Do you love reading and have an eye for detail?
If so, proofreading might be the perfect career for you! Proofreading is a great way to work from home and earn extra money — but what does proofreading involve, and where can you find proofreader jobs?
In this article, we’ll take a look at proofreading for fiction books and explore some places where you can find freelance proofreader job opportunities.
What Do You Do as a Proofreader?
As the name implies, proofreaders read manuscripts to make sure they’re free of errors before they get published.
This is important work for any genre, where proofreaders must check for grammatical errors, typos, spelling mistakes, formatting issues, and so on.
But it’s critical in fiction writing, because proofreaders not only need to be able to spot the above errors but they also need to understand the narrative in context to make sure it flows well, has no continuity gaps, timing flaws, or dialogue errors.
In addition, proofreaders are responsible for ensuring that the text adheres to a particular style guide or set of publishing guidelines (e.g. The Chicago Manual of Style, The AP Guide, etc.)
Is Proofreading Well Paid?
As with any job, the amount you can expect to earn from proofreading will depend on your experience level and qualifications.
However, proofreading is generally considered one of the better-paying freelance jobs available, with some proofreaders earning up to $50/hour, with an average of $35.
The higher your experience level, the higher the rates you’ll command on the market, so make sure to always keep an up-to-date list of strong testimonials from clients that you can use as work references.
Here Are 5 Popular Places Where You Can Find Freelance Fiction Proofreader Job Opportunities
1. Upwork
Upwork is a freelance job marketplace with proofreading opportunities in a variety of categories, including fiction proofreading.
It’s free for freelancers to join, so you can list your experience, your rates, and what makes you stand out from the crowd in order to attract prospects seeking proofreading talent.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr offers services in a range of areas, including fiction proofreading. You can list your services on Fiverr and set your own rates and availability (there are no subscription fees required in order to join.)
3. PeoplePerHour
PeoplePerHour is another great source of proofreading gigs. Here, you create an offer with your services, rates, and client testimonials and then potential clients will browse the available listings and reach out to you if they see a fit.
4. Guru
Guru is a marketplace that connects employers and freelancers in a variety of areas, including proofreading. It works in two ways: you list your services and rates and employers post their jobs.
5. Reedsy
Last but not least, Reedsy is specifically designed to connect authors with experienced proofreaders who specialize in different genres.
The process is simple — authors post their projects and proofreaders submit bids according to their rates and availability. It’s free to use for both authors and proofreaders.
And don’t forget to apply at Relay Publishing. We’re always looking for talented fiction proofreaders!
In Conclusion
Proofreading can be a great way to make money from home, especially if you’re a fan of fiction and have an eye for detail.
I hope this article has shed some light on freelance proofreading jobs and given you some ideas about where to find opportunities to develop your career.
Good luck!
Harry Wallett is the Founder and Managing Director of Relay Publishing. Combining his entrepreneurial background with a love of great stories, Harry founded Relay in 2013 as a fresh way to create books and for writers to earn a living from their work. Since then, Relay has sold 3+ million copies and worked with 100s of writers on bestselling titles such as Defending Innocence, The Alveria Dragon Akademy Series and Rancher’s Family Christmas. Harry oversees the creative direction of the company, and works to develop a supportive collaborative environment for the Relay team to thrive within in order to fulfill our mission to create unputdownable books.
Relay Publishing Wants You
If you think you have what it takes to become a brilliant writer, editor, or storyliner, Relay Publishing has a range of exciting opportunities.
Find out more about us, and get in touch. We can’t wait to hear from you!