22 best websites to find freelance proofreading jobs in 2024

Have you ever found yourself correcting the grammar and spelling in everything you read? Do you have a keen eye for detail when it comes to languages? Well, it turns out that your natural talent could be turned into a lucrative side hustle working as a freelance proofreader. Freelance proofreading jobs allow you to work from home, make your schedule, and earn extra cash. Whether you want to do freelance proofreading as a side hustle or make it your new career, this article has all the resources you need.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the 22 best websites that offer freelance proofreading jobs. In addition to where to find freelance proofreading jobs, we have provided tips on how to prepare and become a successful freelance proofreader. Furthermore, we have listed all the skills you need to start working as a freelance proofreader and freelance editor. So, whether you are a student, a stay-at-home parent, or anyone looking to earn some extra cash, read on to find out how you can turn your eye for grammar and passion for reading into extra cash.

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What is freelance proofreading?

If you’re new to freelance proofreading, you may be wondering what it entails exactly. Essentially, a freelance proofreader is someone who checks written content for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.

This can include anything from blog posts and articles to books and business documents such as proposals and reports. As a freelance proofreader, you have the flexibility to choose the projects you want to work on and set your schedule. However, it’s important to note that proofreading requires a high level of attention to detail and a strong grasp of the English language.

You can find freelance proofreading jobs on any job board. But, searching websites that specialize in the freelancing industry is the best and fastest way to find a freelance proofreading job.

In the following section, we’ll delve into how to prepare for a freelance proofreading career and the best websites to find freelance proofreading jobs.

How to start a freelance proofreading career?

As with any freelance gig, preparation is key to success. If you are interested in freelance proofreading, the following tips can help you get started and build a successful proofreading career.

Hone your skills. Before diving into the world of freelance proofreading, it’s important to assess your skills and determine areas where you may need improvement. Brushing up on grammar rules and style guidelines is a good place to start. You can easily use online resources that offer free training in these areas.

Have a freelance proofreading portfolio. In addition to honing your skills, building a portfolio of work makes you stand out among other freelance proofreaders. This can include writing samples, proofreading recordings, and references from previous clients. Having a portfolio not only showcases your abilities but also helps attract potential clients.

Establish a professional image. This includes developing a website, creating professional social media profiles such as LinkedIn, and networking with other professionals in the industry. Building a strong online presence can go a long way in attracting new clients and growing your freelance proofreading business.

Buy the right equipment for freelance proofreading jobs. Working as a freelance proofreader means that you will be conducting your business remotely. For this reason, you need to have access to reliable internet, a computer, and recording devices. In addition to this equipment, you need to have access a video conferencing software such as Zoom, Microsft Teams, or Google Meets.

Have a professional CV and a cover letter. Having a well-written CV is crucial to landing your first freelance proofreading job. Make sure that you write a specific resume for every proofreading job you apply for. This will help you meet each job’s specific skills and levels of experience. You can also have a copy of your resume available on your profile or have a link to it when using freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

Have the right education. Having a degree is an effective way to get your first freelance proofreading job. Most clients prefer freelance proofreaders with bachelor’s degrees in English, journalism, and related fields such as communication. Other sites might require certain certifications and higher education with a ton of experience.

Know the basics of computer and copy-editing software. Depending on the nature of the work, you might be required to know MS Office, the ability to research, and much more.

For more detail on how to become a proofreader, use the following guide: How to Become a Proofreader and get hired fast?

What skills do you need to work as a freelancer proofreader?

Aside from a bachelor’s degree in English, communication, and related fields, there are skills you need to work as a freelancer proofreader. The following is a list of skills that come a long way when working as a freelancer proofreader.

High level of attention to detail
Proficient in English
Communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent writing skills
Ability to work independently
Time management
Basics of computer software such as MS Office

In the next section of this post, we will cover the 22 best websites to find freelance proofreading jobs.

22 best websites for freelance proofreading jobs

If you are ready to find your first freelance proofreading side hustle, start with these 22 best freelance websites for proofreading jobs.

1. Upwork

Upwork is one of the best websites to find freelance proofreading jobs. This platform is popular for freelance work in general and it is a great option for those looking to establish themselves in the proofreading industry.

With its user-friendly interface and vast pool of clients, Upwork is an excellent place to start building your freelance proofreading career. Just like any other freelance side gigs, you will need to start small and focus on customer satisfaction to earn more reviews and referrals. Once you’ve established yourself on the platform, you can start to expand your client base and take on more challenging projects.

2. FlexJobs

Another website that offers proofreading job opportunities is FlexJobs. This platform focuses specifically on remote and flexible job options, making it an ideal option for those who prefer to work from home. With its easy-to-use interface and quality job listings, FlexJobs provides proofreaders with the chance to pick up gigs that match their skills and experience.

Whether you’re looking for part-time or full-time work, FlexJobs is an excellent resource for anyone interested in establishing a successful career in proofreading. Even if you just graduated and have not landed your first job yet, FlexJobs can offer you a chance to get your foot in the door and start earning quick cash.

3. Fiverr

If you’re looking for an online platform to offer your proofreading services, Fiverr is worth checking out. This website allows you to set up a profile and list your services, including proofreading. Clients can then browse your profile and hire you for their projects. Fiverr also allows you to set your rates, making it easy to find jobs that match your skills and experience.

For example, if you are getting started with freelance proofreading, your rates will be lower since you will not have a marketable portfolio and enough reviews. Some people offer free proofreading services in exchange for positive reviews and referrals. You have got to start somewhere, right?

Once you have established yourself with enough experience and reviews, you can then increase your rates. Usually, you get a few clients here and there when you are getting started in the freelancing industry. However, as your reviews and referrals increase, you get more clients than you can handle. That is when you adjust your rates to meet your experience and turn down low-paying clients.

One thing to keep in mind with Fiverr is that the competition can be fierce. So, it’s important to create a strong profile that highlights your qualifications and experience. You can also consider taking additional courses or certifications to further your skills and make your profile stand out from the crowd. If you have a website where you showcase your proofreading skills such as a blog also include its link in your bio. Potential clients usually use your portfolio to check your credibility.

4. Polished Paper

If you’re seeking a more established proofreading company to work with, consider Polished Paper. Unlike Fiverr, Polished Paper is a company that offers a range of freelance proofreading and editing services to clients. They have a team of experienced editors and proofreaders, and they work on academic papers, business documents, and more. With competitive pay rates and flexible scheduling, Polished Paper is a great option for anyone looking to turn their eye for grammar into extra cash.

5. Steady

Another great option for freelancers seeking a steady stream of income from proofreading work is Steady. This platform connects freelancers with a range of companies and individuals seeking proofreading services, providing a reliable source of income. Working with Steady also offers the added benefit of being able to set your rates and schedule, giving you greater flexibility in your work.

6. Freelancer

If you’re looking for even more flexibility and control over your proofreading career, then Freelancer may be the way to go. With Freelancer, you can take on a wide variety of projects from clients all over the world. From editing blog posts to proofreading academic papers, the opportunities are endless. As a freelancer, you’ll have the freedom to set your rates and choose which projects you want to work on. And with Freelancer’s easy-to-use platform, finding and applying for freelance proofreading jobs is a breeze.

7. ProofreadingServices

ProofreadingServices is a great alternative for freelancers who are looking for a more specific company to work with. This platform provides a range of proofreading and editing services to a global clientele, which can help freelancers expand their skill set and build their portfolio as a proofreader. ProofreadingServices works with a variety of content types, such as academic papers, business documents, and personal writing. With a 9.7 out of 10 rating from its clients, ProofreadingServices is beloved by almost every client which makes it a superior company to work for.

If you’re interested in working with ProofreadingServices, you can expect to receive a steady stream of projects and earn a reliable source of income. Once you have some experience with ProofreadingServices, you can upgrade to higher levels of the platform and enjoy additional benefits.

8. Kirkus Media

Ready to take your proofreading game to the next level? Consider checking out Kirkus Media, a company that specializes in reviewing and proofreading books for authors and publishers. By joining their team of freelance proofreaders, you’ll have the opportunity to review books from all genres such as fiction, romance, nonfiction, history, children’s books, thriller, etc. Most reviews at Kirkus Media are typically 350 words and you get two weeks to read a book and submit your review. Plus, with Kirkus Media’s reputation for quality, you can be sure that you’ll be proofreading some of the best books on the market.

9. Gramlee

Gramlee is an excellent resource for freelance proofreaders looking to expand their skills and gain more experience within the industry. This website provides copy editing and proofreading services for a broad range of content, from academic papers to business materials. You’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse projects and improve your skills while earning competitive pay rates. With flexible hours, Gramlee is an attractive option for proofreaders who need to juggle multiple responsibilities.

Gramlee says “All editors are hired as contractors. You will work from the luxury of your home and determine your availability.”

This makes Glamlee a great place to seek side gigs for those interested in freelance proofreading. If you are interested in working for Gramlee, use the following link and apply to one of their two editing positions which are content editors and dissertation editors.

10. Scribbr

If you have a strong grasp of grammar and academic writing, Scribbr may be the perfect website for you to turn your eye for detail into extra cash. As a proofreader for Scribbr, you’ll primarily focus on academic documents, including theses and research papers. This site is particularly useful for students, Ph.D. candidates, and researchers who need help improving their writing skills.

Many freelancers enjoy working with this site because of the supportive network of professionals that Scribbr provides. You’ll have access to a worldwide community of academics and seasoned proofreaders who can offer support and advice on your work. Plus, the flexible hours allow you to juggle your other responsibilities while earning competitive pay rates.

11. Guru

Guru is a website that offers a wide range of freelance opportunities for proofreaders looking to expand their skill set beyond academic work. With a user-friendly platform and a variety of different projects available, proofreaders can choose the work that interests them and fits their schedule and level of experience.

Some of the projects on Guru include proofreading for websites, marketing materials, and even fiction and non-fiction books. This means that proofreaders can gain experience in a variety of industries and writing styles, making them even more marketable for future projects. Guru has over 800,000 employers worldwide with a 99% customer satisfaction rate. These statistics make Guru a major player in the freelancing industry.

One of the benefits of working with Guru is the ability to set your rates and negotiate with clients directly. This allows for more control over your income and the ability to build relationships with clients for future work.

If you’re interested in expanding your proofreading experience even further, the next section will introduce you to Wordvice, a website that offers opportunities for proofreaders in specialized fields such as medicine and engineering.

12. Wordvice

If you have specialized knowledge in fields such as medicine and engineering, Wordvice may be the right fit for you. This website offers proofreading opportunities in these and other specialized fields.

Taking on freelance proofreading jobs at Wordvice is a great way to expand your proofreading experience and increase your earning potential. Once you’ve built your freelancing career at Wordvice, you may be ready to explore other websites that pay for proofreading services.

13. Domainite

Domainite is a website that offers freelance proofreading opportunities for writers looking to hone their editing skills. This platform allows you to work on a variety of projects, including blog posts, website content, and academic papers. The application process is straightforward, with a brief test to assess your proofreading abilities. Typically, the site gives you a sample paper that you edit and submit your edited version. Once approved, you can start accepting assignments and earning money.

One unique feature of Domainite is that it offers feedback on your proofreading work, giving you valuable insights into how to improve your editing skills. They also provide a helpful style guide to ensure consistency in your work. With competitive pay rates and regular work available, Domainite is an excellent option for freelance proofreaders looking to supplement their income.

14. Start your own blog

Starting your blog can serve as an excellent platform to showcase your writing and editing skills. By creating content that demonstrates a high level of grammar and syntax, you can potentially attract clients who need proofreading services.

While building your blog, it’s important to maintain a consistent tone and style that reflects your expertise in the field. By publishing high-quality content regularly, you can establish yourself as a reliable source of information and position yourself as a credible proofreader in the eyes of potential clients.

Once you’ve established your blog and built up a following, you can begin to network with other professionals and explore new opportunities for collaboration. This can serve as a valuable source of referrals and help you to build a steady stream of clients over time.

You can also monetize your blog which will serve as a reliable source of passive income to supplement your 9 to 5 job.

15. First Editing

First Editing is a reliable website where you can get hired to work on different freelance proofreading projects. As a proofreader/editor, you will work on editing services for books, academic papers, journal publications, and much more. The website also offers editing services for business and marketing documents. If you are interested in earning a steady income stream as a freelance proofreader, First Editing is a great place to start.

16. Lionbridge

Lionbridge is another great option for proofreaders and translators looking to earn some extra cash. This freelance platform provides a variety of opportunities for freelancers. This website specializes in freelance translation of blog posts, case studies, eBooks, etc. Creating a profile and applying to relevant jobs on Lionbridge is a great way to get started, network with other professionals, and gain valuable experience in the field. If you’re serious about turning your eye for grammar into a money-making venture, utilizing websites like Lionbridge can be a game-changer.

17. American Journal Experts

Another great platform for proofreaders looking to earn extra cash is American Journal Experts. This website focuses specifically on academic and scientific papers, requiring a higher level of expertise and experience from its proofreaders. However, for those who have the qualifications, this platform is an excellent way to earn extra income while honing editing skills.

18. Stickler

If you are looking for a freelance proofreading job and have a background in academic editing, Stickler will be a good fit. Stickler is a website that specializes in proofreading and editing academic papers, theses, dissertations, etc. In addition, the company also specializes in translation services. To get a freelance proofreading side gig at Stickler, you must first meet the company’s hiring requirements.

Some of the job requirements at Stickler, include but are not limited to the following.

Have a solid background in academic editing
Ability to follow style guidelines
Have familiarity with Hard and APA referencing styles
Basic understanding of statistical terms
Ability to respond in as little as 3 hours
Ability to finish 14,000 words or less in 2 to 4 days.

For more details on freelance proofreading and edition jobs at Stickler, use this link.

For those who are interested in applying for jobs at Stickler, submit your resume, and detailed cover letter to [email protected]. You will then be asked to complete an editing test if your resume and cover letter look good.

19. ProofreadingPal

ProofreadingPal is one of the best proofreading websites in the industry. With close to 20K customers and a 4.7/5 rating, this site is great for both clients and those looking for freelance proofreading gigs. ProofreadingPal works on several different proofreading and editing projects that range from academics such as dissertations, and journal articles to essays, projects, and large documents such as eBooks, Novels, Manuscripts, and much more. The company proofreads and edits business and corporate-related documents such as reports, manuals, press releases, marketing materials, and much more.

To get a freelance proofreading job at proofreadingPal, you must first meet one of its two preliminary qualification requirements which are:

1. “Are currently employed by or enrolled as a graduate or postgraduate student in an accredited United States college or university and have a minimum GPA of 3.5.”

2. “Have a graduate degree with a minimum of five years of professional proofreading and editing experience.”

Other proofreading requirements include but are not limited to the ability to meet deadlines and work independently, excellent Google search skills, experience with editing styles, time management, and much more. For more details on what you need to start working at ProofreadingPal as a freelance proofreader or editor, use the following link.

20. Scribendi

Scribendi is a widely recognized website that provides freelance and editing services. As a freelance proofreader at Scribendi, you will work from the comfort of your home while interacting with other editors worldwide. You will also get to know the earning potential of every job and negotiate rates. The site also gives you access to some of its editorial resources and gives you incentives that you can redeem later at online retailers.

In addition, you will pick your project and make up your schedule. You can also interact with both in-house editors and other freelancers on the platform. Furthermore, you don’t need to bid with other freelancers or pitch to clients to get a freelance proofreading job at Scribendi.

Keep in mind that working as a freelance proofreader at Scribendi you are a contractor. For this reason, you must check the availability of employment where you reside and state requirements for all people working as contractors.

Before you start working at Scribendi as a freelance proofreader, you must meet the company’s job requirements which include the following:

University degree but a graduate degree is preferred
Your English must be as good as a native-speaker level
Ability to proofread and edit between 1,000 to 1,500 words/hr
Have a reliable internet
Ability to meet deadlines
Ability to work independently and follow instructions.

For more details on how to apply and the application requirements, follow this link.

21. Cactus

Cactus is a global website that offers freelance proofreading and editing services. The website offers a wide range of proofreading and editing services that include journal publications, dissertations, manuscripts, Books, and much more across all sectors. So, no matter your area of interest, you can find something to do at Cactus.

22. Reedsy

Reedy is an online platform/website that connects self-published bookwriters and professional editors. To start working at Reedsy as a freelancer editor, you first need to pass the screening process which requires you to submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of work performed.

You then get matched with clients that match your profession and bid with a few more freelancers for the same job. Payment rates are determined by editors but they are collected by Reedsy which takes off its 10% commission.

What is the earning potential of a freelance proofreader?

Now that you know where to find websites that pay for proofreading services, you might be considering the earning potential of such a career. The truth is, that the earning potential of a freelance proofreader can vary depending on several factors. Some of these include your level of expertise, the platform you work through, the type of documents you proofread, and the time and effort you dedicate to your work.

On average, freelance proofreaders can earn around $43,532/yr according to Glassdoor. Most freelance proofreaders make between $36k/yr and 53K/yr. But, those who lack experience, education, and other skills can earn as low as 30K whereas those who are fully established can earn as high as $63k/yr or more.

Again, the earning potential for freelance proofreaders may vary depending on the project’s complexity and turnaround time. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow proofreaders to set their rates, which gives them more control over their earning potential. The more experience and qualifications you have, the more you can potentially earn. Even if you start with low pay, you can increase your rate as you gain more proofreading and editing experience and build your portfolio.

Additionally, working on specialized platforms such as American Journal Experts or Wordvice as mentioned earlier, can also offer higher pay rates overall. Academic and scientific papers usually have a higher pay rate because of the industry’s specific language, technical terminology, and high level of expertise.

How to be a successful freelance proofreader?

To become a successful freelance proofreader, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First and foremost, you should have a solid understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Your clients rely on you to catch mistakes that they may have missed themselves.

It’s also important to have strong communication skills. You’ll need to be able to communicate any changes or suggestions to your clients. Additionally, you should be able to clearly articulate your rates and terms of service.

Another key to success as a freelance proofreader is organization and time management skills. Keeping track of deadlines, invoices, and client communications is crucial when working for yourself. Consider investing in project management tools or creating a system that works for you.

Networking is also important. Joining professional organizations, attending industry events, and reaching out to potential clients can all help you find work and build a client base.

Finally, it’s important to be adaptable and open to feedback. Every client is different, and being able to adjust your approach and style to meet their needs is essential. Additionally, taking feedback as an opportunity to improve your skills and service can help you attract repeat business and referrals.

The bottom line

In today’s digital age, having a sharp eye for grammar and spelling can turn into a profitable side hustle. Freelance proofreading is an in-demand skill that allows you to work from home and earn extra cash on your schedule. By following our tips on preparing for freelance proofreading and our list of 22 best websites that offer proofreading and editing jobs, you can start earning money as a freelance proofreader today.

Remember, the earning potential is high, and the rewards are significant. If you are changing your career and want to work as a freelance proofreader full-time or part-time, don’t wait any longer. You can easily turn your eye for grammar into extra cash and enjoy the financial freedom that freelance proofreading can offer.