Do you feel something is weird in this sentence, ‘their planning to meet at there favorite café over their.’
If yes, then proofreading is a hidden talent that you need to unleash. But how to get started? Does proofreading require a specific qualification? Do they earn a handful of pennies? Can people make this as a career?
This blog is a guide to becoming a proofreader. You will be learning the basics of mastering proofreading. Let’s begin.
Eight Steps of becoming a proofreader
1. Gust for reading and learning
When you are dedicated to becoming a proofreader, you will have to do one basic thing- reading. Ensure you enjoy reading and can read for hours and hours. You should be a person who reads a book or article that is not even interesting to you.
Prepare yourself for different types of reading. Reading while proofreading is slow and meticulous. It requires attention and readers to go back over sections and often read aloud all the mistakes. Moreover, be ready to adjust yourself to every situation as writing and publishing constantly change. Keep yourself updated and speak to your clients as an expert in your field.
2. Clear your understanding of the role of a proofreader
Being a proofreader, you should know what is and is not in your job description. Your job is to read the books and articles after they have already been edited for content for typographical errors, spelling mistakes, missing punctuation, awkward phrasing, and anything that can distract the readers from the story.
It might be more interesting if you have to read the manuscript of the book and then comment on the book. But this is not part of your JD. You are not supposed to insert yourself into the text, but instead, only help the writer better communicate their voice. Moreover, when you are a grammar and spelling expert, familiarize yourself with the style guides within the interest industry.
3. Target proofreading jobs
When you start searching for proofreading jobs, opt for the field that you have already been working. Start there and then branch out the types of work. Some of the categories might include:
- Nonfiction books
- Fiction books
- Essay
- Websites
- Blog articles
- Resume.
4. Get in the flow of proofreading
Don’t miss the opportunities to practice proofreading. Many online resources can help you test and improve your proofreading skills. Your job is to just examine them and practice tests. The answers at the end will help you in learning from your mistakes.
5. Design your portfolio and get connected
After you have practiced and made yourself an expert, you need to maintain your resume and portfolio to get hired by professional proofreading services UK. This will help you market yourself and prepare to speak confidently about your skills. You also need to engage with the community in which you are trying to be hired. There are a few areas you need to focus on:
- Social media: Foremost, update your social media profiles. They will reflect your role as a proofreader. There, keep yourself active by posting your original content about proofreading, reposting interesting and relevant articles, and engaging with writers and publishers to build connections and find opportunities.
- Proofreading websites: Different sites can help you connect to people who want to hire proofreaders. Some proofreaders will require that their proofreaders are qualified in their profession, but this is not the case the majority of times. Look for the demands on these sites. They hire people with exceptional grammar skills and those with eagle eyes.
- Referrals: Once you have started as a proofreader, don’t hesitate to ask the client to refer you to other writers or publishers in their contact. If you worked with your heart and soul and tried to deliver the best with fast delivery, then the client can thank you for the service by referring you to others.
- Stay connected: When you are done with the project of one client, try to save their contact. Stay connected to them and keep on inquiring about other projects related to proofreading.
6. Get ready to start your freelance business
Most of the proofreaders are working as freelancers. If you want to start proofreading, you need to prepare yourself to run and manage your proofreading freelance business.
Set your own hourly or per-word rates, invoice clients for the service, pay income tax and keep track of all the business expenses.
7. Keep working on your resume
Although you might not be using your resume to apply for jobs, update it to show the work you have completed. Keep a record of the type of proofreading you have done or all the things that you can show as your experience.
Maintain a folder where you can keep all your worked projects. When asked about by clients, you can show them. Ask clients to provide short testimonials or feedback that you can feature in your resume. Add all the certificates you have earned so far. This will help you grow and honor your skills.
8. Stay confident
Don’t get disheartened if you are unable to achieve big orders. Remember! Every successful proofreader begins from the place where you are standing right now. They were just someone who loved reading and enjoyed fixing grammar mistakes. Be confident! Your passion for being a proofreader will turn into something high if you commit to putting in your efforts.
FAQs
Q. How to begin as a proofreader?
The initial step of becoming a proofreader in future is starting working as an editorial assistant and then moving into the field of proofreading. You can also use your speciality in a particular subject, such as proofreading.
Q. What skills are essential for a proofreader?
Proofreaders do have a degree in English. But this does not mean that if you are not an English graduate, you cannot be a proofreader. A proofreader has a strong command of English spelling, grammar, and punctuation. The knowledge of vocabulary and precision over word choice.
Q. Can we start working as a proofreader without any experience?
A person can begin as a proofreader with no experience. Once they receive projects, they will build their experience in proofreading. The best advice is to avoid missing opportunities.
Q. How can a person practice proofreading?
If you are desperate to become a proofreader, avoid relying on spelling and grammar checkers, proofread each error slowly and gradually, divide the text into manageable pieces, and circle punctuation mistakes in your work.
The Final Words
Proofreading, like other editorial jobs, is challenging. It is common for newcomers to deal with low wages, competitive markets, and long waits to be hired.
But if you are passionate about the job, follow these steps to become a proofreader. Invest your time and receive more than worth.