17 Legit Entry-Level Proofreading Jobs For Beginners
Are you a grammar nerd? Do you have an eagle eye for spelling mistakes and punctuation? If so, you are in the right place.
You can earn significant monthly income from entry-level online proofreading jobs working from home.
These jobs are in much demand these days. If you ever Google “how to make money online” or “easy work at home jobs”, you’ll find different types of proofreading opportunities like eBook proofreading, blog proofreading, and even legal proofreading jobs.
Millions of websites, bloggers, authors, and eBook writers need proofreaders’ help in perfecting their craft.
So, if you are a native English speaker or have a bachelor’s degree in any subject, these entry-level proofreading jobs are perfect for you to make around $20 – $30 an hour remotely.
Let’s begin discussing where to find these jobs and how to apply.
What is Proofreading & What is Editing?
Most people think proofreading and editing are the same jobs but these two are not the same.
As an editor, you are responsible for editing the given text at a structural level. You’ll edit the sentences and change the order to improve the overall reading without hurting the intended meaning.
On the other hand, proofreading is all about just reading the final draft (after editing) and making sure it’s totally error-free. You’ll mark if you find any errors and send it back for final edits.
So, if you have good language skills and are good at pointing out errors in written text, then you are eligible to become a great proofreader.
How Much Proofreaders Make?
Well, the pay rates vary based on many factors like your education, experience, certifications, etc. No special degrees or certifications are always required to land a proofreading job.
A screenshot of a proofreading gig on Fiverr.com | Source: Natalie V (Fiverr)
According to PayScale, the average hourly salary of a proofreader is around $20 and it goes up to $35 per hour. And the yearly salary goes from around $$49k to up to $72k.
As a beginner, you can comfortably expect $15 an hour and you can demand higher rates as you gain experience and work with big clients.
FREE Proofreading Training
To begin your journey as an entry-level proofreader, you don’t need any particular training. You can find and apply for entry-level proofreading jobs as long as you can pass their proofreading tests.
But if you want to work with big clients, scale your business, and command higher pay rates, it would be a great idea to improve your skills and knowledge via proofreading courses.
And, you can find many courses online these days to learn about proofreading without leaving your home.
I recommend this FREE Proofreading Workshop by Caitlin Pyle, a veteran proofreader and successful six-figure business owner.
She has put useful tips and her six-figure strategies in this 76-minute Free Workshop to help aspirants like you to become successful proofreders.
Through this course, Caitlin has already helped thousands of students replicate her success and become part-time or full-time proofreaders.
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Build a Portfolio Website
Having a service portfolio website is the best thing you can do to build your proofreading career when you are starting out.
Whether you choose to go on a freelancing path or on a traditional job path, it is highly recommended to have a service website.
This helps you improve your visibility, build branding, showcase your skills, get clients’ feedback, and ensure social proof.
Well, with a lot of benefits, it doesn’t cost more than a coffee to create a service website. You can sign up with Bluehost and create your service blog in less than 15 minutes.
In case you need help, you can refer to this step-by-step guide to create a WordPress website. (The process is similar to creating a blog, but for a service portfolio website, you must choose a portfolio WordPress theme.)
Remote Proofreading Jobs For Beginners
1. FlexJobs
If you are looking for the best remote proofreading jobs as a beginner, FlexJobs is the first platform to look at. This is an online job board platform that lists a wide range of flexible remote jobs around the world.
There’s a separate dedicated section for proofreading jobs on FlexJobs. Though, this platform charges a small fee for joining it screens all the jobs posted for legitimacy before it accepts the listing.
So, unlike freelancing platforms where you have to be conscious of the scams, you can completely trust and depend on FlexJobs for a legit remote proofreading job.
I recommend FlexJobs over Freelance platforms as though it charges around $15 monthly until you get a job, it’s totally worth it compared to paying a 5% – 20% fee on every dollar you make to the respective freelance platform.
So, if you want a smooth job search, just give it a try at FlexJobs.
2. Proofreading Pal
ProofreadingPal is a service-based website that offers professional proofreading services to its clients. This platform hires beginner proofreaders frequently and you must have a college degree or be enrolled in a US-accredited institution.
Though it accepts freshers, the requirements and the hiring process are a bit stricter than other platforms. But once you get in, you can easily make around $500 – $3000 per month working as a proofreader.
Check the current openings at Proofreading Pal here.
3. Proofreading Services
Proofreading Services hires proofreaders from all around the world. To get accepted, you must pass their screening test and interview.
This platform allows proofreaders to set their own timings and work in their flexible hours. The pay rates are also quite good compared to other platforms. They pay between $20 – $46 USD per hour based on your expertise.
It’s a great opportunity for beginner proofreaders to earn a decent income working for ProofreadingServices. You can check the current openings on their website.
4. Gramlee
Gramlee is another great platform for beginners to find online proofreading jobs. It is more like a job board which is accessible all the time so you can work whenever you want.
You must be very good at English grammar to apply for this job. Other than that, there are no special requirements to join this company as a proofreader.
This company is the right fit whether you are looking for a late night part-time job or you want to work early morning hours. However, the turnaround time for a 3000-word text document is just 24 hours. So, you have to proofread quickly without making any mistakes & compromising quality.
Join Gramlee here.
5. BabbleType
BabbleType is another popular job board that mainly hires proofreaders and transcribers. If you are from a native English country like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you can apply for this job.
This company pays around $0.13 to $0.18 per word for proofreading. Check the hiring process at BabbleType here.
6. KIBIN
This platform mainly offers proofreading and editing services to students who need their essays and thesis checked. Kibin is well-known for decent pay rates and bonuses.
Since it is a job board that is active 24/7, you need to check regularly to find fresh projects on their website. If you want to work with Kibin, check the current openings on their website and apply right there.
7. Reedsy
Reedsy is another great place to find remote proofreading jobs for beginners who want to work from home. Here on this platform, you need to bid on the projects you wish to work on.
This platform is totally free to join and work with. But it charges around $10% of your earnings as their service fee for using their website. According to Reedsy, you can make between $600 – $1400 for proofreading a copy of 60,000 words.
Sign up for Reedsy and start working as a proofreader.
8. Wordvice
Wordvise hires freelance content writers, editors, proofreaders, and translators frequently. This is a good opportunity for beginner proofreaders to give a try.
Similar to Kibin, this website also specializes in proofreading/editing academic essays, thesis, research papers, etc.
Wordvice gives you the flexibility to set your work hours and timings. So, whether you want to work full-time or part-time, it’s up to you and you can work from anywhere you want.
9. Wordy
Another great website for beginners to find online proofreading jobs is Wordy. This company mainly offers editing and proofreading services so they are always in need of editors and proofreaders.
According to Wordy, working at average speed can earn you $30+ per hour. So, if want to work with Wordy, sign up at the Wordy website and check openings from time to time.
10. Domainite
If you are looking forward to beginning your proofreading journey as a beginner, then you should consider Domainite as well. It’s an excellent website that occasionally hires freelance proofreaders into their team.
It’s more like a content mill, so there’ll be openings most of the time but the pay rates are not so high. But it’s a good platform to start as a beginner and you can move on to the next if you gain some experience.
You can sign up for Domainite on their website. As a hiring test, they’d take a sample test and if they like your work, they’ll reach out.
11. Writer’s Relief
Though this website is mainly for writers, it also hires proofreaders to help writers come up with the best output.
The writers work in different genres so as a proofreader at Writer’s Relief, you’ll have to deal with all kinds of genres such as poetry, ebooks, essays, thesis, etc.
Coming to the hiring process, they prefer top applicants among all, so if you feel you are exceptional in the proofreading game, then give it a shot at Writer’s Relief. The pay is good.
12. Editor World
Editor World is another best place to find freelance proofreading jobs. But to get accepted here, you either need to have a Ph.D or at least a bachelor’s degree.
Here you have to reach out to potential clients or bid on their projects so you’ll work with a variety of cleints like students, writers, authors, business owners, etc.
To get hired, you need to submit your application first and pass their qualification test. Once accepted, you can start working with your clients on Editor World. Submit your application here.
13. Cambridge Proofreading and Editing
You must have a bachelor’s degree to join Cambridge Proofreading and Editing since it mainly deals with academic projects. They hire writers, editors, and proofreaders to help students with their academic projects.
This company pays around $20 to $30 per hour for proofreaders. During the hiring process, you’ll be asked to edit/proofread a 1000-word article. Once you are accepted, they’ll contact you to proceed further. For more info, place check their website.
14. Scribendi
Scribendi is one of the popular and reputed platforms that offer proofreading services and jobs. It has been in service for over two decades.
They currently hire from all over the world. To be eligible for this job, you need to be a native English speaker with a university degree and can proofread and edit up to 1500 words within an hour.
Once you are selected, they offer a work-from-home setup, a choice to pick projects, and monthly incentives based on your performance. You’ll get paid via PayPal. Check here for more details.
Freelance Platforms to Find Entry-Level Proofreading Jobs
There are many popular freelance platforms such as Fiverr, Freelancer, and UpWork that can help you find proofreading jobs for beginners. But since these are used by millions of freelancers around the world, there is always someone who bids less than yours.
So, you may not earn big bucks but these are more than good especially when you are just starting out and trying to get some good reviews and build experience.
Once you are established well in this field, you can start charging more and searching for more clients. Here are some freelance platforms that are worth trying…
15. Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform to sell your services as gigs. Here you can set your service prices and rates. Though, it is an overly saturated platform in most of the categories, if you are able to provide quality services and have good communication skills, you can get orders from Fiverr.
It charges a 20% commission on completed orders, which means if you sell a service worth $100, Fiverr takes $20 and you’ll receive $80. Join here.
16. Freelancer
Another popular platform that is great for beginner freelancers. It works on a bidding model where you need to bid on projects posted by clients. This platform membership is free but it charges a 10% or $5 fee (whichever is greater) on fixed-price orders. Join Freelancer now.
17. UpWork
Similar to Freelancer, UpWork also works on the bidding model where freelancers need to bid on projects. Here, you have to buy credits that allow you to bid. So only serious people will bid on projects. Though this platform is free to join, it charges a sliding fee based on how many times you work with the same client. Sign up for UpWork now.
So, these are the best freelance platforms to begin your proofreading journey to gain some experience. Customer satisfaction and feedback are very important in the process of building your freelance profile. So, make sure you offer the best services.
Once you grow your profile, it becomes so easy to get orders and projects in the future.
Final Thoughts on Entry-Level Proofreading Jobs
We have discussed nearly 20 legit entry-level proofreading jobs to begin your proofreading journey as a beginner with no prior experience. Pick the right one that matches your choices and do some research on your end to make sure your choice is right.
Whether you choose to work for a company or work as a freelancer, you can easily expect $10 – $15 per hour. So, don’t go below that in the rush to get the work. If you still feel uncertain about this job, make use of this Free Proofreading Course and get the primer knowledge.
Good luck.
Hello there, I’m Siva Mahesh, an MBA Finance post-graduate and a Remote Career & Personal Finance blogger for 5+ years. Over the years, my work has been featured on US News, Entrepreneur, MSN, Yahoo Finance, GoBankingRates, EverQuote, Legal Zoom, The Simple Dollar, Databox, Business.com, Business News Daily, Venngage, Score.org, and more. My primary mission is to help our readers maximize their earning potential with legitimate online business ideas, side hustles, and passive income ideas we publish on Dreamshala. Currently, more than 100,000 readers from all around the world visit this blog every month and learn new ways to improve their finances.
