How to Be a Professional Proofreader
If you find yourself scanning your local newspaper or latest paperback novel for spelling errors or cringe every time you notice an apostrophe used in the wrong place, you are the right person for a career as a professional proofreader. Natural aptitude is important; in fact many successful proofreaders are complete perfectionists about the correct use of language. The vast majority of proofreaders work on a freelance basis, meaning it can be a competitive field. Putting in plenty of effort in the early stages will greatly improve your chances of sustaining a career as a proofreader.
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Instructions
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Enroll in a proofreading class at a local college or online. An online course is ideal if you need to juggle studying around your current job or family commitments. Universalclass.com offers proofreading classes.
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Proofread everything you can, such as books, newspapers and websites to practice spotting errors. Read language stylebooks on language usage, such as "The Chicago Manual of Style" and "The Associated Press Stylebook." Ensure that you have a good understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
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Familiarize yourself with proofreading methods and symbols. These symbols are the small glyphs that indicate to the typesetter or page layout artist what changes need to be made to the copy and where. Some marks are self-explanatory, buy others may look strange to nonprofessionals.
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Volunteer to proofread documents for local businesses or charitable organization, which is a great way to get experience and practice your proofreading skills. Contact your local newspaper and ask if you can assist the editor. Whenever you come across a magazine, brochure or other publication that contains errors, contact them and respectfully ask them if you can offer your services.
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Register on freelance employment websites such as elance.com and freelancer.com. These sites allow you to apply for any proofreading projects that are posted on the site. Gain as much experience as you can to build an impressive resume of proofreading jobs.
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Ask for a reference in writing from every client you proofread for, whether it is voluntary or paid work.
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Design your own flyers to advertise your proofreading services. Include your contact information and a couple positive quotes from satisfied clients. Print the flyers and distribute them to suitable local businesses, such as graphic design agencies, shops, colleges, universities and publishing companies. Display flyers on noticeboards in public libraries and community centers.
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Set up your own website, by yourself if you have the skills or with the help of a web designer. This is the best way to reach millions --- if not billions --- of potential clients.
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Invest in a plain-paper fax machine, which will make it easy for you to take on last-minute, quick turnaround proofreading jobs. A fax machine allows a client to send you a document, which you can then proof and fax back to them the same day.
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