Today’s post is all about proofreading! I am going to jump right in. Let’s get started!
You need to have an interest in the written word.
This is a big one. If you don’t have an interest in the written word, in any form, whether it be reading, writing, proofreading and so on, then this is not the job for you. If you don’t enjoy correcting mistakes, then proofreading in particular is not the job for you.
You need to be able to spelll.
See what I did there? Did you spot that? If so, go you! If not, that’s okay – don’t give up just yet. Try some spelling tests, and if you still don’t spot mistakes – then proofreading may not be the job for you. Try reading and reviewing books instead, if that’s something you enjoy.
You need to enjoy reading.
If reading, or even the thought of reading bores you, this is not the job for you.
You need to decide what you want to proofread.
Books, blog posts, newspaper articles (the list goes on). There are tons of options. Do some research on Audiobook proofing too. Audiobook proofing is listening to an audiobook file, and reading along with the manuscript while listening to the narration to make sure there are no mistakes. Such as: has the narrator pronounced something incorrectly? Has the narrator added or missed any words/sections? Did they stumble while reading? The narrator may not pick up on their own errors, so having someone else look at it. You can work with the author, or directly with the narrator. The author will decide.
You need to have impeccable attention to detail.
Whether you are the frist (see what I did there?) person to look at the draft of a manuscript, or the second, you need to have impeccable attention to detail. You cannot miss a thing. How do you know if you have impeccable attention to detail? I have planted little errors throughout this blog post to give you an idea (I have made notes after the fact to tell you). If you haven’t picked up on any so far, then you have an idea of your attention to detail. Always remember, whatever you’re proofreading, it’s not just your business you’re representing, and your reputation for what you do, this reflects the author as well. Readers can be quick to point out errors, and the authors work can even sometimes lose stars on reviews because of it.
You need to have something in you that shudders when you see errors.
Th followig sentense, is so complety wronge in so; manny ways taht if proofreading is for u then u feel uncomfortabel even readig this right now… You’re squirming aren’t you? How did that make you feel? Then that’s your answer to whether you should be a proofreader or not. You’re welcome!
You need a space to completely focus, so you won’t miss any errors.
This one is crucial. Those without kids, turn off the TV, don’t work near any construction sites if possible, and find a peaceful and quiet spot in or outdoors. For the parents, being a mum, I know the noise that comes with kids. Screaming from excitement because Bananas In Pyjamas is on the TV or my baby squealing while playing with his favourite toys, these kinds of distractions while trying to proofread will end in a disappointed client. I know what you’re thinking… what the hells bells am I meant do? Just ignore them? Of course not. If you can, and I know this one is tough, but if you can get the kids to nap at the same time, this is a perfect time to proofread. Another one to try is childcare, but with the cost of childcare these days it may not be an option. If it is, and you can, go for it! Don’t feel mum/dad guilt about your little ones watching TV either… it is a life saver for me. I am not saying all day but allowing them watch it so you can work is okay if you are okay with it! You could also ask a friend, or a grandparent to come and babysit. If you have older children who can entertain themselves, don’t have any kids or they have left the nest, then go ahead and grab some coffee or tea, have a sit down, and proof proof proof!
You need to have patients.
I did it again! Have you been on the look out for more errors? I hope so. If you missed this one, maybe it’s time to try some spelling tests which can help you with spotting errors in the future (this one on Merriam-Webster I really like. Give it a go). Patience is an important one, especially if you’re proofreading a large manuscript (depending on the size of the manuscript it can weeks, the time varies, but safe to say it won’t be done in a short time). Sometimes you can come across something you are proofreading that has so many errors, you can barely read it. Patience is a must with this as well.
You don’t need any formal qualifications.
You don’t actually need to have completed any course to be a proofreader. It could benefit you in some ways, as some clients do prefer to see some formal qualifications, but most people will go by your proven skills. If you work for a newspaper, or magazine they may prefer you have some formal qualifications. If you show them your history of proofreading, they give you a go and see your talent – then the fact you don’t have any formal qualifications wouldn’t be important, would it? But that’s not up to me to decide! I’ve completed a Certificate in Professional Editing and Proofreading via Australian College of Journalism (before I had my boys) and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. I then built on that by jumping right into it, learning a lot by completing proofreading jobs for different clients. In my opinion, if you’re good at fixing errors, and you have a great eye for detail then take on proofreading jobs, build a portfolio, show how good you are at it then spread the word.
You need to know how to use Track Changes in Microsoft Word.
It would be easy for someone to accept some work to complete, say they did it, send it back to their client, accept the money and disappear. This is one sad scenario. A rare scenario, but one of the examples as to why Track Changes is great for both ends. On the proofreaders end it shows the hard work they’ve put in and for the clients side of things, they can see the errors that have been corrected, and the comments that have been made. The author can then go through it and accept or decline any changes. Track Changes is something you need to use with every job, in my opinion. Some authors might contact you and say, “I trust you, don’t bother with Track Changes, just go ahead and fix it” … and that’s up to the author. Don’t know how to use Track Changes? Find a Microsoft tutorial here.
Freelance, or work the 9-5?
There are benefits to both.
Freelance: you work when you want, where you want, and you choose the jobs you want (depending on your schedule, current circumstances, workload and so on) but you aren’t always guaranteed the same paycheck every time.
The 9-5: you’re always guaranteed a paycheck (unless you do something horrible wrong and get fired), but you are stuck to the same hours, every day, and sometimes with little flexibility depending on your boss.
This is the part that is completely up to you. I love being a freelancer, as I can work for myself, from home with the kids, in my own office space and I work directly with authors. One other point I would like to make as to why I love being a freelancer, is you can generally offer much lower fees than what the bigger business can.
Some tips from me:
1. Offer your services for free or a discounted price.
This might seem silly, given I have been talking about making this your living. But hear me out, you can find places where people offer their proofreading services for a discounted rate, and sometimes even for free. Goodreads is one of the best places, as an example. Have a look at this link, there are all sorts of proofreading discussions – including writers looking for proofreaders, be it free or discounted and there are other proofreaders offering their services. Why would I do this? Well, maybe you want to do some proofreading to add to your profile, maybe you want to help out some authors and do this for them free of charge (getting a book ready to release, everything from book covers, to complete edits, to marketing can really add up!) then that way you can show those authors how great you are at your job and also be doing them a favour. I say, in this world, if you can help someone, then do it! Always.
2. Be kind.
This is a big one. Writers, me being one of them and knowing many of them, work on their books, they live these books, they breathe these books, this is their hard work, their ‘baby’. So one of the most important things is to be kind. Let’s say you are having difficulty reading a sentence, no matter how hard you try you just don’t understand it, it doesn’t read quite right. So, you aren’t just going to leave it and move on right? Of course not! A true proofreader would lose sleep over leaving such things. So, you make a comment. Would you say ‘I can’t read this. Fix it.’ Uh. No. If you aren’t understanding something, I suggest something like, ‘this sentence didn’t read quite right, suggest some tweaking.’ This is much nicer, and you won’t leave your clients feeling like you are horrible to deal with and not want to return.
3. Build a relationship with your clients.
Your clients are people too, not just clients, remember that! In some business settings we feel like we have to keep up some sort of wall, but it’s okay to get to know your clients. Check in with them, and their families, and how their writing is going. Following and connecting with them via social media. I feel like reading someones manuscripts and blog posts, you get to know them through what they write, and this is such a great chance to make some great and even long lasting connections. Now, I’m not saying tell them your deepest darkest, because, we still need to be professional, but develop a nice rapport with them, and make sure you support them in their writing endeavours because who doesn’t love supporting others reach their goals?
4. Be confident in your skills.
Being confident in your ability to be an amazing proofreader will help you when it comes to marketing yourself, sending quotes, sending invoices after completing a job, contacting authors you’d like to work with, posting to your socials and so on. It can be hard when you’re starting out and realize how many other proofreaders there are offering their services, but don’t let that scare you. You all have a love for the same thing, now go out there and connect with some authors and share your talent with them. Enjoy reading some amazing books in the process.
5. Read over your work before submitting.
Allow enough time when you quote your client to allow you to read over the manuscript/blog post once more. It’s a little trick I have to make sure that I haven’t missed anything. Of course, mistakes happen, and that’s why we have a backup like this. If you have the time, take a small break from proofreading (even just a couple of hours) before going to read it again. Then your mind will be fresh. Sometimes if you look at something too much, you will miss the errors that may still be there. A little tip that works for me.
7. Put yourself out there – everywhere!
This is a big one. You need to be places where potential writers can find you to be their proofreader. Social media, when used correctly, is an amazing way to put yourself out there and connect with others. From Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to Linkedin, Goodreads, WordPress, Tumblr, Pinterest and more. Go ahead and sign up to as many as you can and spread the word.
Remember, there are many different jobs you can do that involve the written word. You aren’t limited to proofreading. But if you think you’ll love it, and be great at it, then go ahead and get started!
Emma xx
allthingswrittencom.wordpress.com 