Finding Freelance Proofreading Work
As a new proofreader, you must market yourself and take advantage of every opportunity to find clients. Finding freelance proofreading jobs on websites where you post profiles or bid for contracts can help you find work quickly. Several of these platforms operate like dating services by matching you with clients, but they charge monthly fees.
First, subscribe to free platforms like fiverr.com. Competing for clients in the marketplace might be time-consuming but will eventually yield satisfactory results if you offer services that are in demand.
Below is a list of the best places to find proofreading jobs online for beginners:
Freelancing Associations
As part of their membership fees, some freelance associations might provide service listings in their directories while others might post your profile on their website. If you cannot specifically find organizations for proofreading, try widening your search to include freelance writing or copyediting groups.
Start Local
Before spending money on expensive social media ads, introduce yourself to local businesses through email query letters or phone calls.
Contact community colleges, libraries, magazine or book publishers, newspapers, churches, non-profit groups, advertising and communication agencies, printing presses, office suppliers, writers, and self-published authors.
For teachers, editors, writers, or anyone with experience working with words, the journey to freelance proofreading will be easier than a massage therapist looking for side-hustles to pay the bills. Basically, you must have previous academic or professional experience related to proofreading. Remember, proofreading is a profitable skill that requires more than average knowledge about grammar, spelling, usage, and formatting. You must also be a good writer and a decent editor.
Do you want to learn more about becoming a proofreader? This article is an excerpt from the book, "Start Your Proofreading Side-Hustle: Maximize Your Writing Skills" by Ashan R. Hampton. This informative book walks you through the job duties of a proofreader, what qualifications you need and everything you need to know to launch a freelance proofreading business.
Ashan R. Hampton is a long-time English instructor turned entrepreneur. Through her company, Onyx Online Education, LLC she offers digital courses and print books on grammar, proofreading, business writing and communication for personal and professional development to individuals and corporations. To find out more about Ashan's work, visit www.arhampton.com.
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