Are you something of a perfectionist?
Got a great eye for detail?
Then a career as a proofreader could be for you. Proofreaders are the last line of defense against bad writing. They check content for any errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting before it’s published. It can be laborious work, but it’s often financially rewarding.
And the good news is that there are plenty of employers hiring now! Copy editors, creative writers, PR companies; all need the services of a proofreader.
So, in this article, I’ll be taking a look at the best companies that hire for freelance proofreading jobs.
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Duolingo
There’s a good chance that you’re already familiar with this little owl. Duolingo is an app that teaches users to communicate in different languages. Based in Pennsylvania, it offers a whole host of freelance and remote employment opportunities.
Speaking my language…
If you’re fluent in more than one language, then working for Duolingo is a pretty sweet option. Freelance workers don’t get the benefits package available to onsite staff, but the compensation on offer is extremely competitive. Plus, you’ll get to practice your language skills too.
You can find all available openings here. This easily accessible website allows you to search by location, department, and job type. It also has a section solely devoted to freelance and remote opportunities.
Scribendi
If flexibility in your job is important to you, then check out Scribendi. This Canadian company offers its freelance employees complete control over their schedules. Choose how much, or how little, you want to work based on your needs and availability.
What does Scribendi do?
Since 1997, Scribendi has been providing first-class editing and proofreading solutions to a wide range of clients. It boasts a 24-hour service to customers all over the globe, in every time zone. Just about everyone, from ESL students to large corporations, relies on Scribendi to check and improve their essays, resumes, and presentations.
You can apply to be a freelance proofreader or editor right here. Simply fill in the easy-to-read online form and get ready to start your career. Be sure to check the employee requirements first, though, as Scribendi only employs people with prior experience and a few other qualifications too.
Proofreading Services
Founded by Yale graduate Luke Palder, Proofreading Services is a fully online organization. It has worked with more than 10000 customers in over 100 countries and has even been hired by such prestigious names as Vogue magazine and MIT.
This is the perfect company if you’re new to proofreading as it doesn’t require any previous experience. Instead, prospective employees need to complete a 20-minute test to see if they’re up to the task. The faster you are, the higher your pay rate is, so make sure you practice before trying your hand!
Want to give it a try?
Apply directly through their website. The first thing they require is a proofreading test, so be sure to prepare before clicking that button. You can also find any other information you might need, such as pay rates, the different services offered, and company reviews.
Wordvice
Next up is a company for the academically-inclined proofreaders out there. Wordvice helps researchers, students, and professors with their work. It primarily focuses on journals, essays, and manuscripts though it offers other services as well.
Wordvice is a fairly demanding company. This isn’t a job for a new proofreader; you’ll need to have quite a bit of experience to be considered. Prospective employees also need at the very least a master’s degree, though a doctorate or equivalent is preferred.
Got the skills to pay the bills?
All careers with Wordvice can be found here. This website gives you a list of current open positions, as well as the benefits of working for Wordvice. Just make sure you have the relevant qualifications before applying as they’re quite strict about this.
Scribbr
Scribbr is the go-to company for students looking to enhance their term papers. With more than 500 academic editors, it offers its services to clients all around the globe. It also provides coaching opportunities that lead to clients improving their writing without the need for proofreaders.
Is it easy to get a job here?
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree and at least a little experience in academic editing. You’ll also need to commit to at least ten hours per week and be a native English speaker. These qualifications aside, getting employed by Scribbr is fairly straightforward.
You can find out more on Scribbr’s website. Here, you’ll find testimonials from some of their current editors as well information on the rate of pay and expectations. Then if you think it’s a good fit, you can apply directly from the same page.
Language Bear
Next up in my in-depth look at the Best Companies That Hire for Freelance Proofreading Jobs, Language Bear is a content writer service. It employs people to write web content, proofread, and copyediting in a huge range of industries. And it does so in over 60 languages!
Do you need to speak another language to work here?
Not necessarily. There are several positions available to those who only speak English. It’s probably better if you do have a second language, though, as this is a European company that prides itself on employing over 1000 linguists.
Language Bear’s website has everything you need to apply. You can search for remote-only jobs or find one at the company HQ in Bulgaria if you fancy a location change.
Proofreading Pal
Unlike many other companies, Proofreading Pal has a 2-editor approach to work. That means that for every document, they have two different people look it over. And that also means they need twice as many staff to do it!
What’s your style?
This company has big expectations and expects its proofreaders to perform to an exceptionally high standard. Suitable candidates must be familiar with as many writing styles as possible, such as MLA, APA, and CSE. They should hold a master’s degree or preferably have, or be working towards, a Ph.D.
The application process starts on their website. Have your resume and cover letter ready as they need to be uploaded first. You also need to fill in a detailed questionnaire about your familiarity with the different writing styles.
Bumble
That’s right! Bumble isn’t just for finding the love of your life! It has some awesome employment opportunities too. This app is always on the look-out for freelance proofreaders. It’s passionate about women’s rights and equity, so it would help if you have an interest in this area. It would also be great if you were bilingual as Bumble operates in so many different countries.
Select the ‘sole trader’ option on the Bumble website to see which positions are currently available. The search function is incredibly easy to use and provides all the information you need in seconds.
Looking For More On Proofreading?
That’s great! Our outstanding online finds include McGraw-Hill’s Proofreading Handbook, the Proofreading and Editing Precision, or the very popular Copyediting and Proofreading For Dummies, the 80 Common Layout Errors to Flag When Proofreading Book Interiors, the Proofreading Power: Skills & Drills to start you off with.
We also recommend The Pocket Book of Proofreading: A guide to freelance proofreading & copy-editing, and The Best Punctuation Book, Period: A Comprehensive Guide for Every Writer, Editor, Student, and Businessperson, or my top choice, The Copyeditor’s Handbook and Workbook: The Complete Set all available online in 2023.
Finally, let’s take a look at the interactive workbooks such as Find the Errors!: Proofreading Activities, and Find the Errors! II: Proofreading Activities, or how about the book on English Grammar: 100 Tragically Common Mistakes (and How to Correct Them), and why not Start Your Proofreading Side-Hustle: Maximize Your Writing Skills for some extra cash!
Final Thoughts
Now, you know the companies that hire freelance proofreaders and where to start! Many people think of proofreading as a basic, dull, run-of-the-mill occupation. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! It takes a lot of skill and allows you to discover so many new and exciting topics.
And it can be pretty lucrative. If you have the qualifications to be an academic proofreader, you will be highly paid. Plus, if you already have experience, that gives you more leverage to ask for a better rate of pay. Of course, if you’re new to proofreading, then the wage is a little lower. But we’ve all got to start somewhere!
If you’re willing to put the effort in, over time, you’re sure to see proofreading as a rewarding career choice.
All the very best in your new job as a Proofreader!