Have you ever thought that your love for language could earn you money? Believe it or not, you can actually get paid to be a grammar and spelling guru!
With the rise of online content, businesses and individuals are desperate for error-free writing.
From business emails to blog posts, and social media updates to academic papers, the demand for error-free writing has created a unique opportunity of getting paid to correct spelling errors.
Websites and companies are always looking for sharp-eyed individuals who can turn typos into cash.
So, if you consider yourself a grammar expert, it might be time to transform your hobby into a profitable side hustle. Here is the list of companies or websites that offer to earn money with proofreading:
Upwork
Upwork is a popular online marketplace where freelancers can find various jobs, including proofreading and editing.
To get started, you create a profile showcasing your skills and set your rates. You can search for job postings and submit proposals or wait for clients to contact you.
Upwork charges a service fee ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on your earnings with a client.
It’s a great platform for beginners to gain experience and build a portfolio, though competition may require you to accept lower rates initially.
Overall, Upwork is a good place to start a career in proofreading.
Average salary: Proofreaders on Upwork typically charge between $15 to $50 per hour. Rates can go higher for specialized or technical content.
Fiverr
Fiverr is a great platform for beginners to find proofreading jobs. You create a free account and list your services as “gigs.” Clients can then find and hire you.
Fiverr originally started with all services costing $5, but now you can set your own prices. A clear and professional profile helps attract clients.
Fiverr takes a 20% fee from your earnings. It’s a good place to gain experience and build a portfolio, though the pay might be lower initially. It is an ideal platform for those starting out in proofreading.
Average salary: On Fiverr, income for proofreading jobs can vary widely depending on the freelancer’s experience, reputation, and the complexity of the tasks.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs is an online platform focused on remote job opportunities, making it ideal for freelancers, digital nomads, and parents balancing work and childcare.
Unlike free platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, FlexJobs charges a membership fee to access its curated job listings, which helps filter out scams and low-paying jobs.
This ensures that the proofreading jobs listed are legitimate and often offer longer-term roles with single employers.
FlexJobs provides a user-friendly experience with plenty of support, making it a reliable choice for finding remote proofreading jobs.
Average salary: FlexJobs lists proofreading jobs with varying income potential, typically ranging from hourly rates to project-based fees depending on the client and job specifics.
Scribendi
Scribendi is a Canadian company that hires freelance editors worldwide for proofreading and editing jobs.
They offer competitive pay, paid in USD via PayPal, with the flexibility to choose your projects as long as you complete one every three months.
Requirements include being a native English speaker with a university degree and at least three years of experience in editing or related fields.
Scribendi provides training courses and a supportive forum for editors. If you meet their qualifications, Scribendi is a solid choice for freelance proofreaders looking for reliable online work.
Average salary: At Scribendi, proofreaders can earn between $22 to $27 per hour.
Scribbr
Scribbr is a company that specializes in proofreading and editing academic documents, particularly theses and dissertations for students.
They hire editors globally, offering competitive pay ranging from approximately $20 to $30 per hour.
To join Scribbr, you need a bachelor’s degree, experience in editing academic texts, and must pass their rigorous application process, including a language quiz and editing assignment.
Once accepted, you’ll work as an independent contractor, providing editing services to students looking to improve their academic writing.
Scribbr is known for offering some of the highest-paid opportunities in the proofreading industry.
Average salary: Once accepted, you can earn about $22-$27 per hour.
ProofreadingPal
ProofreadingPal specializes in proofreading and editing various types of documents, including business reports, academic papers, and books.
They offer flexible work opportunities from home with potential earnings ranging between $500 and $3,000 per month.
To apply, you need to be a graduate student with a GPA of 3.5 or above or have a graduate degree along with at least five years of editing experience.
The application process includes submitting a resume, and cover letter, and completing a timed proofreading test.
ProofreadingPal operates on a contractor basis, meaning they do not deduct fees from your earnings.
Average salary: Proofreading Pal advertises potential earnings ranging from $500 to $3,000 per month. This can vary based on the number of projects completed and the time invested.
Gramlee
Gramlee is a company that focuses on proofreading and editing various types of writing, from essays to novels.
To apply, you fill out a short questionnaire about your editing experience. Gramlee emphasizes a quick turnaround time of 24 hours for documents.
While specific requirements like education and experience level aren’t detailed, it’s a good starting point for beginners looking to find online proofreading work with smaller word counts.
Average salary: Gramlee offers remote proofreading jobs with rates set at $0.03 per word, up to 3,000 words ($90 maximum per order).
Polished Paper
Polished Paper is a company that specializes in proofreading and editing services for various types of writing, from business reports to academic papers.
They require applicants to go through a rigorous application process, which includes registering, uploading a resume, and passing a 35-question editing test followed by an interview.
While specific details about pay aren’t provided on their website, Polished Paper is known for compensating editors based on the word count and turnaround time of each project.
If you have some experience in proofreading and are willing to tackle the challenging application process, Polished Paper can be a rewarding platform to work as a freelance proofreader.
Average salary: Polished Paper compensates proofreaders and editors according to their experience and the complexity of the projects.
Proofreading Services
Proofreading Services offers flexible part-time and full-time remote proofreading jobs suitable for anyone looking to work from home or lead a location-independent lifestyle.
They serve a wide range of clients, including authors, students, and businesses, providing editing, proofreading, resume writing, and transcription services.
While a degree may not be required, applicants must pass a proofreading test. Pay rates range from $19 to $46 per hour, depending on the project deadlines.
With over 10,000 clients, Proofreading Services provides opportunities for both beginners and experienced proofreaders to earn competitive hourly rates on a flexible schedule.
Average salary: The average pay at ProofreadingServices.com ranges between $19 to $46 per hour.
EditFast
EditFast is an online platform offering freelance proofreading and editing opportunities. Applicants need a college degree and previous editing experience to qualify.
The application process involves registering online, submitting a resume, completing editing tests, and signing a non-disclosure agreement.
Once approved, you can browse job listings, communicate with clients through EditFast’s portal, and receive payments via PayPal.
However, EditFast retains 40% of the project fee, affecting the earnings potential for proofreaders.
Despite this drawback, EditFast is beneficial for gaining valuable experience in proofreading and editing tasks.
Average salary: On Edit Fast, freelancers can earn varying amounts depending on the project complexity and rates negotiated, typically ranging from $0.02 to $0.10 per word.
Wordvice
Wordvice is a global company that offers editing services for business, academic, and professional documents. They specialize in helping ESL clients improve their writing.
Wordvice hires freelance proofreaders, editors, content writers, translators, and online English tutors worldwide.
To apply, you need to submit a resume and complete an editing sample. Pay varies based on your experience, the complexity of projects, and your knowledge level in specific subjects.
They require applicants to have an advanced college degree and previous editing experience.
Working with Wordvice offers flexible opportunities as an independent contractor in the editing and proofreading field.
Average salary: The average per-hour salary on Wordvice ranges from $15 to $30.
Facebook may surprise you as a source for freelance proofreading jobs. You can find numerous groups where individuals and companies post openings for proofreaders.
Simply search on Google or Facebook to locate these groups. One example is the Proofreading and Editing Services group, where recent job postings are available.
Engaging with these groups by offering help and being respectful is key. They often have specific rules for interaction.
This approach can lead to finding freelance work and building connections in the proofreading community on Facebook.
Average Salary: Starting out, proofreaders might earn around $15 to $25 per hour.
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where you can find high-quality jobs, including remote proofreading opportunities.
By setting your location to “remote” in the job search filters, you can specifically target online proofreading jobs.
Creating job alerts based on relevant keywords ensures that you receive notifications directly in your inbox for new job postings that match your criteria.
It’s important to complete your LinkedIn profile with your educational background, work history, and any portfolio pieces you may have to showcase your skills.
This way, you can effectively use LinkedIn to search for proofreading and editing jobs and attract potential employers who are seeking your expertise.
Average Salary: Freelance proofreading rates on LinkedIn typically range from $15 to $50 or more per hour.
Indeed
Indeed is a popular job website where you can find numerous remote opportunities, including jobs for correcting spelling errors.
It’s widely recognized globally, making it convenient to search and apply for jobs. Due to its popularity, competition can be fierce, but it’s still a valuable resource worth exploring.
Simply enter “remote” or “proofreading” into the search bar to find relevant positions. Make sure to set up job alerts to receive notifications for new listings matching your interests.
Utilizing Indeed can help you find remote proofreading jobs and other opportunities efficiently.
Average Salary: Starting out, freelance proofreaders on Indeed might earn around $15 to $25 per hour.
Conclusion
Becoming a proofreader offers a flexible and potentially lucrative career path, especially with the rise of online content.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn provide abundant opportunities for beginners to seasoned professionals.
Specializing in niche areas or offering quick turnaround times can boost income. Beyond monetary rewards, proofreading offers the satisfaction of ensuring error-free writing across diverse content; from academic papers to business communications.
Whether you’re looking for part-time work or a full-fledged freelance career, the demand for accurate proofreaders continues to grow.
So, explore these platforms and embark on your journey to become a sought-after grammar guru.