Proof Reading is one of the most in-demand and valuable skills. 1st many are confused between proofreading and copy-editing but these are both entirely different things.
Copy Editors work throughout the writing process, providing spelling and grammar edits.
Proofreading means going through your manuscript and correcting the typographical, grammatical, and spelling errors before sending the final draught of your work for examination and publishing. And in this blog post, we will discuss how to start proofreading?
The most common question about proofreading is, Do you need any course or certificate to become a proofreader?
The simple and the sweet answer is no you don't need any certificate or degree to become a successful proofreader. In fact, many expert online proofreaders never put a foot in a university, so it means it doesn't matter what is your background you can start from anywhere and any time.
The most important thing about proofreading
Proofreading doesn't require any special degree or qualification but some necessary things are the following under
Command at the English Language
As a proofreader, it is important to have a firm grip on the English language. Understanding the English language ensures that you can identify the spelling and grammatical errors and mistakes in every type of content.
Love to read
You may think this is a brainer but this is such an important thing in this subject. You need to love the read again and again this is a great way to betterment. Proofreading involves reading and rereading material because you always want to make sure you need catch everything.
An eye to details
Your ability to notice the small and inconsistent things is going to be your biggest tool in this subject.No degree in the world can teach you how to notice the details. The ability to notice the little things will help you to catch the small issues like confusable words, formatting, and grammatical errors.
Self-control
Self-control is the most important to becoming a proofreader. Because it is a necessary thing to preserve the writer's voice and respect his preferences. It's tempting to just delete all the unnecessary things like comas, but if the writer or blog owner insists then you have to step back and need to give the value to his recommendations. Entrepreneurs and the writers put a lot of sweat and tears into their work and sometimes they give the emotional touch also so you can imagine how hard it is for them to give their content to someone else. But if there is a serious issue and you can give them a serious argument then you can approach it in a way.
Time management
Time management is an essential thing in being a freelancer and proofreader. A common mistake with the new freelancers is they don't follow the timetable. If you don't get serious and dedicate a set amount of time to your projects, then you will find yourself staring at a deadline that suddenly comes to a close and you are scrambling to meet the deadline. That's why you need to set the timetable and need to follow it strictly.
Market yourself
This is the most important point in any field of work. Marketing your services doesn't mean responding to job postings it means making people aware of who you are and what you do. It involves researching prospective clients and industries and positioning yourself in a way that people feel they need you. It means making yourself visible and available within your specific niche. Be creative, set goals, and always try different things to go forward.
From where you can learn to proofread
There are many platforms to learn this skill and some of them are these;
1. Udemy
2. Coursera
3. reedsy
4. skillshare
5. knowadays
How much a proofreader can earn?
The average salary of a proofreader in the USA is $25 per hour and the average salary per year is $59225 as per indeed.com.
Where you can sell the services of proofreading?
Proofreading is one of the most in-demand skills and you can sell it in each and every freelance place.
- Fiverr
- Up work
- freelancer.com
- Guru.com
- Behance.net
- Truelancer.com
- Workchest.com
Conclusion
So we have talked in detail about this particular skill now you can learn this skill to add more value to your content and can sell it to make something better.
