Rock your new career as a proofreader

Proofreaders are in high demand, and a recent search through one job agency revealed 52 open positions in the UK alone. This is the time to dust off that degree and learn a new skill, as proofreaders have come a long way from dusty old corners penciling in their recommendations on pages and pages of manuscripts. Instead, proofreading is fast becoming a sought-after position as applicants realise the potential for remote work and the various niches proofreaders can enter. To get the job, however, you will need to know a little more than proofreading.

It’s not just leather-bound books

While you may still work on a Xerox copy from time to time, many proofreaders have taken to the digital sphere to get the job done. This is because an overwhelming number of proofreading jobs are available directly on a client’s website, on Google Docs, or attached as a document. Proofreaders will need to familiarise themselves with digital products such as Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and more to remain relevant, as their client or employer may require them to use it.

Proofreading samples and job boards

There are few people who know as much about the Oxford comma as you do, and the best part about your fascination with grammar and syntax is that you actually get paid for it. Quite handsomely too as proofreaders earn on average around £27,000 per annum which can afford them financial stability. Those who top the scales can request an income of up to £32,500. If there are a top end and a median, then it also means there’s the lower end of the editing job market. Those who come in at the lower end can expect to earn £25,000 and this is usually reserved for junior proofreaders, but proofreaders should build up their portfolio to move up from this rate quickly in order to make a decent income without burnout. For this, proofreading samples and testimonials are essential, along with the right credentials.

The scope is endless

Proofreading is a profession that is constantly in demand as the written word is still in demand. While there are a number of online tools available to check and correct grammar and syntax, tonality is something else. Proofreaders are also required to do a bit of fact checking and this is where the fun really starts. Those who want to reach the higher income bands should look at ways to improve their general knowledge in a high-paying niche, such as a specialised academic field that gets a lot of attention, or even something a little less serious but still well-loved by readers. Proofreaders who specialise in web copy, for instance, can specialise in tech or forex to reach better-paying clients.

The investment in training as a skilled proofreader is found in the return of a good income and a satisfying career.

Article by Jane Sandwood