54 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners In 2024 (Earn $50/hr)

Have you ever found yourself cringing at a typo or grammatical error in an article or blog post?

This was me a couple of months ago when I updated blog posts with new content.

As someone who values good writing, it can be frustrating to come across errors that distract from the quality of the content.

Once I noticed the gravity of the errors, I decided to engage a freelance proofreader.

Even though I didn’t want to admit it, a professional proofreader was and is an essential part of my writing if I am to meet my goals.

Many people seek out the services of a proofreader. This creates many legit online proofreading jobs for beginners and experts.

If you have a sharp eye for detail and a love for language, you may want to consider taking online proofreading jobs.

Not only can you make money proofreading, but you can also help ensure that written content is polished to perfection.

And the best part?

You can get started without a lot of experience. Plenty of online proofreading jobs pay upwards of $50 an hour.

In this article, we'll explore what proofreading is, the opportunities, the tools to use, and the best online proofreading jobs available.

What’s Proofreading?

Proofreading is an online job that focuses on identifying and fixing spelling and grammatical errors in a text. The text can be a standard blog post, a sales copy, eBooks, web content, a landing page document, or an academic paper.

Proofreading doesn’t always involve rephrasing sentences or restricting the section of a piece of content, although it may be a requirement in some cases.

Requirements for Freelance Proofreading Jobs

When it comes to the requirements, proofreading doesn’t demand so much from you other than strong reading and editing skills. You can start making money immediately if your grammar is up to the standard and your spelling skills are above average.

However, this proofreading is something you want to pursue long-term, you’re going to have to rack up some skills and experience to become good at it.

A good way to sharpen your editing skills, even if you’re new to this kind of online business, is to invest your time and resources.

How To Become a Successful Proofreader Working from Home

For success as a proofreader, you need to:

1) Build your Proofreading Skills

You need to build and constantly improve your skills as a proofreader.

The skills required include great grammar and language skills, attention to detail, persistence, and determination.

The simplest way to build your grammar and language skills is through practice.

You can also improve your grammar and language skills by taking online courses. An excellent course I would recommend is the one by Caitlin Pyle of Proofreading Anywhere.

This self-paced course details how you can become a successful proofreader, irrespective of your skill level. When you register, you get access to the course and a private community on Facebook.

Practice active reading while focusing on the details to develop your attention to detail.

Review other people's work and compare your edits to theirs to see what you missed.

2) Create a portfolio as an entry-level proofreader

A portfolio highlights your skills and showcases your previous work.

To create a winning portfolio, gather the best samples of your work as an entry-level proofreader.

You can use documents you've previously proofread.

If you don’t have previous work samples, ask friends or family or source the internet for proofreading material.

Be sure to include a range of different types of documents.

Once you've chosen your samples, organize them in an easy-to-read format.

You can use a website, Google Docs, or PDF document to present your work.

Be sure to include your name, contact information, and a brief introduction that explains your experience and skills as a proofreader.

When sourcing the best online proofreading jobs, you’ll find that most companies require samples of previous work when applying.

3) Network

Networking helps you to build relationships with people in the industry.

You can connect with people who can offer you part-time proofreading jobs, such as other proofreaders, writers, editors, and publishers.

Networking can also be a way to learn from other proofreaders and industry professionals to grow your skills and expertise.

You can network by joining online groups and forums dedicated to proofreaders, writers, and editors.

Another great way to network is to attend industry events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences.

Is There a Good Demand for Proofreaders?

Yes, there is a good demand for proofreaders in various industries. Check the Google Trends for people looking for proofreaders in the USA alone and towns with high demand for proofreaders.

The freelance economy provides many opportunities for proofreaders to work on a project-by-project basis, independently or as part of a team.

With the growth of content creation, there is an increasing demand for individuals who can review and edit written material to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Businesses also need proofreaders to review their materials to ensure that they are error-free and convey the intended message.

Are Online Proofreading Jobs Legit?

Certainly, online proofreading jobs can be legit and offer a viable way to earn an income.

The Internet and remote work are becoming increasingly popular, making online proofreading jobs more prevalent.

However, as with any industry, some fraudulent or misleading job offers can be scams.

It is essential to do your research and be cautious when applying for online proofreading jobs.

Unless you're paying for a meaningful subscription, do not spend money to get a proofreading job.

Look for reputable companies or platforms that offer legit remote proofreading jobs with clear terms and read reviews to establish legitimacy.

Is Proofreading a Good Career Option?

Proofreading can be a good career option for anyone with a passion for language and a keen eye for detail.

One of the benefits of working as a proofreader is that it can be a flexible and remote job, allowing you to work from home or any location with an internet connection.

Many proofreaders work as freelancers from home, which allows them to set their hours and choose the projects that interest them.

On the flip side, proofreading can be a highly competitive field.

There may also be tight deadlines, and proofreaders may need to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Also, while the pay rate can be good for experienced and highly skilled proofreaders, it may be lower for entry-level positions.

Building a reputation and developing a steady client base can take time.

How Much Can You Earn as a Proofreader?

Unlike freelance and copywriting, proofreading isn’t going to make you a lot of money per se. And that’s completely fine because the job isn’t time or resource intense.

As with every online job that newbies and pros take, how much you make editing content will depend on:

• Whether your potential client is willing to pay per project, per page, per word, or hourly
• The rate you set for the editing service if you’re selling your gigs, with many options that I’ve seen not being less than $10 an hour
• How many clients do you work for – and how often

As long as you’re good at proofreading, you should be able to build a substantial client base from which you can earn a decent income working from the comfort of your home.

Research published by Zip Recruiter shows that, on average, a professional proofreader can earn up to $51,000 per year, which isn’t an inadequate income.

As you can see, the income potential isn’t that bad. And given that you’re working from home, based on your schedule, and for as many clients as you’d like, there’s no cap to how much money you can make.

According to Glassdoor, a proofreader can earn an average annual base pay of $45k with additional payments of up to $2,400. 

Annual income ranges from $37k to $68k. This information is submitted by successful proofreaders already making money.

Different Amazon Proofreading Jobs

1) Product Listing Proofreading Jobs

As mentioned earlier, Amazon sellers must use correctly written product descriptions to attract clients to buy their products.

You could be hired to proofread content for product listing on Amazon.

Your job would entail ensuring no grammatical errors, such as spelling and punctuation.

These errors can make a client lose credibility with a seller, thus the need for Amazon sellers to invest in proofreaders.

The listings vary based on the number of words. Some can be long listings of about 2000 words, while others can be a few hundred long.

Usually, you will earn more if you proofread more extended listings than shorter ones. As you get better at proofreading, you can bargain for higher pay.

2) Affiliate Blogs Proofreading Jobs

You can also be hired to proofread Amazon affiliate blogs.

Being one of the largest online marketplaces globally, Amazon has created an Associates program that enables affiliate marketers to make money by selling Amazon products.

Affiliate marketers usually sell Amazon products by providing a link to these products on their blogs. They get a commission for every sale made through their links.

Most of the time, these blogs contain many words, and there is a high possibility of grammatical errors.

This is where you come in as a proofreader to go through these blogs’ content, ensuring that it is grammatically correct and easily read.

It is good practice to approach bloggers and inquire if they have open positions for proofreaders to land these jobs.

3) Amazon Kindle proofreading jobs

You can also earn money proofreading eBooks on Kindle.

Most writers have benefitted from Kindle in the sense that they can self-publish their work.

They need proofreaders to go through their work and ensure that it is entirely written without grammatical errors.

These writers are always on the lookout for Amazon Kindle proofreaders to ensure that all their hard work does pay off.

If you are hired to do this work, all you need to have is a smart device and Kindle installed.

Kindle’s interface and software are made in such a way that you can read, write and edit on the go.

Even better, Kindle has a text-to-speech feature should you need the text to be read out loud. This feature is only available on iOS devices.

To be hired as an Amazon Kindle proofreader, you must have an Amazon account first and connect your digital device to your account, which could be a laptop, desktop, or phone.

Download the Kindle app and install it. You will get an "@kindle.com” email extension.

Having done that, you are all set to start looking for Amazon Kindle proofreading jobs. You can add an eBook directly to your device or have a client send it to you.

54. Legitimate Remote Proofreading Jobs and Websites

Given its impressive income potential and the ever-growing demand for proofreaders who can easily spot spelling and grammatical errors in a text and fix them, there’s a lot of money to make every month.

Below are online proofreading jobs offers or websites, which you can start using right now to make money as an editor:

1. LinkedIn

People don’t think LinkedIn is a platform to find proofreading jobs, and that’s only until you begin to dig deeper.

You see, LinkedIn is a pure goldmine for different types of online projects and offline jobs. That is why it’s a good place to start if you’re serious about working with professionals who’re interested in proofreaders.

Landing a good number of clients on LinkedIn will take several trials. But the moment you begin gaining traction and building relationships, you may be on your way to building a long-term proofreading career.

2. Upwork

Formerly Elance, Upwork has grown into a massive marketplace fully packed with clients and freelancers worldwide. With many editing jobs on this platform, it’s hard to run out of job offers if you have what it takes to impress clients.

3. Lionbridge

It may not be as popular as Upwork, but Lionbridge is a great place to find online proofreading jobs.

You’ll sign up for an account as usual on any standard job site. You’ll then have to complete a skills evaluation.

If you pass the quality assessment test, you’ll get access to the job board to pick, and complete assignments and get paid.

4. Media Bistro

You may not have heard of Media Bistro until today. It’s also a decent job board worth checking out because it has dozens of listings on proofreading work.

You’ll have to do some digging to get decent offers from this platform. The best part is that it allows you to create custom job alerts to get notifications related to proofreading jobs when they become available.

5. Fiverr

Known for its $5 gigs and filled with newbies and pros in different fields worldwide, Fiverr doesn’t need a formal introduction anymore.

This marketplace allows you to create proofreading gigs and sell them at any rate, with $5 as the minimum service fee.

To do well on Fiverr, create a portfolio that stands out and promises what you can deliver. You may not make a lot of money for the first few months, but if you offer quality service, I don’t see why it would be difficult to build traction.

6. Proofreading Pal

Proofreading Pal is a platform of its kind. Instead of hiring just anyone who can proofread, the company hires individuals in colleges and experienced graduates.

So if you’re still in college and want to make some money on the side, Proofreading Pal may be the best platform for you.

7. Get Editing Jobs

The Get Editing Jobs is one of the best online communities and job boards to join if you’re serious about working online. Specifically, it’s a good platform to use if you’re searching for proofreading jobs remotely.

8. Proof Reading Services

Are you looking for a full-time proofreading job? Maybe you have another full-time job, and you would like to do proofreading on a part-time basis? Proof Reading Services may have an opportunity for you.

What I love about this platform is its decent earning potential. You can earn up to $46 an hour just by editing documents.

9. FlexJobs

I use FlexJobs to make some quick cash on the side, and I must admit that it’s a good place to find work.

Many clients are searching for creative and skilled proofreaders on the platform. So if you feel like you’re a good fit and ready to take on your first editing job, this is a good place to start.

10. Click Worker

Becoming a Click Worker takes more than just a passion for reading. You must have solid language and editing skills to join.  

To determine if you’re fit for the platform, Click Worker will request you to complete a grammatical test to assess your skills and ability to work as a proofreader. You get access to the job board if you pass the test.

11. Readsy

Readsy is the only marketplace that connects proofreaders with authors. The system uses data magic science technology to connect you with clients that are a good fit.

You’ll receive proofreading requests from potential customers. You can respond with quotes, make a deal, and finish the job.

12. Polished Papers

Polished Papers isn’t a platform for beginners. So you must have at least worked as an editor and gained experience over time if you want to work with them.

The advantage of working with Polished Papers is their higher pay scale, which makes them the ideal site to consider if you want to make more money.

13. Writing Jobz

With Writing Jobz, it’s easy to apply for proofreading jobs based on your schedule as well as your level of experience.

Even more interesting about this platform is that it has different types of editing, including proofreading academic writing assignments.

14. Writer’s Relief

One of the oldest platforms on the internet, Writer’s Relief lets you proofread content written by creative writers. They do accept only a limited number of applicants, so give it a shot and try your luck.

15. EditFast

If you’re looking for a platform that connects beginners and professional proofreaders with potential clients, try EditFast.

You can sign up for a free account and complete your profile by uploading your resume. Clients can check your profile and hire you if you’re a good fit for them.

16. Domainite

While Domainite doesn’t pay well for its proofreading jobs, it’s a useful platform for beginners who want to start making money on the side. You’ll earn as you gain editing experience.

17. R3Ciprocity

The R3Ciprocity is a unique proofreading model where contributors edit each other’s work and earn credit. You can take the credit you earn and convert it into cash.

18. Writer’s Job Shop

Perhaps the very best thing about Writer’s Job Shop is the constant stream of work that it has. So if you’re looking for a full-time proofreading job that you can do from home, you should try this platform.

19. Guru

Guru is one of the oldest marketplaces online and a good place to find proofreading jobs.

There isn’t much required to get started with this platform. All you have to do is create a good portfolio and then find and apply for proofreading jobs matching your skills, experience, and schedule.

20. OneSpace Freelancers

OneSpace Freelancers platform claims to provide the steady work you need to build a flexible lifestyle, and it’s one of the right places to find proofreading jobs. Note that the site administration will post-editing jobs as soon as they’re available.

21. Freelancer

Freelancer is a marketplace as huge as Upwork and Fiverr. Create a free account, browse available proofreading jobs, send proposals to prospects, and see if you win jobs.

22. Scribe Media

Scribe Media doesn’t have a constant flow of proofreading jobs. Even then, it’s still a good platform to get such jobs, provided you create a job alert.

23. Cactus Communications

Cactus Communications offers full-time and freelance jobs for all text editors, specialist editors, and regulatory editors. They need a degree in the subject whose content you'd like to edit.

24. Scribbr

Scribbr is a huge education platform that’s always in need of proofreaders. They’ll first need to test your language and editing skills before hiring you.

25. Wordvice

You’ll love Wordvice because it’s all about writing and editing. And that means you can easily find some well-paying proofreading jobs on the platform.

26. Wordfirm Inc.

If you’d like to work with a company that provides publication and editing services to clients, you may want to join Wordfirm Inc. The application process is somewhat lengthy, so schedule enough time for it.

27. Gramlee

Gramlee is one of the websites that needs proofreaders. So if you want to make some money on the side, click here to check them out.

28. America Journal Experts

If you’ve advanced your writing and editing skills already, it would be best to work for a business such as the America Journal Experts. All the job openings are remote so that you can work from the comfort of your home.

29. Edit911

Do you have a PHD in English? And are you looking forward to working as an editor with a company offering many clients professional proofreading services? You should consider joining the Edit911 platform.

30. Start Your Own Proofreading Business

All it takes to start your own proofreading business is a website and some marketing skills. You can hire a developer to set up the site for you, as WordPress makes it easy to create a website without coding.

31. Scribendi

Scribendi is a website that offers proofreading services to individuals, students, authors, businesses, and corporates.

They offer all types of proofreading services.

There are two ways to work for Scribenndi. You can be an in-house editor or work as a freelancer.

This popular proofreading site accepts in-house proofreaders and editors around Canada, Ontario, Montreal, Quebec, and Chatham.

Freelancers, they accept applicants from all over the world.

You can check opportunities that they have on their jobs page.

To work with Scribendi, you’ll need a university degree and experience of at least 3 years.

32. Editor World

Editor World is a service that offers professional proofreading and editing.

They offer freelance work opportunities.

To work with Editor World, you must be a native English speaker from the US, UK, or Canada.

They also require a Bachelor’s degree and experience as a proofreader or editor.

33. Wordy

Wordy offers online proofreading and copyediting services.

It is a company located in London but offers its services to clients worldwide.

Their services span 56 fields giving their proofreaders and editors a huge scope of work.

You can apply for online proofreading jobs on their website.

34. English Trackers

It is an online proofreading jobs website that offers editing and rewriting services.

They offer editing of all types of work, such as academic papers and research, books, websites, financial reports, and business documents.

To apply with English Trackers, you require to be a Native English speaker and have at least 2 years of experience that is verifiable.

There are additional requirements specific to the role, be sure to regularly visit their site for proofreading and editing opportunities.

35. Words R U

Words R U offers professional editing and proofreading services.

The site only considers applicants with a Master's or Ph.D. in any academic discipline.

They also require at least two years of experience as a proofreader, editor, or copy editor.

Word R U is constantly in search of proofreaders and editors.

It can be an excellent opportunity for online proofreading jobs if you meet their requirements.

36. Sibia Proofreading

Sibia Proofreading provides online proofreading and editing jobs to users around the globe.

You must graduate from a top-tier university or Ivy League college to work as a professional editor with Sibia.

They also require you to be a native English speaker.

You get proofreading jobs related to ESL, essay, dissertation, thesis, academic, book, and business editing when hired.

37. Craigslist

This is an advertisement website that allows users to post classifieds in a variety of areas.

A section is devoted to housing, household items, gigs, and other services.

You will also find a section devoted to jobs, where online proofreading jobs are listed.

In the job category proofreading and editing jobs fall under the writing/editing category.

The Craigslist interface varies with region. Be sure to check out the different locations to gain more opportunities.

38. Reddit

Reddit is a discussion website comprising a community network that shares similar interests.

As a proofreader, you can find many proofreading and editing communities sharing tips, news, and opportunities.

These networks offer a great avenue to interact with fellow proofreaders and grow your skill.

39. IXL Learning

It is a company with an education-based platform that works to improve student learning.

They provide opportunities to proofreaders and editors both in-house and remotely.

Their careers page has many opportunities for professionals to work on and with their platform.

40. Blogging Pro

Blogging Pro is a job board with jobs related to blogging.

You will find freelance and writing jobs and proofreading and editing work.

Since the jobs are updated daily, it’s best to keep checking to land the best online proofreading job.

41. Pure Content

This company offers internet marketing services such as article writing, e-commerce, blogging, editing, and transcription.

They provide opportunities for freelancers from all over the world.

On the Pure Content site, you can get proofreading work when you apply as an editor.   

42. Cambridge Proofreading

Cambridge Proofreading provides specialized proofreading and editing services.

They accept subject matter experts to work as freelancers in their company.

You need to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and be a native English speaker with a great understanding of English.

43. ServiceScape

 It offers freelance editing, graphic design, translation, and writing opportunities.

Applying to get an online proofreading job at ServiceScape is straightforward.

You need to visit the editor application page and fill in the required information.  

44. eCorrector

This service offers translation and proofreading services to academics who submit work to international journals.

They accept freelancers to offer the above services.

To work here, submit your resume and related experience to their official email address: info@ecorrector.com.

45. Managed Editing

Managed editing is a service that offers editorial services for government agencies, nonprofits, and other publishers.

It is always looking for skilled editors to work as independent contractors.

You work as a freelancer based in any location in the world. Their requirements include a college degree and at least five years of experience with editing.

You need to fill out the online independent contractor application on their website to apply.  

46. Problogger

This job board has opportunities for professionals looking to make money online.

You can find a proofreading job by registering on the platform and applying to jobs posted on the site.

Aside from proofreading, you will find writing, editing, and virtual assistant jobs on Problogger.

47. Stickler Proofreading

It helps academics improve their work by providing proofreading and copyediting services.

You may want to consider this agency if you’re an experienced academic writer knowledgeable in Harvard and APA writing styles.

You must submit a cover letter and resume to apply to Stickler Proofreading.

48. DotDash Meredith

This is a digital and print publisher based in the United States.

They work with major brands to publish content across several niches, such as finance, fashion, entertainment, etc.

You can get proofreading jobs, but most are in-house and location-specific.

The DotDash Meredith career page is constantly updated with openings for interested parties to apply.

49. Edit 24/7

Edit 24/7 provides quality proofreading and light editing services for writers, students, academics, businesses, organizations, and professionals.

They have a strict process for application.

You must submit your resume and past work to their email editors@edit247.com.

50. Kibin

Kibin is a service that offers professional proofreading, editing, and essay help.

It features a global network of freelance editors to assist writers in improving their writing.

Check out their proofreading jobs opening page to apply for an online proofreading job opportunity.

51. Proofread Now

Proofread Now is a platform that seeks to provide efficient proofreading services to publishers, marketers, advertisers, editors, and other professionals in the industry.

You can seek online proofreading jobs from them by visiting the employment page.

To work with Proofread Now, you must have at least five years of experience.

They also have a proofreading quiz that you can take to gauge your skills as a proofreader.

52. Writer Access

The Writer Access company offers opportunities for freelancers to earn an income through writing, editing, translating, and designing.

It is a diverse platform that you can use to grow your skills in the proofreading and content marketing space.

Before working with Writer Access, it takes four main steps. The steps proceed with each other. You first need to verify your LinkedIn account, if you don't mind.

You must create a professional LinkedIn account if you don't have one.

53. Indeed

Indeed is a job website launched in 2004.

It is a worldwide job platform where you can get online proofreading jobs when you look through the categories.

You can search for opportunities in your specific country, seek out a remote opportunity or search for jobs worldwide.

54. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media offers works with editors and reviewers to look over Spanish and English books.

They require one to provide a book review of about 350 words for every book assigned.

As a proofreader, you can beta-read and edit work from self-published authors.

To work for Kirkus Media, you apply by sending your resume and work samples to the editor via drapp@kirkus.com.

Useful Tools for Online Proofreading Jobs

The tools for proofreading jobs help identify and correct errors, improve readability, and facilitate collaboration with clients or other proofreaders.

Using these tools doesn’t eliminate your input. As a proofreader, you should always double-check your work to guarantee quality, accuracy, and consistency.

1) Grammarly

Grammarly is an online grammar checker that can help identify and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in written content.

You can use the application or download the extensions for ease of use.

2) Hemingway Editor

Hemingway Editor is a tool that analyzes written content and offers suggestions for making it clearer and more concise.

It highlights complex sentences, adverbs, and other common issues affecting readability.

3) Google Docs

Google Docs is a cloud-based word processor that allows multiple users to edit the same document simultaneously.

It can be used for collaboration and proofreading, with users able to leave comments and suggestions on the document.

4) Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a popular word-processing software.

It includes a range of tools for proofreading, such as a spelling and grammar checker, a thesaurus, and a dictionary.

It also includes a track changes feature that allows multiple users to make changes to a document and track revisions.

Conclusion

With all the above options available with just a click of a button, it should be easy to find the best proofreading job matching your experience, skills, and schedule.