Nowadays, there is a high demand for part-time and full-time proofreaders and editors online because of the endless supply of written material on the internet.
Bloggers, journalists, and authors of all kinds are always looking for proofreading services because they want their published content to stand out.
As a proofreader, ensuring perfect grammar and spelling of each piece is one way to accomplish this.
You can use impeccable grammar and spelling skills to get online proofreading jobs for beginners (and pros) and earn up to $36,000 per year.
Many freelancers dream of making money from home with remote proofreading jobs, and I’m sure that you are too. The challenge is finding the right jobs online that pay well and are legit.
That’s why I have researched for the best online proofreading jobs for beginners, intermediates, and even experts with a degree.
Simply apply for the positions that you are qualified for, and while you wait to hear back, exercise your proofreading skills by reading articles online.
Once you’ve gained enough experience, you can increase your rates and possibly earn up to $50 per hour as a proofreader!
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33 Best Online Proofreading Jobs 
Whether you decide to proofread for Amazon, bloggers, authors, or other types of clients, you can quickly build a portfolio by picking up any of these remote proofreading jobs.
Be on the lookout for different job titles as some companies refer to proofreaders as editors, revisers, content developers, editorial assistants, and or other similar personnel.
Review the job listing closely to determine if it’s the right fit for your skills and experience.
Let’s start with companies offering online proofreading jobs without needing much experience.
Proofreading Jobs Online No Experience Required
Need proofreading jobs for beginners? We have amazing proofreading jobs online without experience in this section.
If you’ve been searching for the best online proofreading jobs where no prior experience is required, then pay more attention here!
We have so many opportunities available for beginners. You can get work proofreading on one or more of these platforms.
1. Fiverr.com – Entry-Level Freelance Proofreading Jobs for Beginners
Fiverr is my favorite and one of the best places to find entry-level freelance proofreading jobs for a beginner.
You can use this online platform to sell your editing and online proofreading services without a degree or experience.
Most clients will just ask you for a few samples of your work, or give you a short test to prove your skills and experience, if any.
Most freelance services start at $5. They call them ‘gigs’ but you can add more services to your gigs and charge even more money.
As an example, you could charge extra for fast delivery or add proofreading-related services like writing blog posts or posting content on WordPress sites.
Related: check out these Udemy blogging courses
Here are a few proofreading and editing services from Fiverr to get you started!
- I will professionally proofread and edit 1000 words – See Fiverr listing example
- I will proofread and edit 1,000 words within 24 hours – See Fiverr listing example
- I will ghostwrite, edit and proofread your books, ebooks, and novels – See Fiverr listing example
2. Upwork – Best for Legitimate Online Proofreading Jobs
Upwork is the second best place to look for legitimate online proofreading jobs for beginners. The site is perfect for beginner freelancers because jobs are posted by the minute, but it has a little caveat.
You have to create an eye-catching profile and showcase your skills and talents for you to stand out.
All the same, the platform has so many clients looking for freelancers to add to their teams.
If you are a fast learner, you can get proofreading jobs online on Upwork and get hired pretty quickly.
3. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is an amazing work from home job portal with a dedicated section for editing and online proofreader jobs.
They have hand-screened remote, part-time, full-time, freelance and flexible work at home jobs that you can use to make money online.
But, I have to point out that they have a $15/month membership that gives you access to all kinds of remote jobs in addition to online proofreading jobs.
You can give it a try and see how it goes, but if you don’t like the service, you can cancel at any time. No questions asked.
4. Proofreading Services – Full-time and Part-time Remote Proofreading Jobs
Proofreading Services is a resourceful website offering both full-time and part-time remote proofreading jobs.
I love this at-home proofreading position because they offer flexible working hours, and you get to earn more than the U.S average hourly wage for proofreaders.
This proofreading website has a 20-minute screening test that all proofreaders must complete before getting any work assigned.
As I share in my Proofreading Services review, another benefit is that you get a chance to connect with some of the world’s top English proofreaders around the globe. You absolutely have got to give this proofreading company a chance.
Related: Online Jobs to Make Money
5. Lionbridge
Lionbridge is an outsourcing platform that offers work from home jobs for proofreaders. But at first, it may not sound like your typical proofreading job.
You can look for all kinds of positions in various countries and languages (filter for your needs).
The Social Media Assessor, for example, requires its contractors to proofread social media ads for relevancy and accuracy. Not in a grammatical sense, but in a way that allows the ads to be shown to the proper audience.
You do need to have fluency in the language and culture of the position you apply to, but other than that, you won’t need to have any specific experience or a degree.
You may have to take a simple skills test to get started, though.
6. LinkedIn
Some proofreaders and editors underestimate the power of LinkedIn. It’s a platform that lets you publish your resume for other professionals to see.
With the right information and keywords, you could have clients and employers reaching out to hire you.
You can display your proofreading and editing skills by writing short essays and articles and publishing them to your profile. If you don’t have an account yet, make sure to get one set up and start seeking proofreading jobs there.
7. Start a Proofreading Business
The real money in proofreading comes to those who start their own business as a proofreader.
This doesn’t mean you can’t pick up clients through sites like FlexJobs or Fiverr, but it sets you up with a different mindset from the start.
When you start your own proofreading business, you can set your own rates, work for all kinds of different companies, and ultimately build a client base of your own. That way you won’t have a company or middle-man service capping your earnings.
Check out my interview with professional proofreader Caitlin Pyle. She built a stable income of over $45,000 per year working part time as a proofreader.
She gives tons of solid advice on how to start your own business and maximize your hourly earnings.
8. Domainite
As a beginner, you can apply to Donainite. The company requires nothing more than an impeccable writing sample to prove your proofreading and editing skills.
You can also upload additional documents to accompany your application (optional). A good one to include would be a copy of your resume.
9. Gramlee
Gramlee is always looking for exceptional editors to add to their growing team! But, you must be a grammar geek before getting any work here.
One thing I love about Gramlee is that they have work from home editing jobs available 24/7.
You won’t have to worry about looking for a job ever again. But, you need to be a fast proofreader because they have a 24-hour turnaround time for 3,000-word documents.
The company doesn’t require previous experience or a degree to apply, but it helps to have some type of background in proofreading to share.
10. Scribe Writing
Scribe Writing (formerly Book in a Box) is a proofreading company currently accepting freelance manuscript proofreaders.
The company got rebranded and seems to be super organized.
As an editor, you will get an opportunity to interact with the writers and authors and can best understand their wants and needs.
There are no current openings for proofreaders or editors, but you can get your foot in the door and apply to become a freelance ghostwriter for the company.
Scribe doesn’t have a long list of credentials that you need to have before applying, but some form of experience helps.
You can provide previously written high school papers, articles, or essays to prove your writing and editing skills.
11. Polished Paper
Polished Paper is always looking for exceptional editors. For you to be considered for these online editing jobs, you have to register for a user account and upload your resume.
After submission, you will be directed to a 35-question editor test that is set using the APA, MLA, and Chicago formatting guides. So, do some research about these styles before submitting your application.
The company doesn’t state whether or not they are looking for you to have experience or a college degree, which means you can apply as a beginner and potentially get hired if your skills are up to par.
Best Proofreader Jobs for the Pros with a College Degree
Some companies require different levels of experience for their applicants. You’ll need to pay closer attention to the requirements for these proofreader jobs.
Many of these opportunities simply require a college degree (in anything) and some practical, everyday experience.
12. Scribendi
Scribendi was started in the year 1997 and has over 400 professional freelance editors. This is the world’s fastest-growing community of professional editors I have ever seen.
They currently have open freelance proofreading jobs from home, and you get to set your own working schedule.
But, they expect you to have a university degree, at least 3 years editing experience, be a native English speaker with an average editing/proofreading speed of 1,000 to 1,500 words per hour.
You will receive payments via PayPal in US dollars no matter the country you live in.
13. ProofreadingPal
ProofreadingPal has proofreading and editing career opportunities for you if you are a professional proofreader.
They are very strict and use a two-proofreader model where every document is proofread and edited by two professional proofreaders. If you decide to join this company, expect to earn $500 to $3,000 per month.
When joining the company, you have to answer a short independent contractor questionnaire and wait to hear from their representative within 5 to 10 business days.
14. Wordvice
Wordvice is an awesome company with open positions for content writers, freelance translators, and freelance editors.
They always have proofreader jobs and seek qualified and experienced freelance editors to add to their team of professionals.
Work involves editing research articles, dissertations, thesis, and admissions essays. You can work from anywhere in the world so long as you have a stable internet connection.
Their payment plan is based on word count and the turnaround time given by clients. This is a freelance part-time job that you can do at any time.
To get hired, you must have a graduate degree (or be currently enrolled in one).
15. Proofread Now
Proofread Now normally hires proofreaders and editors from time to time. If you find that they are not hiring now, just bookmark the website and be checking for open proofreading positions.
For you to get proofreading jobs here, you must have at least 5 years’ experience and be ready to undergo difficult editing tests. But, once you get hired the return on investment will be worth the effort.
16. Editor World
Editor World is currently looking for independent contractors to work remotely. For you to get freelance editing jobs from home with this company, you must be a degree holder, with some editing experience and speak English as your first language.
They have a short editing test that you must complete before getting assigned editing jobs.
17. Kirkus Media
Kirkus Media currently has open positions for book reviewers but they normally have projects for proofreaders and editors. So, bookmark this website to be checking for future projects.
But, if you have some experience in book publishing, you could give this project a go and see how it goes. They want reviews of about 350 words in all genres.
If you intend to apply, you will need to submit your resume, writing samples and a list of reviewing samples. The email to use is on the site.
18. Sibia Proofreading
Sibia Proofreading is currently not hiring proofreaders or editors but they normally have proofreading jobs from home, on an as-needed basis.
Please, bookmark this website and be checking for future openings. But, they normally look for science experts who have editing or proofreading experience.
You also need to have a Ph.D. or an equivalent. It’s not mandatory but having it will give you a fair advantage.
19. Cactus Communications
Cactus Communications normally look for editors and proofreaders who have a medical background, but there are some general proofreading opportunities from time to time.
They offer flexible working hours and you can earn up to $4,000 per month just by working on editing jobs online.
They have other monetary benefits that will see you banking 20% extra cash if you deliver high-quality work and be consistent.
You’ll need a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or some form of proven experience in healthcare, life sciences, or medicine and surgery.
20. Wordy
Wordy provides online proofreading and copy-editing services to its clients thus the need for editors and proofreaders.
The site is currently updating their platform and so they’ve paused editor sign-ups and registrations. But, be sure to check back in the future when they open up again. They normally advertise online proofreading jobs from home.
It’s unclear at this time whether or not they will require a degree to apply. Make sure to check back later!
21. Edit Fast
EditFast has open positions for skilled proofreaders, editors, and writers. EditFast normally provides a free service to freelance editors but they take 40% of the total project price once the project is completed.
They have an editing test that all eligible editors must submit for review before any work is assigned.
If you get a positive review, your web page will be activated and a profile created to enable you to receive new project notifications. All payments are made via PayPal on the last day of the month.
The company requires its editors to hold a degree and suggests that additional qualifications are helpful such as an online course or professional editing experience.
22. Scribbr
Scribbr is a Netherland-based editing company with freelance editor positions for editors who are fluent in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
They so far have over 400 academic editors all over the world who deal with proofreading student term papers.
Most of the work involves editing dissertations, generating APA style references, and detecting plagiarism in the papers.
You can possibly land editing jobs from home with this super awesome company if you have at least a bachelor’s degree and 10 hours of availability each week.
23. Writer’s Relief
Writer’s Relief is a team of expert proofreaders who deliver exemplary work for their clients. Their remote editing jobs cover books, novels, poems, essays, and short stories.
One thing worth keeping in mind is that they only hire the top 2% of all the applicants who apply for this proofreading opportunity.
So you have to up your proofreading game and put those creating writing skills to good use if you are to stand a chance of getting accepted.
They offer competitive rates to their successful applicants and work is available throughout the year.
Watch the video below to find out more about the Writer’s Relief Review Board Process
24. English Trackers
English Trackers normally has open positions for professional academic editors.
They have flexible working hours, pay on 15th of every month via PayPal and have a responsive editor support team that will respond to your queries in the shortest time possible.
For you to qualify, you must be a Native English speaker with 2 years of professional academic editing experience. They also expect you to be a Ph.D. holder or an academic editor with verifiable experience.
This company also provides great online editing jobs for college students. So, don’t be left out if you are a student who wants to earn some money while in college.
You can also check out these other awesome online jobs for college students.
25. WordsRU
WordsRU is currently looking for qualified editors to work over the weekend. Academic editors must have a Master’s Degree, Ph.D. or equivalent professional experience in any other academic discipline. They focus on manuscripts editing and academic formatting styles.
Open positions are for academic editors, science editors, and business material editors. You will work as an independent contractor and payments are discussed personally with successful applicants.
26. Wordfirm Inc.
Wordfirm Inc. is a proofreading and copy-editing company that uses Managed Editing services to hire top-notch editors.
For you to qualify as a copy-editor or proofreader, you must fill out a lengthy independent contractor application form for them to determine which jobs would suit you the best. They focus on copy-editing, proofreading, substantive editing, and writing.
The company requires you to have at least a bachelor’s degree in any subject and five years of relatable experience.
27. Book Editing
Are you a copy editor, proofreader, or an experienced writing mentor with traditional or self-publishing experience? Book Editing is looking for you! The company has online book editing jobs that you can complete from the comfort of your home.
They have a find-the-errors proofreading test that all copy-editing/proofreading applicants must pass before being considered for this position. This is a great career opportunity for you if you are looking for long-term book editing jobs from home.
Other Editing and Online Proofreading Jobs to Consider
28. American Journal Experts
American Journal Experts usually has open positions for entry-level proofreaders and editors. They have location-specific jobs and remote proofreading jobs that can be done from anywhere.
Once hired, you will be working as an independent contractor but you will need to be fluent in English and have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
If interested, you can submit an application on the website that gets reditected to Indeed.com.
29. Edit 911
Edit 911 is always looking for dissertation and book editors to add to their team, but you must have a Ph.D. for you to get accepted. If you qualify, you will be required to submit a resume and a sample of your writing to prove your competency, then you will get a response after 48 hours.
Since their qualifications are a bit high, many people may not qualify. If you believe that you have what it takes to be part of their team, you can apply and start your freelance proofreading career here.
30. Kibin
Kibin is an editing and proofreading online service that usually hires online proofreaders. But, they say that they are currently not hiring. So, keep checking from time to time to see if they have open positions.
31. Get Editing Jobs
Get Editing Jobs is a job board that focuses mainly on editing and proofreading jobs. They post freelance work here on a daily basis. You can keep a watchful eye on the platform to see if you find proofreading or editing opportunities that resonate with you.
32. Clickworker
Clickworker has been around for a while now, and freelancers can use it to find proofreading, editing or translation jobs. This is a micro-task site, but they currently need a proofreader who can check and correct their texts.
Work will involve looking at descriptions of cities, hotels, products and softwares. They expect a proofreader to pay more attention on spelling, grammar, style, expression and job instructions.
33. One Space
OneSpace rebranded itself recently from CrowdSource. This is an online platform known for hiring freelancers to complete short tasks on their behalf. You can sign up and search for editing or proofreading jobs for beginners.
Proofreading and Editing FAQs
What is Proofreading
Proofreading is the process whereby a proofreader reviews the final draft of a written document to make sure there is consistency with spelling, punctuation, formatting, and accuracy.
I have to add that a great online proofreader is detail-oriented, and has the ability to spot issues that could make the written document look unprofessional.
Proofreaders Vs. Editors
Unlike an editor, proofreaders typically mark errors and leave the final changes up to the author.
An editor, on the other hand, dives into the content and makes all the changes necessary in order to submit a polished piece.
While proofreading and editing jobs require many of the same talents, proofreading can be quicker and easier for beginners to learn.
You can find editing jobs online or in-person with newspaper facilities in your area.
Can You Work From Home as a Proofreader?
Yes, you can definitely work from home as a proofreader. If you work online as a freelancer, you can proofread from anywhere around the world and make money while at home.
Most online proofreaders have the freedom to set their own hours and work whenever they want. Proofreading is an amazing work-at-home profession worth trying!
How Much Does An Online Proofreader Make?
Online proofreaders have a median salary of $52,202 per year according to the report released by Salary.com.
However, the amount of money each proofreader makes can vary widely depending on factors like education, skills, experience and how fast one works per hour. Most freelancers make anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour while proofreading online.
As a beginner proofreader who is just getting started, expect to earn about $20 per hour. Once you’ve gained experience and become better at proofreading, you can charge $30, $40, or even $50 per hour.
This means that there’s more room to command higher rates and make more money per hour once you gain experience as a freelancer.
Related:
What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Proofreader?
For you to qualify as a proofreader, you’ll need to have the following qualifications:
- Thoroughly pay attention to details while proofreading
- Have the knowledge and ability to master the English language
- Showcase excellent written communication skills
- Be able to work well with others especially proofreading clients
- Be creative and show initiative while working on projects
- Be persistent and determined in your work
- The ability to be flexible especially with your working hours
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or other proofreading-related disciplines.
- Be ready to take a proofreading test to show your competency
Are Proofreading Courses Worth It?
Yes, proofreading courses are well worth your time and money if you are to consider becoming a professional proofreader.
A reputable course can shorten your learning curve and help you master proofreading skills, become an expert, understand how to set better proofreading rates and get more clients for your business.
Caitlin Pyle is a professional proofreader and very successful in the field. She earned more than $36,000 per year picking up remote proofreading jobs on a part-time basis.
She has a paid course but also created a FREE 76-minute workshop that teaches freelancers how to make money from home as online proofreaders.
You can start with the free workshop if you do not have the funds to pay for a course right away. Caitlin will show you the basics and help you understand if proofreading really is the career path for you.
Is There a Demand for Proofreaders
Yes, there is a high demand for proofreaders, and this demand is always increasing. Proofreading jobs are profitable but the market is not over-saturated, as you may imagine.
As I mentioned in the introduction, bloggers, authors and other companies are always searching for qualified proofreading freelancers to handle their pieces of writing (written content) on a full-time and part-time basis.
Pros and Cons of Working Proofreader Jobs
Pros:
- Flexible working hours
- Doesn’t always require experience or a degree
- Endless supply of online material to proofread
- Low barrier to entry
Cons:
- Can be difficult to piece together full-time work
- Some companies offer low pay to beginners
- Some projects can be boring
- Editing and proofreading jobs can be treated synonymous (always read the job description)
Freelance Proofreading Skills and Requirements
Each company may have different freelance proofreading guidelines but there are a few common requirements to become a proofreader.
1) Impeccable English Skills
Most of these proofreading projects are in English. Make sure your English and grammar skills are up to par.
As a proofreader, you should be able to recognize proper punctuation and correct spelling errors with ease. Thankfully, it’s not hard to do this when using a free tool like Grammarly.
Just install the browser extension and watch as the tool points out errors (and corrections!) on each page you proofread.
2) Reading
You should have good reading and comprehension skills since your work will involve reading a lot of written material. Practice by reading books, essays, manuscripts, or articles. Try to get in the habit of reading on a daily basis.
3) A sharp eye for details
Pay close attention and catch all errors in the shortest time possible. Again, I love using Grammarly to help me do this. Give it a try and you’ll see what I mean! It’s like having a second set of eyes on every piece of content you proofread.
4) Training or a degree
While it’s not necessary to have an English degree, some companies prefer it. If you have a masters degree in journalism or another field closely related to editing or proofreading, you will be ahead of your competition.
However, even without any extra schooling, you can get free training to learn the skills needed to be a proofreader.
5) Flexibility
Freelance proofreading jobs can have deadlines around the clock. To meet the demand, you’ll need to be flexible and ready to complete the work on time.
Once you’ve established a good reputation with clients or proofreading companies, you can be more particular about the jobs you choose.
Want to test your proofreading prowess before you look at the companies? You can take this simple proofreading quiz!
Is Proofreading Really for You?
It would be unfair to say that anyone can become a successful proofreader. Instead, I would rather say that (almost) anyone can successfully work from home.
If you are searching for proofreading jobs just as a way to work remotely, then don’t be afraid to consider other options! I’ve compiled plenty of job lists that can help you choose the best work from home opportunities based on your talents.
If you have the English grammar and spelling skills needed to get hired to the proofreading jobs above, give them a try! And don’t forget to take advantage of Caitlin’s free online training to see just how ready you are to start proofreading.
Know other companies offering online proofreading jobs for beginners or online proofreading jobs in general? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.
