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Adrienne made $3,200 in her first month as a proofreader… and her clients LOVE her!


“Holy cow.”

That’s exactly what I said when I read this email from student Adrienne Luedeking:

Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.54.29 PM

I can’t make this stuff up, folks. 

Seriously. Holy cow. $3,200 is more than double what I made my first month ($1,300)!!

Once I picked my jaw up off the floor, I emailed Adrienne back and asked her to submit her success story for the blog.

Ain’t no way I am keeping her story a secret. I’m so proud of Adrienne and her drive to succeed!

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Here’s what Adrienne had to say about her journey:

Congratulations on your success, Adrienne! Tell us a little about your background!

I am an undergrad in college studying the performing arts. I am a voice-over artist. I’m from Miami and now live in California.

Learn how Adrienne made $3,200 in her first month as a proofreader! When did you start proofreading transcripts, and what made you decide to learn how to proofread transcripts?

I was leery of the stereotype that all LA artists are waiters. I wanted a job where I could make my own hours, be my own boss, work from home, and earn enough. I wanted something like this so I could continue to pursue my dreams.

What was the most challenging part of getting started?

Making time for this. I was so busy with class, independent projects I had taken on, and the horrid part-time job I was already committed to.

What was/were the most valuable thing(s) you learned during the course?

It’s hard to isolate one or two things. Each aspect of the course was immensely valuable. I loved learning how to use an iPad to proofread. I love that freedom and that efficiency. The entire module on dealing with clients was so helpful; I refer to it all the time.

How long did it take you to find your first client?

I had actually set an exact day for when I would be officially ready to work and when I would start sending my solicitation materials. Two days before that day, I saw a request for a proofreader on Facebook and I couldn’t help myself. That was my first client. I’ve made more than $3,200 in my first month.

What advice would you give anyone thinking about enrolling in the course to proofread transcripts? Is it worth the money?

It’s worth every penny you put into it. I made back twice what I paid for the course in my first week of proofreading. If you’re thinking about enrolling, I recommend you take the free 7-day intro course. It’s what I did because I wanted to vet this first and be certain it was a good fit for me.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Proofreading transcripts for court reporters is a wonderful job. The friendships you make with your colleagues and clients are so rewarding. The transcripts are usually a lot of fun!

If you have any questions or concerns, I’m happy to talk with you.

[Editor’s Note: you can leave a comment for Adrienne right here on this post!]

What are Adrienne’s clients saying?

This screenshot of an email (redacted to protect the reporter’s privacy) says it all:

screenshot

Questions for Adrienne?

Leave a comment below!

 

 


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  1. WOW!! Congrats, Adrienne, on a FANTASTIC job! Well done!!! 😀

      1. Hi Adrienne! This post is a few years old, wanted to check in and see if you are still keeping up with proof reading? Awesome job!

        1. Hi Gabby! Yes, I am. 🙂 I’m making less money now because I’ve cut back on my hours and sent some of my clients to my PA grad friends in order to make more time for my second business: http://www.fruitfullyalive.com. Without PA, I’d never have taken the leap from freelancer to entrepreneur! I’m writing this comment five minutes after I finished proofing a 160-pager. 🙂

          1. Congrats on the new business, Adrienne. How awesome! Will check out your website! Thanks for replying!

    1. Congrats Adrienne. Hard work pays. Wish you the very best.

  2. Congratulations, Adrienne! Thanks for sharing your story. It has encouraged me to give PA a try.

    1. Michelle, I’m so happy to hear that! Please feel free to e-mail if you have anything you want to talk about.

  3. I love it! I can’t wait to get started! Now help me figure out how I can convince my hubby! He’s the ultimate skeptic!

  4. Thank you for sharing this amazing success story, Caitlin and Adrienne. I just finished this course, and I am about to take on new clients. Adrienne, you rock!

  5. That’s fantastic! Congratulations, Adrienne. Can’t wait to finish the course and start getting clients! Your story will help keep me motivated.

  6. Adrienne, this is so encouraging. I am now cleaning houses for a living and find it challenging to carve out time to study. Reading what you went through, I really do not have an excuse. Thank you. 🙂

  7. I’m convinced!! I’ll be signing up next week to start learning. This will be perfect for me, and I can’t wait!! Thank you for sharing your amazing story. 🙂

    1. Marjie, way to go!!!! Let me know if you have any questions! I’m excited for you! Much success! Jumping in and getting started was the best feeling.

  8. Awesome!!! I started this course two weeks ago and I’m absolutely loving it. Hearing success stories like these gives me so much motivation!! Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us. 🙂

    1. I love the course too and often go back over lessons for fun. So glad you’re enjoying it. Best wishes!

  9. Congrats, Adrienne! Wondering which Facebook group you are part of if you don’t mind sharing.

    1. Hi, Jennifer! I’m part of the group for students taking the course. It’s called PA Proofreaders.

  10. That’s a wonderful testament. A lot of us “on the fence” about this course are now falling off the fence in excitement at the possibilities.

  11. I have to go on a business trip for about a month, but am looking at signing up once I get back.

  12. Adi,
    We’re so proud of you! You are proof of the adage, “where there’s a will there’s a way” and your success is a reflection of your dedication and hard work. Keep it up always!
    Love,
    Mom & Dad

  13. Nice!! And many congrats to you! I can definitely relate to having so much on one’s plate. When I signed up I had all the time in the world, then suddenly things changed. Your commitment and perseverance has encouraged me to keep moving forward. Will try to follow in your foot steps, because I certainly need to be where you are. Thanks again for sharing!! (Would REALLY like to connect with you at some point)

    1. Sharla, thanks for the message! It can be so hard to find the time. I wasted time waiting for there to be more time (if that makes sense!). The great thing about this is that it is entirely self-paced!
      I’d love to connect with you! Shoot me an e-mail or find me on Facebook when you want to chat 🙂

  14. Thx for encouraging Caitlin (sounds like she needed it), and the rest of us as well.

    Today and tomorrow I’m proofreading some transcripts a second time in preparation for that final test. (My husband doesn’t think I need it, but I want to be doubly sure.) After that? Helping those hard working court reporters present their work in the best possible light. Looking forward to it!

    All the best,
    Margret

    1. Hi Margret, if you don’t mind, would you be willing to share a little about how things have gone for you since completing the course?

  15. Congrats Adrienne, that is remarkable! Which package did you enroll in with PA and how did you decide which one was right?

  16. Hi Alexa!
    Thanks for your message. When I enrolled, they didn’t have all the great new options they do now. I started first with the Free 7-Day Intro Course. When I decided this was right for me, I went all in with what is now called the “Basic Package.” It was the most complete option at the time. No regrets! Feel free to e-mail if you have any other questions.
    Best of luck!!!

  17. Hi Adrienne,
    Congratulations, that is an amazing first month! I’m about to order the course and am excited to get started.
    It sounds like you are a busy woman, as am I. May I ask for a rough average of how many hours you worked per week in the first month to make that level of income?
    I’m ready to do whatever it takes, and you’ve certainly inspired me.
    Best wishes for continued success!

  18. Hi Jane! Congratulations on the new journey! I work 4-6 hours a day, 5 days a week. Thanks for writing. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions. Much success!!

  19. Hello, Adrienne –
    Wow! Thank you for being willing to share your story; it’s very encouraging. I wondered if you could tell us what percentage of the work you’ve received involves “scoofing” and using Eclipse software? In other words, if you were just offering proofreading using iAnnotate and returning a pdf document to the client, do you have a sense about how much this would reduce your income/business?
    Thank you for time,
    Joey

    1. Hi Joey! The majority of my clients have me proofread on the iPad. Two larger clients do have me scoofing on Eclipse. Without them, I do feel that my income would take quite a hit.
      It’s been almost two months since I’ve started working, and I’m finding that my iPad clients are increasing steadily. I believe that, even without Eclipse and scoofing, I’d be just fine. Please let me know if I can answer any other questions!

      1. Hi Adrienne,

        Are you using the full Eclipse software or the Edit Station for “scoofing”?

        Thanks!

        Erin

  20. Hi Adrienne,
    I plan on starting the course within the next two weeks but I am torn between the basic and the plus package. I know that it’s only $100.00 difference but I’m soon to be unemployed and if I could save the money knowing I will be fine with just the basic then I would definitely want to go that route. What do you suggest?
    Thank you!

    1. The Plus package didn’t exist when Adrienne enrolled. You can always let us know if you want to upgrade later on 🙂

      1. That’s awesome!! Thank you so much for your response Caitlin!!!

  21. Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing! Can hardly wait to get started on my own proofreading journey.

  22. Thank you for this story, Caitlin and Adrienne. There were many posts on the FB page about how hard it was to get clients and how few clients there were. It was a little discouraging, so I began to wonder about the quality of the work being done.
    Adrienne, is your story the result of top-quality work or timing or both? My plan is to do very well at this, too and not complain about lack of work. It hasn’t seemed to bother you.
    Is there a lack of work out there?

    1. There’s definitely not a lack of work overall, BUT some periods can be slower than others. I experienced this a lot in the last six years, especially around the holidays. It was the same when I worked at the agency. During the holidays, days would go by and the phone wouldn’t ring. Reporters go on vacation; attorneys close up shop, too. There were times when I made as much as $1500 less in a month when it was slow. It always picks back up again, though.

  23. Ladies,

    Thanks for the encouraging words. I’m getting ready to jump in and positive words are golden. Can’t wait to join your world.

    Adrienne, congrats on your success. Sounds like your hard work is paying off. You’re an inspiration and thanks for the invite to contact you with questions. I’ll take you up on it once I get rolling.

    Caitlin,, hope you feel better. I so enjoy getting your emails. They keep me motivated and keep me looking toward a bright future based on my association with you and your course. I’ll be “talking” to you soon.

    Grace salas

  24. Congrats on your success Adrienne! And thank you for sharing. It’s very encouraging.

    I just signed up for the program today and am looking forward to getting started. I realize that people go through the course at their own pace, but I was wondering if you might share how long it took you to get through it?

    Thank you,
    Lisa

    1. Hi Lisa! Congratulations on signing up!
      It took me a little less than three months. I started last summer during my break from classes. I tried to dedicate time to it every day. Best wishes on your journey!

  25. Hello! Do you feel it’s important to have higher education before starting this course. I have some college and a dental assistant degree.

  26. Hey Adrianne! I am also a college student looking for some extra money, and I am always proofreading my friends papers. Since I am majoring in journalism, I love grammar and spelling. Was it hard for you to balance this and classes? How many hours a week were you usually working?

    1. Hi Isabella! It was difficult finding the time, but where there is a will, there is a way!
      I was proofreading about 30 hours a week on top of being a full-time student.
      It’s gotten easier now that my endurance and speed have increased, but starting anything is always difficult at first. Best wishes!!!

  27. This is great, but how much does the average proofreader make every month? Working 20 hour weeks or 40 hour weeks?

    1. Hi, Louise! It really does vary, even between different proofreaders working the same 20- or 40-hour week. Skill level, experience, reading speed, turnaround requirement and rate, density and nature of material…all of these affect earnings. There are multiple entries in Caitlin’s FAQ section that touch on this overall subject, so give those a read. Hope this helps some. 😀

  28. Hi Adrienne: Congrats! I am still considering taking the course. I have been working as a travel agent for the past 11 years, and love it. But being “on call” 24/7 can sometimes be frustrating, especially when I am on my own vacation. I’m the kind who comments about misspellings on menus and in printed materials, so proofreading seemed right up my alley. I am considering calling some of the law firms in my area to ask if any of them use proofreaders. Does it make sense to do that to see if there’s even any interest locally?

    1. Hi Connie! As a proofreader, your clients will be court reporters, not attorneys. Since most of your work will be on your iPad, you are not limited by your location. My colleagues and I have clients from all over the country. Because there is an increasing demand for court reporters, there is an increasing demand for proofreaders. Court reporters are delegating the proofreading to us at steadily increasing rates. The course isn’t going anywhere, so take the time you need to make sure this is a good fit for you. Have you taken the free course?

  29. Hi Adrienne,

    How exciting! Congratulations! ? Might you be able to break down the process, and give me pointers on how you fine tuned your skills to meet such high quality work standards before you even got any clients?

    Any insight into that would be helpful and much appreciated. I am at the tail end of the PA course and want to make sure my skills are also top notch.

    Much continued success!

    Aubrey Smeal

    1. Hi Aubrey! Congratulations on making it through the course! Well done! I remember I was giddy when I finished the last lessons, but I was also very nervous. I recommend investing in Margie Wakeman Wells’ books and a Morson’s guide. Knowing the rules well will make you stellar. I can tell you have a drive to be excellent, and that’s going to make you indispensable to your clients. Best wishes!

      1. Thank you Adrienne! Yes, I do wish to be the best I can. I do have the Margie Wakeman Well’s ‘Bad Grammar, Good Punctuation’ guide and workbook. However, when I had checked for a Morson’s guide I wasn’t sure which one to get. They have so many editions and revisions that I wasn’t sure which one would be the most current, updated one. Could you tell me which version I should get that would be indispensable throughout the years, so I don’t have to buy the newest version all the time? Or is that a necessity of staying informed in this occupation?

        Thanks,
        Aubrey

        1. The 2nd edition is the good one. Don’t worry about the other versions; that’s the one you need, and that’s the one reporters are familiar with. 🙂

          1. Ok! Thanks ever so much Adrienne ?

            Aubrey

  30. do you have to use an ipad or is there software for android?

    1. You don’t have to use an iPad, and there are other options for both devices and laptop/desktops. You can read why Caitlin recommends the iPad and alternatives here: Why iPad?

  31. Congratulations, Adrienne!!! Your story and subsequent success are very inspirational.

    It gives me hope that I too will be successful when completing the course. I just need to set aside the time to finish it and develop a business plan and follow through.

    Any tips you and Caitlyn can provide on client prospecting is most appreciated.

    Continued success.

    Best,

    Tira (Tee)

    1. There is a great module on marketing in the full course with tons of tips, tools, and training. Once you go through all the nuts and bolts training of proofreading, Caitlin gives you everything you need to build and market you business. Hope this helps!

  32. Hey Adrienne, congrats on the success!!!
    I’m inspired to keep going. I recently finished the Jumpstart course, and your story could not have come at a better time!!!

    Onward and upward!!!

  33. Adrienne — I love success stories, and yours is very encouraging! I’m beta testing my webpage now; it will be ready to launch any day now, and I’ve started promoting it and networking. Thank you so much for sharing! Your interview with Caitlin arrived in my inbox at the perfect time. Bless you and much continued success to you!

    1. Dorothy, thank you very much for your kind words. When it goes live, I’d love to see the page! Best wishes and much success!

  34. Im desperate to find annat home job as I’lol be starting grad school in January as a 48 year old student ?. I’m a single unemployed mom who loves anything court related, a huge grammar nut, attention to detail, etc. But I’m the sole supporter of my family & need an income of any sort fast. I know it takes time, hard work & there’s no get rich fast world. I’m just scared to invest in something not lucrative, hard to find work, etc

    1. Why are you starting grad school? Just curious… online courses are a lot less expensive and you gain skills to work in proven niches with income. Takes far less time than grad school 🙂 It sounds like you’d be a shoe-in for proofreading, scoping, and legal transcription, and the cost for the training for all three is probably less than a semester of grad school. (We would not still be in business if there wasn’t really any work to be found :-))

  35. Hi Adrienne. Thank you for sharing information and your story. My daughter is interested in a voice-over and commercial career and is looking for a mentor. If you are available, please reach out.

  36. Adrienne, how many pages do you read an hour? I’m almost finished with the PTs, and my pages per hour is 30, so, in my mind, $3200 a month seems impossible for me.

    1. Hi Kari! Depending on how clean it is and the content, I can proof 60-75 pages an hour. If it’s really clean and easy, I can proof more. When I first started out, I could read 40 an hour. Endurance and speed increase with time. Most of my income that first month came from dailies where my rates more than doubled.

      1. Thank you! That makes me feel better about how slow I am right now 🙂

  37. Wow… Im almost finished with module 2 and I want to BE Adrienne lol I hope and pray for success like that. This post is an awesome motivator for me! Module 2 is hard and long — compared to module 1 that is — and this is just what i needed.

    P.s. I hope I used those dashes right lol I don’t have long ones on my keyboard

    1. Awww, thank you so much for your kind words! Congratulations on getting to the second module. It’s hard, but that’s what makes it so worth it. You’re gonna be so prepared by the time you complete the course. Feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you’re doing! Best wishes!

  38. Well done! How in the world did you find this job posting on FB?

    1. Hi Robyn! I’m not sure what you mean. If you’re referring to Proofread Anywhere, I discovered it after searching online for good work-from-home jobs. In terms of finding clients, Facebook is just one way among many; the course does a fantastic job of teaching you how to market yourself in order to obtain great clients.

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