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Where Can I Find Proofreading Jobs Online?


Best Ways to Find Online Proofreading Jobs in 2023

The digital freelance economy is booming — creating a growing number of online proofreading jobs available to those seeking more freedom, flexibility, and autonomy in their employment. 

It’s easy to understand why. According to Upwork’s Freelance Forward survey, approximately 60 million Americans (39% of the total workforce) did some form of freelance work in 2022, contributing $1.35 trillion to the US economy. 

Proofreaders ensure the written content consumed by the world is accurate, clear, and error-free, so having a proofreader is a vital part of the digital publishing process. As more and more companies, authors, and creatives are producing written content, the demand for professional proofreaders is growing. 

Whether you’re just starting out or already have a proofreading business — this guide has something for you. In this article, you’ll learn where to find the best online proofreading jobs based on your schedule, qualifications, and desired salary.

Freelance Proofreading Jobs

For most people, the primary difference between freelance proofreading jobs and full-time jobs is the fact that freelancers work for themselves.

Freelancing lets you choose your own hours, work location, and projects. This kind of employment is a good option for those who value flexibility and independence. Many choose to freelance as a side gig for extra income, but an increasing number of professional proofreaders choose to freelance full-time. 

In general, freelance proofreading jobs pay less than full-time jobs. As a talented beginner freelance proofreader, you can expect to earn an average hourly rate of $15–$20. 

With experience and mastery of specific niches and by improving your style and technical abilities, your hourly rate can increase to $25–$50.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of freelance proofreading, here are some sites to check out as you begin your search for remote jobs:

HireaProofreader.com

This online portal for Proofread Anywhere graduates allows companies, clients, and interested parties to browse our proofreading graduates to find the ideal person for their project. Proofreaders can list their website, their rates, and a short bio to attract new clients and snag better opportunities.

Clients can also post specialized projects that proofreaders can submit a proposal for.

Hire a proofreader or get listed as a qualified freelancer by checking out the website!

Upwork

An orange background displays the logo for Upwork along with a short excerpt from the paragraph.

Upwork has been ranked the world’s number-one freelancing platform for the site’s wide range of job opportunities — including proofreading jobs. 

The site posts an average of 20 to 30 proofreading job opportunities per week, with average hourly rates of $15 to $30. 

Proofreaders with a mastery of language, a meticulous eye, and a proven track record of effectively proofreading a diverse range of documents thrive on this platform.

Pros:

  • A large pool of jobs and the ability to bid on proposals makes starting out easy
  • A wide variety of projects to work on across numerous industries
  • The ability to build a portfolio and establish a reputation on the platform

Cons:

  • Beginner competition due to the platform’s popularity among freelancers
  • A sliding scale of service fees is taken out of freelancer earnings

Fiverr

A yellow background displays the logo for Fiverr and shows a short excerpt from the paragraph.

Fiverr is a popular platform for remote work and offers a variety of job opportunities for freelance editors, writers, and proofreaders. 

The average hourly rate for proofreaders is between $15 and $20. However, you may find higher rates and attract more clients if you specialize in a particular niche and build a portfolio that showcases your skills. You can also bid on projects that match your expertise or choose to let potential clients come to you once you’ve built a reputation for solid work.

To use Fiverr for proofreading work, you’ll need to create a profile, list your services and skills, and market yourself. 

Pros:

  • Great for beginners looking to gain experience and build a portfolio
  • The ability to set your own rates and outbid other freelancers
  • A user-friendly platform for finding relevant projects easily

Cons:

  • High freelancer competition due to the popularity of the platform
  • Effective self-marketing is a must to attract clients
  • High transaction commissions of 20%

Polished Paper

A blue background displays the logo for Polished Paper with a short excerpt from the first paragraph of the section.

Polished Paper is a premier provider of proofreading and editing services for individuals, businesses, and academic institutions. The site offers remote jobs to professional proofreaders by linking them with prospective projects from various fields, including corporate, academic, and personal clients. 

Freelancer rates aren’t listed in the application but, in general, qualified candidates can expect a pay rate of $15 to $45 per hour, depending on their range of skills and experience. 

To find proofreading work with Polished Paper, you’ll have to set up a profile, upload your resume, and pass a 35-question editor test. 

Pros:

  • A trusted platform with a steady stream of job opportunities
  • No need to market your services
  • An international clientele pool

Cons:

  • Must pass the editor test to be considered
  • Not much transparency in pay rates

Scribendi

A navy blue background displays the logo for Scribendi and a short excerpt from the first paragraph in this section.

Scribendi is a leading language services firm that offers freelance work opportunities for professional proofreaders and editors. 

The site allows you to set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you like. As an independent contractor, you get to see how much each job pays up-front, with the average hourly rate being $20 to $30. 

Formally-educated freelancers that have a thorough understanding of style guides and are capable of editing 1,000+ words per hour can find proofreading jobs with Scribendi.

Pros:

  • An established company with a strong reputation in the proofreading and editing industry
  • No need to bid on projects — Scribendi brings work to you
  • No commissions, fees, or membership dues

Cons:

  • Competition could increase in the near future due to rapid network growth
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Reedsy

A gray background shows the logo for Reedsy with a short excerpt from the first paragraph of this section.

Reedsy connects authors and publishing firms with proofreaders, editors, and designers. As a freelancer on Reedsy, you are suggested to potential clients and get to set your own rates for the projects you accept. 

On average, proofreaders can earn $15 to $25 per hour, with the potential to earn more as they gain experience in particular niches and increase their efficiency. While signing up is free, there’s a 10% commission applied to earnings.

To use Reedsy, you should have an interest in working on long-form content, as most clients on the platform are self-published book authors.

Pros:

  • The site includes a suite of collaboration and productivity tools
  • An opportunity to build a portfolio working with established authors and publishers
  • A community of more than 100,000 professionals to network with

Cons:

  • A service fee of 10% is taken from the earnings of each project you complete
  • Some projects may require specialized knowledge of the publishing industry

Guru

Guru is a remote work platform built specifically for freelancers looking to connect with employers. The site boasts a network of more than 70,000 employers and built-in tools to help you find suitable work and get paid accurately. 

As a proofreader on Guru, you can expect an average hourly wage of $15 to $20, with the possibility of higher pay as you hone your skills and tackle a broader spectrum of proofreading tasks. 

Guru offers its clients a list of recommended freelancers for each project, so having a portfolio of work can help you stand out from competitors. 

Pros:

  • A wide variety of proofreading jobs are available
  • A user-friendly platform with secure, convenient payment options
  • Opportunities to build a positive reputation and increase earnings through repeat work with satisfied clients

Cons:

  • Self-marketing is necessary to attract clients
  • Low-paying projects can be common

FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a hub for remote job seekers, including proofreaders. The platform offers a rich and diverse array of projects from various clients across numerous industries. 

Proofreaders on FlexJobs can expect to earn approximately $20 to $30 per hour, depending on their level of proficiency. 

On average, FlexJobs posts around five to 10 proofreading job opportunities per week. To secure work through this platform, proofreaders should possess sharp editorial skills and be ready to take a comprehensive skills evaluation. 

Pros:

  • Access to a large pool of potential clients with diverse projects
  • Screened job postings streamline your search
  • Flexible, remote work opportunities are the platform’s specialty

Cons:

  • A monthly membership fee to access job opportunities
  • High-paying job postings may be competitive and harder to get

Contena

Contena is a one-stop shop for content creation and editing jobs, including proofreading opportunities. 

Based on our research, an estimated 10 to 20 proofreading job postings are available weekly on the site. The platform offers a wide selection of projects for both new and seasoned proofreaders at an average hourly rate of $20 to $30. 

To take advantage of the opportunities available on Contena, proofreaders should have exceptional mastery of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 

Pros:

  • A high volume of job postings allows for consistent work
  • Resources and training provided for proofreaders
  • A strong focus on high-quality content creation and editing

Cons:

  • A monthly membership fee to access job opportunities
  • A high level of experience is required for certain job postings

WriterAccess

WriterAccess is a platform that connects businesses with freelance writers and proofreaders. It offers a variety of technical editing and proofreading jobs, including editing academic papers, books, and more. 

The platform claims uniqueness among other platforms using AI-powered text analytics that look at tone, style, and expertise to match freelancers with projects. To work with the platform, proofreaders should have a strong understanding of grammar, a keen eye for detail, and examples of their work to be uploaded for analytics.

On average, proofreaders earn around $20 to $30 per hour through WriterAccess. 

Pros:

  • Includes a diverse selection of proofreading job opportunities
  • Connects businesses with talented proofreaders
  • Offers resources and training to improve proofreading skills

Cons:

  • A high level of experience is required for certain job postings
  • Job opportunities for beginners are limited

Gramlee

Gramlee is an online platform that offers freelance proofreading jobs to individuals with strong language and grammar skills. Using Gramlee, proofreaders can expect to earn an average hourly rate of $10 to $20. 

The number of jobs available varies depending on the current demand, but Gramlee generally has a steady stream of work for its proofreaders. 

To become a proofreader on Gramlee, you must pass a rigorous grammar test and have prior proofreading experience.

Pros:

  • Has a reputation as a high-quality source for editing and proofreading work
  • A consistent stream of work available to experienced proofreaders
  • An ability to earn a competitive hourly rate

Cons: 

  • A lengthy application process
  • May have less flexible work hours compared to other freelance job sites

Companies Offering Proofreading Jobs Online

Although many proofreaders choose freelance work to find flexible arrangements and achieve greater autonomy, some individuals prefer the stability, security, and benefits of working in-house for an established company. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for employed, full-time proofreaders in the US is $46,000. How much a proofreader makes depends on their experience and which industry they work in — with the 90th percentile of full-time roles pulling in more than $60,000 annually. 

While freelance proofreading jobs can be just as lucrative as in-house jobs, they often require a high volume of work to secure consistent paychecks. 

Depending on your skills and aspirations, you may find that employment better meets your needs. One of the main benefits of employment as an online proofreader is the predictability and support of a traditional full-time or part-time job. 

Companies that offer proofreading services often provide training and resources for their employees, as well as clear structures for responsibilities and expectations. These benefits can be especially helpful for individuals who are new to proofreading or are looking for a more stable work environment.

Here are some of the best companies for you to consider if you’re looking for more stability, support, and a predictable income as an in-house proofreader:

ZipRecruiter

ZipRecruiter is a handy job search platform that provides a simple and fast way for job seekers to find employment opportunities — including work-from-home options. 

Most of the salaried proofreading positions listed on ZipRecruiter fall in the $35,000 to $60,000 range, with top-earning positions paying around $72,500. 

ZipRecruiter is a great option for both new and experienced proofreaders who are looking for full-time or part-time employment and want a user-friendly platform to help with their job search.

To successfully search for jobs on ZipRecruiter, create a free account, regularly check the platform for new job postings, and save the positions that interest you for easy application when you’re ready.

Pros:

  • A simple and fast job search process with the ability to bookmark job postings
  • Access to a wide range of job listings
  • Opportunities for competitive earnings

Cons:

  • The competition for job listings can be high
  • Some job listings may not be a good match for your skills and qualifications

Scribe Media

Scribe Media is a premier nonfiction book publishing company that assists authors in bringing their stories to life. The company boasts a talented team of professionals who offer various services including editing, proofreading, design, and marketing. 

Experienced proofreaders looking to work with Scribe Media should possess a keen eye for grammar and punctuation and a thorough understanding of the publishing process. 

As a proofreader at Scribe Media, you can earn an average salary of $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on your skills. If you have a background in publishing, journalism, or nonfiction writing, this could be an excellent opportunity for you. 

Here’s a tip: if the Scribe Media site doesn’t have any current job openings, you can set up email alerts to notify you when an opportunity arises.

Pros:

  • Work with an award-winning team of editorial professionals
  • An excellent salary and benefits package
  • An impressive range of titles and manuscripts to work on

Cons:

  • Previous proofreading experience is recommended
  • No opportunities for creative or fiction works

Cactus Communications

Cactus Communications is a leading global provider of professional editing and proofreading services. Its focus is on delivering a comprehensive range of solutions to help researchers and academics enhance the quality of their technical publications. 

Proofreaders at Cactus Communications can anticipate an average salary of $45,000 to $65,000 per year.

The service is run by highly skilled professionals committed to providing top-notch services to individuals and organizations across various fields. 

Those looking to work with Cactus Communications should have a strong understanding of grammar and usage, attention to detail, and a background in technical writing. You could be a perfect fit if you’re experienced in science, medicine, or engineering.

Pros:

  • A stable, established company with a high volume of work
  • Lots of space for upward mobility as your skills increase
  • A specialization in scientific and technical fields

Cons:

  • May require a high level of technical knowledge
  • Potentially mundane or repetitive tasks

Proofreading Services

Proofreading Services is a premier provider of quality editing and proofreading support. The company is dedicated to elevating the standard of clients’ written work. 

Reports indicate that proofreaders at Proofreading Services can earn from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, plus benefits. The service’s compensation and benefits package is highly competitive, with earning potential depending on the urgency of the work assigned.

To secure a position with Proofreading Services, applicants must first pass a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate their proofreading and editing skills. 

Though a background in publishing, journalism, or a related field isn’t required, formal experiences can be valuable assets in the hiring process.

Pros:

  • A very high earning potential for urgent projects
  • Relatively low barriers to entry for novices
  • Opportunities for professional development

Cons:

  • A high workload and fast-paced environment
  • The potential for tight turnaround times

How to Get Started as a Proofreader

To kickstart your journey as a proofreader, take a look at our Ultimate Guide on How to Become a Proofreader, where we lay out a step-by-step process on how to break into the industry. 

Though starting a career as either a freelance or in-house proofreader doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, learning the rules of grammar, punctuation, and style can bring more success and higher potential earnings in your job search.

1. Consider Taking a Proofreading Course

Our FREE introductory workshop can help you decide if proofreading is right for you and introduces our range of courses to help jumpstart your career and provide you with the support and information you need to succeed.  

Plus, we give our students and graduates access to exclusive Facebook groups where our community helps each other find and retain clients, acts as a support network for grammar questions, and helps to solve business issues.

2. Put Yourself Out There

Once you’ve polished your proofreading skills, it’s time to start looking for work. Those just starting out may want to consider freelancing gigs found on websites such as Upwork and Fiverr. 

We’ve recommended the above sites because they have a diverse mix of opportunities that allow you to set your rates and choose work that makes sense for your niche or skill set.

Proofread from Anywhere

The demand for skilled proofreaders is rising, especially with the growing trend toward remote work in the digital publishing industry. According to a recent study by WeWork, it’s estimated that by 2027, the majority of the workforce will be independent workers. 

So, why not jump on the bandwagon early?

As a remote proofreader, you’ll have the chance to work from the comfort of your own home, create your own schedule, and collaborate with clients across a diverse range of industries. 

Plus, with the right education and experience, a career in proofreading can not only bring job satisfaction but also a lucrative income.


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  1. Hi,

    Would I be able to find work (after completing the course) even if I am a South African?

  2. great article!!!!!This is very importent information for us.I like all content and information.I have read it.You know more about this please visit again

  3. As much as I like Freelancer, I think that the best freelance job board is XPlace . It has higher hourly rates than the majority of other online marketplaces, doesn’t charge a commission from freelancers, and there are a lot of job opportunities (entry-level and more complex ones). An excellent website to make a freelance career!

    1. Thanks for the suggestion, Daisy! Always up for great options to help other freelancers.

  4. Loved all of this good information! It gives me a measure of confidence that there will be avenues for finding work if I get off the fence and actually sign up for the course. I did the 76 minute workshop last week and just started the 7-day free trial this morning. Trying to decide if I am a good candidate for proofreading before I commit.
    Thanks,
    Gordon

  5. What a wonderful dig into freelance jobs? I really enjoyed the entire breakdown. I have been thinking of what to dive into in the online money making from home, and now I have seen it. Thanks to your wonderful lessons.

  6. I am very happy that I have, at last, found this website. Many thanks for taking the effort to put together these excellent articles and activities. Please continue to publish new blog posts with additional content. So that I may continue to stay in contact with you, I have now saved this page in my browser.

  7. You can make money proofreading by offering your services as a full-time employee or a freelancer on platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr

  8. I’m constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats!

  9. I have learned many new and interesting things from reading your post and hope you will post more interesting information in the near future.

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