34 Best Proofreading Jobs from Home

The high demand for proofreaders makes this job among the best ways to make money online. You can also work from the comfort of your home or your favorite coffee shop. 

You can become a proofreader if you have a good command of English and a keen eye for detail. 

But is proofreading all day worth your time? What’s the income potential, and where can you find work?

I’ll cover everything you need to know, including the best places to find proofreading jobs from home, the skills you need, and how to kickstart your career with zero experience. 

How Much Do Proofreaders Make?

Your income as a proofreader depends on your experience, qualifications, marketing skills, and relevant proofreading skills. 

According to Indeed, proofreaders in the United States earn between $12 and $40 an hour, averaging $22.

You’ll probably be on the lower end of this as a beginner, but with the right strategies, you can increase your income potential to its peak. 

Online courses can empower you to improve your skills and market yourself effectively to land more clients. 

Caitlin Pyle, the founder of Proofread Anywhere, makes a good example. She earned $43,000 in her first year of proofreading.

The most significant perk of freelancing is you get to set your rates. You can adjust your rate card as you improve and gain more experience. 

Taking up as much work as possible is another way to maximize your earnings. 

Do You Need Proofreading Training?

Proofreading training isn’t required; you can easily learn on the job. 

However, taking online proofreading courses is beneficial if you’re unsure where to start or want to level up to a professional level quickly. 

Proofread Anywhere is an excellent place to start. Caitlin Pyle offers two courses depending on the direction you want to take:

• General Proofreading: Theory and Practice: This is the best course if you’re a beginner in proofreading. You’ll learn to establish yourself in the field, market yourself, and improve your skills. 
• Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice: Do you want to specialize in legal proofreading? If so, this course is designed for you.

One thing I like about Proofread Anywhere is they offer a free workshop so that you know what to expect as you enroll for the course. 

Consider checking out the free workshop to determine if the course is worth your time and meets your needs. 

The Best Proofreading Jobs from Home 

Here are some of the best proofreading jobs you can do from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re an experienced proofreader or beginning your career, these sites are worth exploring.

Simply sign up on any of the platforms and apply for jobs. Apply for as many jobs as possible to increase your chances of getting one. 

You can also maximize your income and achieve your financial goals by stacking several sites.

1. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a job site that helps you find work-from-home opportunities, including proofreading jobs. 

It’s among the best options if you’re looking for long-term contracts, but it also has some part-time opportunities. 

Search for keywords like “online proofreading” to get a list of available gigs. However, it’s worth noting that the platform charges a $14.95 monthly fee with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

FlexJobs is better than most free job sites since its team researches job postings to avoid scams. There’s no guarantee you’ll get hired, but at least you’re less likely to get scammed. 

2. Fiverr 

This freelance platform offers numerous entry-level proofreading jobs perfect for beginners. 

There are also plenty of intermediate and expert-level options if you already know what you’re doing. It’s an excellent place to polish your skills and grow as a proofreader.

All you need to do is create a killer profile to appeal to clients and proofreading gigs that convert. 

The income potential is low initially, but you can use Fiverr as a stepping stone to higher-paying sites. Use it to get experience, build a reputation, and land long-term clients. 

3. Upwork

This freelance marketplace platform is quite similar to Fiverr. Like with Fiverr, your profile dramatically affects your chances of landing clients. 

Therefore, you must create a good profile and write the best cover letters when you pitch for jobs to stand out among the many freelancers on the platform. 

According to Upwork, proofreaders earn between $18 and $35  hourly. The site charges your earnings a 10% freelancer service fee. I like that it’s free to use, so you have nothing to lose before you land contracts. 

The only disadvantage is that there are many scams since the platform is free. It’s advisable to only deal with clients who have verified their payment information and have a high hiring percentage.  

4. Scribendi 

Another place to find proofreading jobs from home is through Scribendi, a freelance platform that connects proofreaders and clients. 

Unlike Fiverr and Upwork, Scribendi focuses on proofreading. It also has courses to hone your skills and a forum to discuss ideas with other proofreaders worldwide. 

The only problem with Scribendi is you must meet some standard requirements to get accepted to the platform. Some of them include:

• A university degree in a relevant field
• Native-level English ability 
• A minimum of three years of experience 
• Able to edit at least 1000-1500 words per hour 

Scribendi doesn’t accept proofreaders from some states, including the following:

• Arkansas 
• Kentucky 
• Massachusetts 
• Delaware 
• Florida 
• California

Despite the strict requirements, Scribendi offers a nice opportunity to monetize your proofreading skills. 

5. People Per Hour

People Per Hour is worth considering if you’re seeking beginner-level proofreading gigs.

The site is similar to Upwork, except you must apply to join. Once accepted, the platform matches you to jobs that fit your profile description. 

Expect $15 to $100 an hour, depending on the length and type of project. You can earn over $100 hourly as you gain more experience and land loyal clients. 

Like any other freelance platform, the pay on People Per Hour may be low because you need to lower your rates to outbid the competition. 

6. Clickworker 

If you have a good command of your native language and some experience proofreading, you might enjoy working on Clickworker. 

The first step is signing up and creating a proofreader profile. From there, you must take some tests to work as a proofreader on Clickworker. 

The test qualification is advantageous as it eliminates competition, but on the negative, you may fail the test if you have no prior experience in proofreading. 

You can take the assessment only once, so you must have something to offer. Payment ranges from $0.02 to $0.1 per word. Your earnings depend on the quality of your work.

7. ProofreadingServices.com 

ProofreadingServices is a reputable site that offers part-time and full-time remote proofreading jobs. 

According to their website, the pay ranges from $19 to $46 hourly, based on the type of project and turnaround time.

You can also interact with other proofreaders for more insight into improving the quality of your work. 

The platform offers a 20-minute test if you want to work with them. Simply visit their website and complete the application. They accept applicants worldwide. 

8. Freelancer 

Another site to find proofreading jobs from home is Freelancer. It’s a remote work platform similar to Upwork. Sign up and create a proofreader profile to access gigs on the site. 

Remember, the better your profile, the higher your chances of attracting clients and landing gigs. Optimize your profile with proofreading-related keywords to make it easier for clients to find you. 

Freelancer charges $5 or 10%, whichever is greater, for fixed-price projects and 10% for hourly projects. 

The main downside of Freelancer is you may get low rates as an entry-level proofreader. However, the pay increases as you gain more experience. 

9. Scribbr 

Scribbr has a rigorous application process, which is worth it since it’s among the highest-paying proofreading platforms.  

First, you must take a 30-minute language quiz. If you pass the quiz, Scribbr sends you three documents to edit within 1-2 hours. 

From there, you’ll attend Scribbr Academy for 2-3 weeks to learn how to edit projects according to Scribbr guidelines. Once you finish the course, you’ll be ready to take on some tasks. 

Scribbr focuses on editing dissertations, theses, and essays for students. You can earn up to €145 for a 10,000-word thesis.

Check out if they have any proofreading jobs 

10. ProofreadingPal 

ProofreadingPal is an excellent side hustle idea if you’re in a US college or university. It’s among the best proofreading websites. You can earn $500 to $3000 monthly. 

While the pay is high, ProofreadingPal has stringent requirements. You must be employed by or enrolled as a US university or college student. 

You must also have a graduate degree and at least five years of experience as a proofreader. They have an online application on their website. You must also submit your resume and cover letter.

The site approves your application within 5-10 business days. After that, you must pass a timed examination to start as a proofreader.

11. Get Editing Jobs 

While the name suggests the platform offers editing gigs alone, you can get proofreading and writing jobs on Get Editing Jobs. 

This job board isn’t widely known, but it’s one of the best places to kickstart your proofreading career. Simply search a keyword like “proofreading” to get a list of jobs that align with your skills.

12. LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is one of the most famous job boards out there. The platform isn’t only relevant to people looking for corporate jobs. You can also find full-time remote proofreading gigs. 

Start by creating your profile and describing your skills. From there, connect with other users and start applying for jobs. 

LinkedIn has a feature that lets you get notifications when new jobs in your preferred field are available. You can turn it on to get alerts for new proofreading gigs. 

13. Polished Paper 

Polished Paper has proofreading opportunities for numerous projects, including:

• Essays 
• Business documents 
• Screenplay 
• Resumes 
• Journal articles 
• Dissertations

If you consider yourself an exceptional editor, register on the platform, submit your resume, and complete the 35-question test to begin your proofreading career.  

14. Gramlee 

Gramlee is another excellent place to find online proofreading jobs from home. You’ll earn $0.03 per word for up to 3000 words. 

The site only assigns projects over 3000 words to senior editors, so you need to gain more experience to access higher-paying projects.

This is an invite-only platform. Fill out the application form on Gramlee’s profile, and they’ll contact you if you qualify. 

15. Scribe Media  

Scribe Media helps authors write, publish, and market their books. This might be the best option if you want to proofread non-fiction books. 

You can make about $50 hourly if your skills match the platform’s requirements. You’ll work on a project with other professionals, making this a perfect opportunity to improve your skills.

Whether you’re seeking a full-time or part-time gig, Scribe Media is worth exploring. 

16. Reedsy

Reedsy connects freelancers to clients needing different skills like proofreading, web design, and marketing. It allows you to work with bestselling authors and publishers on various projects. 

The platform claims that only the best freelancers make it into their community. Therefore, you need to have high-quality skills to join the site. 

Simply submit your application and portfolio if you want to join the site. Once the team approves it, you can create your profile and find clients. 

17. Wordvice

Wordvice provides freedom and the flexibility to choose projects to work on and dictate your availability. It also offers a steady inflow of projects due to a constantly increasing number of clients. 

You’ll need to fill out an application to get started on Wordvice. The company asks about your expected pay rate in the application, so you must know precisely what you want. 

You’ll also need to complete a proofreading sample and wait for the team to contact you.

Wordvice’s requirements include:

• Native English 
• At least two years of experience in professional proofreading 
• Be enrolled in a university or have a graduate degree 

18. EditFast 

If you’re still looking for work-from-home proofreading jobs, EditFast is an excellent option. It’s a job board that lets you apply for proofreading gigs worldwide. 

The first step is submitting your application and completing proofreading tests on the website. Once your application is accepted, you’ll get the go-ahead to create your account. 

Many freelancers work on this platform, so you must revamp your resume to stand out. The only downside with EditFast is it takes 40% of your earnings. 

19. Cactus

Cactus has won numerous awards for women empowerment and a safe working environment. It also ranked 18th in the top 100 companies for remote jobs in 2022. 

The platform offers numerous opportunities for proofreaders, both full-time and part-time. 

It’s worth noting that you must have a degree in your area of specialization. For instance, you’ll need a medical degree to proofread medical-related projects. 

20. Writer’s Relief

Unfortunately, Writer’s Relief only hires proofreaders from the US. If you reside outside the US, consider other freelance platforms like Clickworker or a job board like FlexJobs. 

Plus, their hiring rate is 2%, which is very low compared to similar sites. I’d recommend this platform if you’re an experienced proofreader. 

You’ll have a better chance on freelance platforms like Upwork if you’re a beginner. Use them to hone your skills to land better-paying jobs on sites like Writer’s Relief.

21. Edit 911

Edit 911 offers high-paying proofreading gigs but is very competitive and has strict requirements. 

Here are the qualifications you need to apply:

• A PhD in a writing-related field 
• Experience in book editing or teaching 
• A published scholar with superb writing skills 
• Expert in writing styles like APA, MLA, and Turabian

If you meet the requirements, submit your resume and samples to their email and wait for it to be reviewed within 48 hours. 

If accepted, you can access high-paying proofreading projects, including academic papers, dissertations, and essays. 

22. Craigslist

We all know Craigslist as a famous online marketplace. But did you know you can find proofreading gigs on this platform?

This site is a fantastic way to improve your skills as a beginner and build your portfolio. However, there are many scams and high competition from other proofreaders. 

Do your due diligence to avoid scams and ensure you don’t undersell yourself to outbid the competition. 

23. MediaBistro

Besides offering proofreading jobs, MediaBristo has online courses to help you improve your skills and income. 

Like LinkedIn, the platform has a notification feature that alerts you when new proofreading jobs are available. 

Finding opportunities is simple. Search related keywords and filter your results based on your level and availability.

24. Guru.com

Guru is a freelance platform similar to Upwork and Fiverr. It has numerous freelance gigs, including proofreading projects. 

The platform is free to join, and you can choose your schedule and rates. It’s great for experienced and new proofreaders alike. 

Simply sign up and browse job listings to find something that works for you.

25. Kirkus Media

Kirkus Media provides employment opportunities for proofreaders who want to work with authors and publishers. 

The platform has been around for quite some time and is among the leading companies in the editing space. 

The only downside is that this platform favors experienced proofreaders more than beginners. Most job listings require prior experience with a press company or a publishing house. 

26. Cambridge Proofreading and Editing

Cambridge Proofreading and Editing LLC mainly deals with academic work like theses, essays, and dissertations. 

Therefore, you must have a degree in an academic field to work as a proofreader on this platform. 

Proofreaders on Cambridge Proofreading and Editing earn about $20-$30 hourly, depending on the project and skills. 

27. ProofreadNow

ProofreadNow might be a good option if you have a good command of English and Spanish. You can maximize your earnings by doubling up as a Spanish translator. 

You must have at least five years of professional proofreading experience to get accepted to the platform. You must also be ready to complete complex tests as part of the application process. 

You must also have a stable internet connection, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and Microsoft Word. 

28. LifeTips 

LifeTips is a freelance platform that works with clients who need writing services. They also hire editors and proofreaders to review the work written by their freelance writers before publication.

This is a lucrative full-time job opportunity with a salary and full medical benefits. If interested, fill out the application form on their website and submit your resume. 

The team will contact you within a week if you meet their expectations.  

29. Book Editing Associates

Here’s another platform worth considering if you have prior proofreading experience. Book Editing Associates requires that you have copy-editing skills in addition to proofreading. 

Here are the basic requirements:

• You must be 100% freelance without a day job
• At least five years of proofreading experience
• Ability to respond to emails within 3 hours
• You must reside in the US

The platform also clearly states they aren’t looking for entry-level proofreaders. Before applying to this job, take time to hone your skills and gain experience on freelance sites. 

Other Proofreading Jobs From Home 

30. WritingJobz

31. American Journals Experts

32. R3ciprocity

33. Domainite

34. ManagedEditing 

What’s the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?

Editing and proofreading are consistently used interchangeably. However, there are notable differences between the two. 

Firstly, editing begins on the first draft and continues as the author works on his project. On the other hand, proofreading is the final writing process for the final draft.

Proofreading focuses on surface-level issues like spelling and grammar errors, while editing focuses on the core features of the document, like consistency of ideas and fact-checking. 

Lastly, editing takes longer than proofreading since the former involves research during fact-checking.

What Proofreading Tools Do I Need?

Some helpful proofreading tools include:

• Grammarly
• Google Docs 
• Hemingway App
• Microsoft Word 
• Paper Rater

What Proofreading Skills Do I Need?

Here are the skills you need to kickstart your proofreading career:

• Good command of a language like English 
• Expertise in proofreading tools like Grammarly, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs
• Flexibility 
• A keen eye for detail 
• Expertise in writing styles like MLA, APA, and Chicago
• Time management 
• Good communication skills 
• Patience 
• Consistency 

How To Become a Proofreader With No Experience

There’s no official certification for becoming a proofreader. However, some sites require a bachelor’s degree. 

Don’t be discouraged if you have no educational background. You can become a proofreader without experience. 

With perseverance and intentionality, follow the following steps to become a proofreader:

1. Choose a niche 
2. Understand grammar rules and writing styles 
3. Create a portfolio 
4. Find jobs on freelance platforms like Upwork
5. Market your proofreading services through social media 
6. Engage with clients fast through emails and proofreading platforms

While an educational background isn’t necessary to succeed as a proofreader, taking an online course like Proofread Anywhere helps you improve your skills and know what to expect. 

Proofread Anywhere offers two courses: General Practice and Transcription Practice. It also provides a free workshop to help you determine if you’re passionate about proofreading.

Pros and Cons of Becoming a Proofreader

Here are some upsides and downsides of becoming a proofreader:

Pros: 

• The job is flexible 
• You can succeed without experience
• No certification or degree is required
• Low upfront costs 
• You can work from home

Cons:

• Meeting deadlines may be stressful
• The job is repetitive 
• You must be up to date with language changes
• Not consistent in the beginning
• Low earnings in the beginning

Extra Reading – High-Paying Under the Table Jobs

Final Thoughts

There are numerous opportunities if you’re seeking proofreading jobs from home. All you need to do is gauge your skills and find something that aligns with them. 

Choosing a platform that aligns with your skills helps you deliver what clients want and avoid stress. 

Take care not to undersell your skills, especially as a freelance proofreader. Price your services in line with your skills. 
And if you want to hone your proofreading skills, join this free workshop to help you kickstart your proofreading career.