If you want a home-based business with the minimum of hassles, starting your own proofreading service has a lot going for it. You don't need any special tools, equipment or premises. You can work any time you like, fitting it around your other commitments. You can start part-time and go full-time later if you like. And whilst you're unlikely to make a fortune, you can certainly make a good living.
What Does A Proofreader Do?
Proofreaders check the text of books and other written materials (e.g. magazines, newspapers, web pages) before they are sent to be printed, looking for spelling mistakes, faulty punctuation, and so on. They mark any mistakes they find using a standard set of proofreading marks. These corrections are then made before the book goes to print.
Proofreaders may be required to work in one of two ways: (1) They may be sent the author's original typescript with the copy editor's corrections marked on it, along with a copy of the proofs. In this case they are required to check that the typesetter has carried out all the editor's instructions and not inserted any errors of his own. This is known as reading against copy. (2) Alternatively, the proofreader may simply be sent a set of proofs and be requested to read through them checking for any mistakes (e.g. spelling, punctuation or factual errors). This is known as a straight (or blind) reading.
What Skills Do I Need?
To begin, you will need a good grasp of spelling and punctuation, and at least a basic knowledge of English grammar (though you can take courses in these subjects if required). You will need to be thorough and conscientious, and have an eye for detail. A typical page proof may have no more than 1 or 2 mistakes in it, but as a proofreader you will be expected to find them.
The other essential requirement is a knowledge of the standard proofreading marks and how to use them. The standard proofreading marks can be found in books such as The Chicago Manual of Style (US) and The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook (UK), both of which are easily obtained from libraries or the Amazon bookstore. You can also take courses such as the Professional Proofreading & Editing Course from Maple Academy, which will teach you the marks and provide practice in applying them.
Lastly, you should have a good modern dictionary to check spellings and usage. This should be a full-length version with at least 150,000 word definitions. Pocket/concise dictionaries just won't do!
Do I Have to Take a Course?
It's not essential, but if you haven't worked in publishing before, it is probably best to do some training before offering your service to paying clients, if only to build your confidence and hone your skills. As mentioned above, Maple Academy runs a comprehensive course covering both proofreading and copy editing, with tuition from professional proofreaders and editors.
How Will I Sell My Service?
The biggest employers of freelance proofreaders are publishing houses, and one way of finding work is simply to write to them offering your services. Hundreds of publishing houses are listed in Writer's Market (US) or The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook (UK).
Instead of sending out a mass mailshot, however, it may be more effective to target publishers who produce books on subjects in which you have specialist knowledge. If you have teaching experience, for example, target school textbook publishers. If you have French as a second language, focus on publishers in the moderrn languages field. When you write, don't forget to mention any relevant qualifications and experience.
Many other types of business use freelance proofreaders. Advertising, design and PR agencies especially are worth trying, as are printers and typesetting companies. You should find many such businesses listed in your local Yellow Pages or telephone directory. Send them a letter of application, or even better give them a ring.
Writers and aspiring writers represent yet another potential market. Try advertising your services in magazines aimed at such individuals, such as Writer's Digest (US) or Writer's News (UK). Try to get a sample copy first, however, so you can see how other proofreaders are doing it. Finally, you could try advertising in local business magazines and directories.
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