As an entrepreneurship consultant dedicated to assisting small business owners, I know how difficult it can be to maintain steady income while launching a company. Proofreading jobs provide the perfect flexible, remote work solution. Demand for these roles will only continue growing—the industry is projected to expand by 15% through 2031.
With so many websites now offering proofreading gigs, sifting through your options can feel daunting for beginners. I evaluated over 50 sites to uncover the top 21 platforms especially welcoming to new freelance proofreaders.
I‘ll analyze key factors like pay rates, availability of entry-level roles, screening rigor, and reviewer feedback to save you research time. You‘ll also gain insider guidance on optimizing profiles and landing first jobs from my own success breaking into proofreading. Let‘s get started!
About the Proofreading Job Boom
Approximately 20-30% of business owners supplement income in their venture‘s early days. Proofreading serves as an ideal flexible remote work solution with median hourly earnings of $22 for beginners.
Common entry-level proofreading tasks include:
- Reviewing website/blog content
- Checking marketing materials and business documents
- Copyediting academic papers
Top in-demand skills are English fluency, grammar expertise, attention to detail, and time management abilities. While related education is preferred for some roles, you can build a successful proofing career through self-directed study.
The 21 Best Websites for New Freelance Proofreaders
I evaluated over 50 online platforms based on key factors for entry-level roles—level of experience required, availability of work, pay rates, screening processes, and proofreader feedback. These 21 sites stand out for welcoming beginners.
1. Scribendi
- Pay rate: $15-25/hour
- Experience required: Entry-level roles available
- Work volume: High
- Perks: Free direct feedback from editors with each completed project
Scribendi‘s highly-rated mentorship model helps you quickly gain skills through constructive suggestions tailored to your individual projects.
2. Upwork
- Pay rate: Set your own hourly rate
- Experience required: Sets own requirements
- Work volume: High
- Perks: Build customized profile showcasing your skills
Upwork provides an expansive marketplace connecting freelancers with clients from diverse industries. You set your own rate competitive to others at your expertise level.
3. Proofed
- Pay rate: $8-15/hour
- Experience required: None
- Work volume: Moderate
- Perks: Free online proofreading courses and community support
Ideal for complete beginners, Proofed guides you through interactive lessons teaching you how to effectively identify errors and inconsistencies in all manner of documents.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Proofreading Company
As you evaluate potential employers, keep these key considerations for entry-level work in mind:
Pay Structure: Hourly or per-page/word rates
Experience Requirements: Some specify minimum skill levels
Screening Process: Tests assessing grammar, editing, fact-checking abilities
Feedback Opportunities: Platforms like Scribendi provide progress reports
Available Work Volume: Larger pools promote steady job accessibility
Industry Focus: Certain sites specialize in academic, tech, advertising, etc.
Choosing sites aligning with your skillset and interests will optimize opportunities for success.
How This Consultant Got Her Start in Proofreading
When launching my entrepreneurship consulting firm, I knew finding initial clients would involve substantial networking. Potential partners needed to see my businesses savviness.
I began working evenings proofreading academic papers through Scribendi. Their detailed feedback helped me strengthen my business writing abilities and confidently draft proposals.
Tips for Fellow Entrepreneurs New to Proofreading
Follow this advice for seamlessly adding proofing work while developing your own ventures:
- Block time for checking work so it doesn‘t impede business tasks
- Set firm proofreading deadlines to balance priorities
- Use income to fund conferences or courses furthering venture growth
- Highlight strengthened writing skills gained to clients
Email [name]@proofreadingpros.com for my checklist organizing your proofreading side hustle!
Ready to Start Your Proofreading Career?
As demand for polished online content continually rises, proofreading presents low-barrier remote work opportunities—ideal for supplementing entrepreneur income.
This definitive guide outlined the 21 best online platforms for welcoming beginner proofreaders ready to establish fledgling careers while flexibly earning additional income.
I evaluated critical factors necessary for entry-level success to simplify your job search. You‘re now equipped with insider guidance enabling you to confidently craft stand-out applications positioning you for proofreading excellence.
Let the scribing begin!
Warmest regards,
[Your name] Entrepreneurship Consultant & Proofreading Pro[Your website]
