If you’re wondering how to start a proofreading side hustle, you’re not alone. Proofreading has grown in popularity as a way to make extra money, and for good reason. It’s not only a low-stress job, but it’s flexible and involves a lot of reading. Perfect if you’re a bookworm or just enjoy working independently. I’ve helped people all over the world build profitable proofreading side hustles with no prior experience. Keep reading, and I’ll share how you can do the same.
Key Takeaways
- You can start a proofreading side hustle with little to no experience
- Copyediting is a great complementary skill to increase income
- You’ll learn which tools and training are best for beginners
- Find out why AI can’t replace human proofreaders
- Answers to FAQs about freelance proofreading
- This post includes a free training link to get started fast
When I was working an office job, I had a freelance proofreading side hustle. It was a great way to make extra money because I could do it from my couch, and I worked during the evenings and weekends. I’m a bookworm, and I chose to work with book publishers, authors, and entrepreneurs.
I made great money proofreading only a few hours a week—more than the average proofreader—because of this one thing I did. I’ll get more into that below, but first, I want to discuss exactly what a proofreading side hustle is.
What Is A Proofreading Side Hustle?
Proofreading is an editorial skill that is in demand with anyone who creates content. It’s the last step of the publishing process, when it’s necessary to catch any surface-level errors before hitting publish.
A proofreading side hustle involves reading text and checking writing for mistakes in spelling and punctuation. Those are the common issues to be fixed. It’s a versatile skill, so you can work with book publishers, authors, businesses, entrepreneurs, and agencies in any niche.
You Don’t Need To Be A Grammar Expert
I want to make it very clear that you do not need to be a grammar expert, have a degree in English, or be a member of the language police to work as a proofreader. As long as you love to read, have an eye for detail, and have a great command of English, you can learn to proofread.
This is something I go into in more depth in my free proofreading masterclass — grab your spot here.
Proofreading Is Truly A Flexible Job
Proofreading on the side is a great way to bring in extra money because it’s truly a flexible job. All you need to work is your laptop and an internet connection. That’s it. This allows you to work from anywhere—your couch, a coffee shop, even on your lunch break.
You can also choose who you work with. For example, if you’re only interested in working with romance books, then you can focus on finding proofreading jobs with romance book publishers and authors.
As a freelance proofreader, you choose your hours, as long as you meet the client’s deadline. Another reason why proofreading is so flexible is because you can work in small chunks of time. The nature of proofreading means you can pick up where you left off without any interruption to the quality of work you do. That means you can work for 30 minutes if you wish. Perfect if you have children, activities, or only have a small window to get things done.
Copyediting And Why Proofreaders Should Know It
Earlier in this post, I mentioned that when I had a proofreading side hustle, I earned more than the average proofreader. How did I do this? Well, I also offered copyediting.
Copyediting is another editorial skill, and it shares a lot of the same tasks as proofreading. In fact, it is sometimes known as “high-level proofreading.”
Like proofreaders, copy editors also fix spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. However, they go a bit deeper and also correct grammar, check facts, create style sheets, and can change text when necessary.
Copyediting enabled me to build my clientele, work in more industries, and earn more. Sometimes clients want you to “do a bit more” with their writing, and that’s why knowing how to copyedit is handy.
It’s easy to learn, and as an editorial educator, I teach all of my proofreading students how to copyedit. In today’s job landscape, being a copy editor in addition to being a proofreader benefits you in many ways:
- Copyediting pays more per project, hour, and salary
- You can work on more diverse projects
- You attract higher-value clients who want someone who can do a bit more than a surface check
- You can have multiple streams of income in your side hustle by offering more than one skill
Is A Proofreading Side Hustle For You?
As an editorial educator and mentor, I know what leads to success and happy, regular clients. Here are some quick questions for you to answer that will indicate if a proofreading side hustle is for you:
Do you enjoy reading?
Are you able to work alone and without joining meetings?
Do you have an open mind when it comes to writing style?
Are you willing to research what you don’t know?
To become a proofreader (and copy editor), it is important that you learn:
- About the publishing industry and how it works
- The proofreading and copyediting skills to proficiently fix errors in writing
- What the editorial standards are for books and other types of content
- How to communicate and collaborate with industry professionals
- How to manage a freelance editorial business
- Marketing strategies to attract high-value clients in your desired niches or niches
You Can Succeed Without Prior Experience
I’ve been proofreading for over 20 years, and I started with no prior experience. I’ve also trained and mentored others to do the same, and they started from scratch, too.
There’s a misconception that you need an English degree or previous work experience to find clients and earn a living as a proofreader or copy editor. The editorial industry doesn’t have regulations, and it’s totally possible for you to become a pro and work on your terms. Here’s a post I wrote explaining why.
Invest In Proofreading (And Copyediting) Training
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that proofreading is so easy all you need is Spell Check. In fact, I tell my students to actually turn off Spell Check when proofreading.
If you are serious about building and growing a proofreading side hustle that thrives, and brings you income for months and years, then you need to invest in editorial training. You can enroll in a college or university course, or go the more flexible and affordable option and take an online course.
At Edit Republic, we have a comprehensive proofreading and copyediting training program that empowers you with every skill you need to succeed. Not only that, but The Editorial Business Bundle is also a coaching program.
You shouldn’t start your proofreading side hustle alone. In our program, I hold monthly group coaching calls where I answer questions, share strategies, and provide business feedback. Every new proofreader and copy editor should get support and guidance so you’re not left wondering what to do. I believe in this so much that my coaching calls are also open to grads indefinitely.
FAQs
A question I’ve received lately is: Will AI replace human proofreaders and copy editors? The short answer is no. One reason is because AI cannot be trusted to be 100 percent correct in its work. Publishers also do not trust it, and in the editorial process, for books especially, human proofreaders and copy editors are essential. Learn more in this article I wrote about AI.
Can you really make money with a proofreading side hustle?
Of course you can! I’ve helped teachers, nurses, parents, and people from all walks of life earn $500 – $2000 extra a month from proofreading.
How much can beginner proofreaders earn part-time?
A starting hourly rate for a proofreader can be $20 and up. Your rate also depends on the niche and any additional expertise you bring to a project. Here’s a guide I wrote on proofreading and copyediting rates.
Can I build it into a full-time business?
Yes, definitely. You can start off part-time and grow your portfolio and client list. I recommend you also aim to land some retainer clients as a source of regular income. When you find yourself with a steady flow of work, then it’s time to assess if you’re ready to go all-in.
Free Proofreading Training
If you’re ready to learn how to get a proofreading side hustle off the ground, then join me in my free masterclass. In it, you’ll learn my framework for building a successful freelance editorial business from scratch.
Click here to register and watch.
Conclusion
A proofreading side hustle is one of the best jobs you can have to earn extra income. It gives you flexibility, and it’s achievable since you can start where you are. You can future-proof yourself and increase your income by also offering copyediting, which is similar to proofreading. Whether you want to pay off debt, contribute to household bills, save for a big purchase, or you just want some financial breathing room, proofreading can make an impact on your life.
