Build A Proofreading Business from Home
by Work Life Solutions.com
We approached Judy French, executive editor of ProofIt - Professional Proofreading Services in the Twin Ports of Superior, Wisconsin and Duluth, Minnesota - to tell us about working from home as a proofreader. Proofreading is the final and most crucial step in copy production. Today, more and more businesses, individuals, and students are turning to online proofreaders to reduce their "burden of proof."
You can reach Judy French via e-mail at editor@proof-it.com. Visit her Web site at Proof-it.com .
How did you get started as a proofreader on the Internet?
Three years ago, I wanted to start a home-based, online service of some kind, but what should it be? While reading a book about the subject, I found several errors on each page and started to doubt the author's credibility and professionalism. Bingo! The idea was born.
What exactly do you do in your home-based business?
My customers send me their documents by e-mail, fax, or regular mail. Their jobs are scheduled to meet their deadlines. Each document is thoroughly proofread for typos, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and word usage. A report of suggested changes is then prepared and sent to the customer.
What skills/resources did you need to get started?
Naturally, a good background in the language is required, along with a thorough knowledge of proofreading methods and procedures. Desk references must include an up-to-date dictionary, thesaurus, and style manual. On the technical side, an online proofreader needs to be familiar with e-mail, the major word processors, and Web site authoring methods.
How do you gain clients/market yourself?
Almost all of my customers come to me through my Web site at www.proof-it.com. Therefore, my business is international due to the reach of the World Wide Web. It's important to my business that I keep my site professional, current, informative, and attractive. However, the key to marketing on the Web is to make sure my site has a prominent ranking in all the major search engines. My customers have to be able to find me!
How well (financially) can someone do in a business like this?
Online proofreaders typically charge $20 to $50 per hour.
What type of background would be appropriate for someone considering a business like this?
Proofreaders should have a good command of the language, perfectionist tendencies, and a "bean-counter" attitude. Orientation to detail, unwavering patience, and a strong ability to concentrate are the keys to success.
What kind of equipment do you have in your office?
A computer, modem, printer, fax, and separate business phone line.
What kinds of projects do you undertake?
The variety of reading material is endless and very educational! My projects have ranged from a 1500-page Web site to a one-paragraph student essay. I have proofread books, business documents, advertising copy, Web sites, student papers, personal letters, job applications, newsletters, magazines, catalogs, etc.
What professional associations(s) do you belong to?
I belong to the Minnesota Professional Editors Network (PEN)
the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce
the Entrepreneur's Connection
the HTML Writers Guild
and the Northland Technology Consortium.
What other resources could you suggest?
I suggest searching the online bookstores for books on proofreading and editing. Also, I recommend the online dictionary and thesaurus at the Merriam-Webster Web site and the resources page at the PEN Web site mentioned above.
Also see:
The American Copy Editors Society - professional membership for employed copy editors, while freelance editors qualify only for associate membership
Copy Editor companion Web site for newsletter, offers jobs and links for copy editors
Links for copy editors
The Slot offers resources for copy editors including The Curmudgeon's Stylebook
About the Author
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