Is anyone a Proof-reader here? I have some questions :-)

[WhyDidNoOneListenToRoger]

Would you recommended the job?

Can you tell the the for and against please? Would a certificate from a place like this - https://www.centreofexcellence.com/shop/proofreading-editing-diploma-course/?utm_voucher=GARET&gclid=CjwKCAjwsJ6TBhAIEiwAfl4TWJ12NOo3CA3LEG730FBtYC8JooWqWhQDWVcnDmdc_RrUAU8mAqdCeBoCTcgQAvD_BwE
be enough to be qualified?

If not how long did it take you?

Thank you in advance

I think this is a bit unfair. I've worked as a proofreader since 2012 and make plenty of money from it. I have freelance contracts with several publishing houses and independent authors.

Also, I have no qualifications whatsoever. Just a very keen eye for errors.

Just because you can't make a living from proofreading doesn't mean nobody can.

Yes, I have a look at the CIEP recommended minimums when I fancy a very hollow laugh 😄
Totally agree that you need to be easy to deal with, return things on time or early if possible, and be flexible.

You've been given some very good advice in this thread. I work for a large publisher placing work with freelancer copy-editors and proofreaders and wouldn't consider someone who had used the course you posted. It would have to be CIEP or equivalent at a minimum, and/or with in-house or extensive freelance experience. As said above, the large publishers disgracefully pay a lot less than the CIEP recommended minimum (I can't change this!), and while I have a few freelancers who I suspect make a very good income out of it, you would have to be very good and very reliable indeed to be able to do this. I often see proofreading touted as a good easy way to work from home, but the reality is I have more very good freelancers on my books than I can provide work for and it is skilled work that is not as easy as it might seem. Focusing on the student/ESL market is probably more accessible for someone with no experience.

@LindaEllen . you are jumping to conclusions. I have not made any attempt to make a living from proofreading. I make my living doing something else.

I proofread sometimes for friends for nothing. I enjoy reading and have an eye for detail, which seems to be more than you have, and I'm not going to invoice a friend who has written about his or her experience of something like cancer or bereavement.

Don't choose the course you mentioned, OP. Some of the blurb for it is grammatically sloppy. For example:

'The last quality check before it is sent to the printers, the final proof is incredibly important, and, along with the front and back covers (in the case of a book), must be right.'

That's terrible writing.

@WhyDidNoOneListenToRoger Hi, I hope you are having success with your potential new venture. I also hope you don't mind me jumping on your thread.

I'm a self employed medical transcriptionist with an extensive healthcare background working on both the clinical and administration side. You could start with attempting some general transcription work, if you have good typing/listening skills, if you can find an opening, although the pay is pretty abysmal.

I've posted on here because I too am looking to progress into a, hopefully more lucrative, proofreading/editing/design occupation and would be interested in any advice from those already in this field as to what they think my chances are considering my experience as a transcriptionist in healthcare.

Thanks and best wishes to all!