are expressively intended to draw onlookers in, with abundant natural settings—the gray wolf pup seems to have stepped out of a dirt den and into the field of wildflowers. Fox, porcupine (and its porcupette!), white-tailed deer, northern raccoon, cougar and cub, gray squirrel, opossum and joey, black bear, and moose make an appearance, with bright borders amping up the design. VERDICT Toddler’s first National Geographic ! This is a no-nonsense guide to the wild, accessible and engaging.

Kimberly Olson Fakih is  SLJ ’s executive editor of reviews.

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Is the Labor Market About to Crack? It’s the Key Question for the Fed.

Central bankers are paying more attention to the strength of the job market as inflation cools. But it’s a tough time to gauge its resilience.

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By Jeanna Smialek

David Gurley Jr.’s bank account benefited from a hot pandemic labor market. Mr. Gurley, a video game programmer, switched jobs twice in quick succession, boosting his salary and nabbing a fully remote position.

By late last year, he was worried that a pullback in the tech industry could make his job precarious. But when it comes to the outlook now, “it seems like things are more or less OK,” Mr. Gurley, 35, said. Opportunities for rapid wage gains are not as widespread and some layoffs have happened, but he feels he could find a job if he needed one.

Mr. Gurley’s experience — a rip-roaring labor market, then a wobbly one and now some semblance of normality — is the kind of postpandemic roller-coaster ride that many Americans have encountered. After breakneck hiring and wage growth in 2022 and 2023, conditions have moderated. Now economic officials are trying to figure out whether the labor market is settling into a new holding pattern or is poised to take a turn for the worse.

The answer will be pivotal for the future of Federal Reserve policy.

Central bankers spent 2022 and 2023 focused mainly on wrestling rapid inflation under control. They have left interest rates unchanged at 5.3 percent for more than a year now and are likely to keep them there at their meeting this week, making money expensive to borrow in a bid to restrain consumer demand and weigh down the overall economy.

But now that inflation is returning to normal, officials are again concentrating keenly on their second major goal: maintaining a strong job market. They are trying to strike a careful balance in which they fully stamp out inflation without causing unemployment to spike in the process.

The labor market still looks solid. Joblessness is low by historical standards, and claims for unemployment insurance have stabilized after moving up earlier this year. A fresh jobs report set for release Friday is expected to show that employers continued to hire in July, albeit at a slower pace.

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