Are you curious about starting a proofreading business? Proofreaders play a crucial role in perfecting written content, whether it’s blog posts, web copy, marketing materials, resumes, cover letters, academic articles, or legal briefs. This side hustle is incredibly flexible and ideal for those who love reading or have a knack for spotting grammar and punctuation errors.
I recently had a great chat with Ariel Gardner, a seasoned proofreader, copy editor, and freelance writer who has been in the field for nearly seven years. Ariel started proofreading as a side gig, and it has evolved into a flexible full-time job that lets her travel with her family. She went from making less than $500 a month to earning over $4,000 monthly.
In our conversation, Ariel shared valuable insights on how to start a proofreading business. She explained that proofreaders are in high demand because business owners recognize the importance of error-free content, which Google also favors in its search rankings.
If you’re thinking about diving into this flexible and in-demand side hustle, here are some key questions Ariel answered:
1. **Difference Between Editor and Proofreader**: Editors improve the overall content by focusing on grammar, punctuation, consistency, and conciseness. They can make structural and stylistic changes. Proofreaders, however, focus on correcting spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, ensuring consistency within the text.
2. **Earnings**: New proofreaders typically earn $15 to $25 per hour, but experienced ones can make up to $30 to $50 per hour. High-paying niches include science, technology, and medicine, where specialized knowledge is required.
3. **Building a Portfolio**: Ariel suggests starting by offering free services to your close network. This helps gain experience, confidence, and references. From there, you can look for work on platforms like Upwork or pitch to a broader network.
4. **Finding Clients**: You can find clients through Upwork, networking in freelancer groups, or even by pointing out errors on websites and offering your services.
5. **Skills Needed**: Besides spotting and correcting mistakes, you need to know how to run a business, market yourself, and maintain good client relationships.
6. **Degree Requirements**: You don’t need a degree to become a proofreader, although it can help in certain niches.
7. **Work-from-Home Potential**: Proofreading is a great work-from-home career. It offers flexibility and the opportunity to take on both one-off and recurring projects.
Ariel also shared her journey, starting from volunteering her proofreading services to eventually building a successful business. She emphasizes the importance of gaining confidence and facing the fear of hearing “No.”
If you’re interested in learning more, Ariel offers a course called Proofreading Launchpad, designed to build your proofreading skills, help you find clients, and get you excited to start. The course is actionable and teaches both proofreading and freelancing skills, including SEO.
So, if you’re ready to start a proofreading business, Ariel’s insights and course could be a great place to begin.