Proofreading - anyone done a course?

[janeybooks]

Wondering whether a course would be worth doing. Looking for work I can do from home. Anyone out there a proofreader?

Bump.

It's a few years since I left the world of publishing, but my experience was that the only courses recognised by the book industry were those given by Book House (which, as they are usually paid for by employers rather than individuals, were quite expensive). There are so many courses of questionable worth advertised in newspapers, etc, I would be cautious.

I have no direct experience but have also looked at courses before now. I have read that there is absolutely no guarantee of finding work after doing one of these courses. You are most likely to find work if you already have contacts in publishing and if you have specialised knowledge - i.e. you have been a lawyer or a doctor or a scientist, etc., and are able to proof-read factual books on these kind of subjects.

I have a secret longing to be a proof reader/sub-editor. I did a correspondence course a few years ago but it was rubbish tbh.

Am a surveyor - so very far removed from dream job, I get by with being a pedant and hyper-critical!