Career in Proofreading
People who have an eye for detail and enjoy reading may want to consider a career in proofreading. Proofreaders work in a variety of industries and mediums. They generally read copy, transcripts or type setups to look for errors, such as grammatical, compositional and typographical errors.
Other People Are Reading
-
Requirements
-
Applicants will find a variety of requirements in proofreading positions. Some positions only require a high school diploma or equivalent, while other positions require a college degree in English or journalism. Most applicants must take a proofreading aptitude test, which typically consists of questions about spelling, grammar and punctuation. Some proofreading careers require specific technical knowledge as well, according to StateUniversity.com. For example, if the proofreader is responsible for proofing medical journals, candidates must have backgrounds or knowledge in the medical field.
Skill Sets
-
Proofreaders must be proficient at identifying errors and discrepancies, which means they are detail-oriented and meticulous. According to website Creativepool.co.uk, proofreaders have good concentration for long periods and are self-motivated. Other common proofreading career skill sets include high aptitudes in mathematics, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
-
Responsibilities
-
The main job of proofreaders is reading original copy, manuscripts or type setups, and searching for any types of errors. The errors may be basic spelling and grammar problems, or they may include incorrect information. Some proofreaders compare several copies of documents side-by-side, as well. They correct any errors and then check the new copy to ensure they eliminated all errors.
Working Conditions
-
Proofreaders work in a variety of fields, including newspapers, publishing houses, magazines, typesetting firms and print shops. They also work for web-based companies. Proofreaders generally work indoors, in office environments. Most positions require 40 hours a week, and some proofreaders work non-traditional hours, such as in the evenings or on weekends. Proofreading generally occurs at the end of the writing process and before the publishing process, so proofreaders must wait for others to finish their work before they begin their job. Some proofreading careers may transition into editing careers or positions.
Salary
-
According to research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual proofreader salary was around $30,000 in May 2009, with the average hourly rate at $15.63. Proofreaders who work in public relations or advertising firms typically earn more than do their counterparts at newspapers or academic institutions. Specialized proofreading careers, including those in accounting or securities firms, usually make even higher wages. For example, proofreading careers in tax preparation or payroll services typically earned around $19.50 an hour, as of May 2009.
-
References
- Photo Credit Woman Using A Graphic Tablet And Pen image by Monika 3 Steps Ahead from Fotolia.com
