Proofreading

[RaraRachael]

This is something I'm interested in as I could do it from home and I'm a real SPAG pedant. I've looked online but am scared that some of these online opportunities are just scams.
Does anyone know of a reputable way to get into genuine proofreading jobs?

I work in a role that hires editors and proofreaders for very long chunky documents. I would always hire those with experience over those who had done training, so I wouldn't worry too much about courses. Those who I work with most often have experience of working in book publishing, so you could look at that route in. Build up some experience by looking for roles with publishers focusing on the production of book manuscripts.

Maybe start here.
www.ciep.uk

Good luck.

You need proper proofreading training. The market is saturated with proofreaders so you need training to help you stand out. And to make sure you know what you're doing so you get offered repeat work.

Look at the CIEP or Publishing Training Centre for training. Don't look at any other providers.

There is MUCH more to proofreading than everyone thinks. It's not just a case of spotting typos.

After training, you will need to set up a business, decide on your clients, market yourself, etc. I suggest you check out the Chartered Institute for Editing and Proofreading website - it has lots of good advice on starting your own business, creating a USP, training, CPD, etc.

I've been an editor and proofreader for over 20 years. Happy to answer more questions.

Out of curiosity, how much would a proofreader earn, on average?

How long is a piece of string? Depends how many hours you work, how experienced you are, and who your clients are: if you do legal proofreading for a huge law firm you will be paid more than if you proofread novels for publishers. The CIEP sets out 'suggested minimum' hourly rates on its website, but many publishers don't pay anywhere near these. But it's certainly possible to make a good living from editing/proofreading.

Thanks @bloodyunicorns - should have guessed it would be hugely variable.

A content provider which DH writes and edits for uses a proofreading agency who charge £200 per day. That's for 7.5 hours and I don't know what percentage of that goes to the proofreader and what to the agency, but they do only use quite experienced people.

An experienced proofreader should be able to change more than £26 per hour, but if the client is offering regular work and is a good client to work for, then a proofreader may choose that over better-paid work that is less reliable or frequent.

Some publishers pay as little as £19/hour for proofreading, whereas a company might pay £40/hour.

You also have to factor in that your hourly rate has to cover all your bills and pay for any holiday time you want to take off... and we can't bill for every hour we work (we have to spend time invoicing, marketing, doing admin, replying to emails, etc.)