6 Best Online Proofreading Courses to Start Your New Career

Proofreading is one of those money-making skills that can help you supplement your income from home or replace your full-time job. If you have an interest in proofreading, you should consider how to get started with the best online proofreading courses.

Proofreading is more than just a job; it can be a life-changing career move for you. If you want to stay home to be with your kids or if you just need to reset away from the corporate world, proofreading could be the next step toward a fulfilling life.

Gone are the days of having to report to someone else and work a schedule that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Take up proofreading to make that positive change in your life that you need. The first thing to do is find online proofreading courses. These will help move you in the right direction to being a successful proofreader.

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is much simpler than you might realize. It is the art of finding typos and grammar mistakes in written work. Proofreading is not as complicated as editing where you are sometimes required to heavily modify written material. It is simply finding errors and marking them.

If you have a solid grasp of the English language, can easily spot mistakes in writing, and enjoy reading, then you can get paid to proofread. The kicker is you can work on your own time, and you don’t need to have a college degree to be successful.

Related: How to Become a Copyeditor

6 Best Proofreading Courses Online

If you don’t know where to start with proofreading, the following courses have been picked just for you. Choose at least one to learn the ins and outs of this new career.

1. Proofread Anywhere

This signature course developed by Caitlin Pyle is a new proofreader’s gold mine. Caitlin is an experienced proofreader who started in 2009 by proofreading transcripts for court reporters. She has since taken on clients in the legal space on top of general proofreading. Now, she teaches others how to become proofreaders.

In Proofread Anywhere, you can choose the proofreading course that interests you most. Her courses will give you a thorough introduction to the theory and practice behind proofreading. You will also learn what skills you need in order to be successful. There is also the mindset piece behind being a freelance proofreader. Additionally, take a deep dive into how you can land your first clients.

You can test out Proofread Anywhere by taking the free online proofreading courses first before enrolling in the paid course. The free course will give you an introduction to what the life of a proofreader looks like and how you can start your journey today.

Related: Proofread Anywhere Review

1. Edit Republic

Edit Republic offers a group coaching experience for aspiring proofreaders to join to learn about how to start their own proofreading business. The group environment is beneficial for students who want to learn alongside others.

In the High-Level Proofreading Pro course, you get live accountability coaching sessions each month that expand on the learning you are gaining through the lessons in the program. Each lesson is designed to catapult your proofreading career. From proofreading basics to marketing yourself and business basics, Edit Republic provides step-by-step instructions so that there is no guesswork.

Phon Ballie, creator of Edit Republic, has over 20 years of experience working in the writing and editing industry. Her knowledge and expertise are the reasons why her online proofreading courses are such a hit in the editing community.

Start with the FREE Proofreading 101 email course to see if this avenue is right for you.

3. Knowadays Becoming a Proofreader Course

Knowadays is a 50-hour course that is designed to be taken at your own pace. It is extensive because it has been created with you in mind. No detail is too small when it comes to starting a proofreading business. This course takes you through each detail so that you can set yourself up for success.

In the course, the modules are broken down into developing solid proofreading skills, building confidence, proofreading according to the various style guides out there, and how to work with writers and authors. You will also understand the life of a freelancer and how to build a business around the lifestyle.

Knowadays offers an exciting opportunity to work with its partner company as soon as you receive your distinction grade of 80% or higher. This will be on a trial basis, but it is a great way to get a taste of some real experience in proofreading.

Related: Best Jobs for Stay at Home Moms

3. The Editing Academy

Brie Greenhalgh’s course The Editing Academy is more than just another online proofreading course. It is designed to help aspiring proofreaders gain the confidence to ask for higher rates. You will learn how to get paid more than the average proofreaders do. With proven methods, The Editing Academy can be for anyone whether they are just starting out in the workforce or retired after years of service.

The course is packed full of lessons from grammar to business launch and opportunities to practice along the way. It is a complete guide to how you can make the life you want with proofreading.

If you want to try out Brie’s method, use the free online proofreading course that is available before enrolling in the paid course. In this free minicourse, you can gauge if you have the eye for detail that is required of proofreaders.

5. 6 Steps To Proofreading Jumpstart on Udemy

Udemy is a trusted site where many professionals go to upload courses for students to learn from. Take the 6 Steps to Proofreading Jumpstart course to dig into how to set up your business. You will get lifetime access to the course, which offers several resources for proofreading.

Learn how to set up your business, proofread without being an editor, and perfect the process to proofreading thousands of words per hour to maximize your earnings. You will also understand how to price your services, find proofreading clients, and advertise your proofreading business.

This course offers a certification of completion at the end so that you have proof of all the hard work you put in to start your new career.

Related: How to Become a Beta Reader

6. The Publishing Training Centre

For those in the UK who desire a career in proofreading, The Publishing Training Centre is a perfect choice. It is a comprehensive course that can be completed in 12 months or less with hours of lessons. The lessons are designed for current proofreaders who want to enhance their skills. You can also take the course if you are a brand new proofreader with no experience. Whatever stage of proofreading you are in, you can benefit from this course.

Learn the most recent technology proofreaders are using today to make their proofreading tasks easier. Enhance your learning by practicing with Adobe and Microsoft software while taking the course so that you are prepared when you graduate. Understand the British Standards Institution symbols so that you can provide the best results for your clients.

Each student is assigned their own personal tutor to help them along in this course and up to three months after completion. Passing this course also means you can earn points toward your Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) membership.

Related: How to Become a Photo Editor

A Career in Proofreading Can Be Beneficial for Your Life Now and in Years to Come

Proofreading is so much more than just something you do in your spare time. It can be a life-changing career move to benefit anyone’s life financially, emotionally, and mentally. The many benefits of being able to work whenever you want from wherever you are can make all the difference in someone’s life.

From the many available online proofreading courses listed here, you can jump-start your career quickly and start making the money you want each month. If you aren’t sure which course is right for you yet, take the free online proofreading courses first to get a grasp on things before paying for further material.

You won’t know if proofreading is right for you unless you give it a try. Start out with at least one course mentioned above and you will be on your way to finding the right work-from-home proofreading jobs that stick. Proofread yourself into the life of freedom and contentment you’ve always desired.

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