Apparently, 69% of Brits avoid companies with websites that have noticeable grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. Businesses are catching on to this, and with more online content being published daily, the demand for proofreaders in the UK is growing.
If you’re someone who loves correcting mistakes, an online proofreading job might be perfect for you. Working as a proofreader can be a great way to earn money from home, and there are plenty of opportunities available in the UK.
Freelance proofreading jobs are flexible and require minimal startup costs or equipment. You can work from your own computer, at your own pace, and take on as many or as few projects as you want. This makes it an excellent option for stay-at-home parents, students, or full-time workers looking for a side hustle.
Even beginners with no experience can find entry-level proofreading jobs online. However, the more experience and qualifications you have, the more you can earn.
As a proofreader, your job is to check content for grammar, spelling, phrasing, and punctuation errors to ensure it reads well and is perfectly written. Proofreading is usually the final step before content is published, so accuracy and efficiency are crucial.
Various types of content need proofreading, including blog posts, business documents, student essays, books, legal or medical transcriptions, and company websites.
To become a proofreader in the UK, you generally don’t need any specific qualifications, but having excellent English skills and an eye for detail is essential. A degree can be helpful, and there are online courses available to enhance your skills. Some companies may require a degree or specific qualifications, but you can also find jobs on freelance sites like Fiverr without experience.
Proofreaders’ salaries in the UK vary widely. Experienced proofreaders can charge a minimum of £25.70 per hour, but beginners should expect to earn less initially. Rates depend on the company, type of work, your experience, and other factors.
Popular freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and People Per Hour are good places to find entry-level proofreading jobs, though competition can be high and fees low. As you gain experience, you can apply to higher-quality agencies that offer better rates.
Essential skills for proofreaders include impeccable English, a computer with internet access, and word processing software. Additional useful skills include a degree, access to tools like Grammarly, familiarity with style guides, and specialist knowledge in fields like medical or legal.
There are several websites where you can find remote proofreading jobs in the UK:
– **People Per Hour**: A site for freelancers to advertise their services. It’s free to join, but they take a commission on completed jobs.
– **Fiverr**: Another popular platform where you can set up profiles and gigs. It’s free to join but also takes a commission.
– **Proofreading Services**: A global company offering good pay rates. You need to complete a 20-minute test to apply.
– **Clickworker**: A microtask site that offers proofreading work. No formal qualifications are required, but the pay is relatively low.
– **Scribbr**: Offers academic editing services. You need to pass an online test to get started.
– **GWriters**: Focuses on academic proofreading. You need experience with academic texts.
– **Polished Paper**: Requires passing a 35-question exam to join. They offer various proofreading jobs.
– **Reedsy**: Connects authors with proofreaders. You can set your rates and choose projects.
– **Babbletype**: Offers transcription and proofreading services. They have strict hiring criteria.
– **Quality Proofreading & Editing**: A UK-based company looking for experienced proofreaders.
– **Indeed**: A job search site that also lists freelance opportunities. You can set up alerts for new jobs.
– **LinkedIn**: A social network for business networking. It’s useful for finding jobs and connecting with industry professionals.
– **FlexJobs**: A job search site for remote work. It charges a fee but offers vetted opportunities.
If you prefer more independence, you can set up your own website to source work directly. Freelance sites can help you get started, but having your own site gives you more control over clients, working hours, and rates. Creating a Facebook page and networking can also help you find clients.
Starting your own website might take time to attract work, but with consistent effort on SEO, blogging, and spreading the word, you can start sourcing online proofreading jobs this way.