You may have the beginnings of what it takes to become a professional proofreader if you find yourself automatically fixing typos in books.Before you start, it's important to research what jobs skills you need and to know how to find proofreading jobs once you have those skills.
Step 1: It is necessary to have the training.
A good understanding of the English language is required to become a proofreader.You will need to be attentive to details and be able to focus for long periods of time.A degree in English is not required.You need good vision.
Step 2: You can take a course.
While there is no formal licensing procedure for becoming a proofreader, you can take a course on the topic in a community college or university.Potential employers may be attracted by your coursework, and you will learn more about the technical aspects of proofreading.Different kinds of materials, such as journals, books, or magazines, can be taught in some courses or programs.You can improve your chances of finding a job by taking a certification program.
Step 3: Understand the process of publication.
A writer submits her work to a publication, an editor checks for word clarity and suggests changes, and the writer then revises.The final step in the process is to make sure the text is correct.You will be reading through a text to make sure it matches the edited text.If you're a proofreader, you won't make editorial changes to the text.You should only ask about the inconsistencies that don't appear to have an immediate fix.
Step 4: You should know your strengths.
A good proofreader can work alone for long periods of time.You must be able to read quickly.For certain industries, having knowledge of specialized subjects can be useful.It is possible to make a lot of money, but require specialized knowledge in the field.Communication skills should be strong.
Step 5: Know what citation guidelines are.
If you work in a specialized field, you'll be expected to know the citation guidelines specific to that field.Professional journals may need to know Turabian or Chicago citation.You should be familiar with a variety of style guides as you enter the market.Slang or phonetic spellings are meant to indicate dialect or accents, so you need to be able to recognize them.Guidelines that writers and editors are expected to follow are likely to be your employer's own.
Step 6: The right software is needed.
Track changes in Word are required in nearly all proofreading jobs.Perfectit is one of the highly recommended software.It is possible to see that citations are listed correctly with reference checker.Depending on your job, the software you use will vary.There is a free trial period for most software.It's important to get familiar with these programs as you make your way into the market.
Step 7: There is a network for entry-level positions.
It's quite competitive to get work as a proofreader.If you want to find a job, you should look for professional connections to ask about openings.Many editors and proofreaders use online bulletin boards to find work.You will be able to network with more confidence as you build your reputation as a specialist.Ask each client for permission to give feedback to new clients.
Step 8: There are services that you can advertise.
You may want to post advertisements for your work once you've begun.You are encouraged to post your advertisements on online bulletin boards.Writers Digest and Writers Chronicle are journals geared towards writers and publishers.To promote your work in a specialized field, seek out the publications of that field.
Step 9: Join a professional organization.
The best organization for a prospective proofreader in the United States is the Editorial Freelancers Association.In the UK, the Society for Editors & Proofreaders (SfEP) is the standard organization for proofreaders.You're more likely to be kept apprised of changes in the field through joining other professionals.
Step 10: Decide if you'd like to work from home.
The opportunity to get to work immediately is one of the advantages of working for yourself.If you're willing to work from home, you can get more employment opportunities as a proofreader.There isn't a guaranteed income.You can't predict when you'll be busy, even if you charge upwards of $20 per hour.You may work through the weekend and holidays.Being a proofreader doesn't require a business license or sales tax.You will have to pay income tax on your wages.Being self-employed requires you to be able to keep track of your income, hours, and deadlines.
Step 11: Know how much to charge.
In the United States, the average hourly wage for proofreaders was $17.78.You may want to charge less if you're just starting out.You may be able to charge more if you work in a specialized field.If you want to set a price for your work, you should compare it to what other people are charging.Depending on the region, the wages for proofreading are likely to vary.The best way to set your rates is to confer with other proofreaders.
Step 12: Make sure you have internet access.
You can work from anywhere if you have a strong internet connection.It's possible to work as a proofreader if you have internet access in a foreign country or rural area.Proofreading jobs don't have regular hours, so you can work whenever you please.The internet connection is required when using the latest software and computer programs.Employers expect you to be able to accept online payments.They may charge a fee for you to use them, but they are usually free to set up.
Step 13: You can try online job sites.
People who work online are more likely to find work through sites such as Proofreading Services.Through online job searches, you can find jobs that are full time, part time or contract work.Part-time or contract work is the majority of online proofreading jobs.Some companies translate documents from another language to English.This might help your job search if you are proficient in other languages.
Step 14: Prepare to take an online test.
You have to take an online test to check your accuracy as a proofreader.Make sure you have enough time to take an online test if you want to apply for work as a proofreader.Before you take the test, find a quiet place where you can concentrate.You'll be judged on how long it takes to work once you take the test.If you have another person take your test, make sure you don't cheat or lie.You should be looking for a different job if you can't do the work.
Step 15: You should put together a resume.
If you are smart, you can get a job as a proofreader even if you've never worked before.If you have a graduate degree in the field you're hoping to proofread, your chances will increase.You will be expected to be familiar with a variety of style guides, such as the Chicago Manual of Style.You may be expected to use specific programs in the job.If you're familiar with iWorks, you should include it in your resume.