How to Find Online Proofreader Jobs (and Not Confuse Them with Editing)

One can assume that it’s child’s play to proofread, especially on a freelance basis. Such an idea is mostly expressed by those who do not prioritize this last stage and turn in their works without thoroughly editing and proofing.

Proofreaders who know their business would probably dispute that it is not important. On the other side, people often confuse two different vocations, deluding themselves into thinking that freelance proofreading and editing are the same thing. Freelance proofreading jobs, though, may be a great choice for those who strive to earn money with relatively little effort on favorable terms. With this in mind, let’s make the things clear once and for all, and thus avoid further confusion.

Proofing and editing methods are allies, though they should be used at different stages of writing. A clear division will not only shed light for clients, but also will help editors to accurately assess workloads.

The Essentials of Editing

No matter if you have landed a telecommuting proofreading job or a full-time editing position in a publishing house, the most prominent difference lies in their scope of coverage.

Editors are likely to encounter inconsistency, wordiness, and increase the overall quality of a text. It also comprises a bigger input than mere proofreading in terms of style, purpose, word choice, and general flow of writing.

What is the function of an editor:

• Making sure words sound natural and are used accurately according to the context.
• Polishing the content to make it short and sweet, eliminating excessive or frivolous passages.
• Changing passive voice to active where it is necessary, and adjusting the tone according to the piece of writing’s purpose.
• If English is your second language, a professional editor will create unique content that comes naturally to a native speaker.

In a word, a skillful editor arranges writing, sometimes making considerable changes to assure the content is flawless in every way.

Focusing on Proofreading

Whereas editing is close to art, proofing can be compared with science. Let’s get closer to a proofreader’s duties.

What a proofreader pays attention to:

• Eliminating all types of mistakes one can make in terms of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Formatting according to the required standard.
• Spotting mistakes which even an enhanced spell/grammar checker is likely to omit.
• Improving the overall technical part of writing of an already good piece of work.

It is clear that proofing implies less corrections, yet a high level of proficiency. An expert should not only have a perfect command of language, but also an eagle eye for ambiguous and unclear mistakes.

As a result, both options are fascinating opportunities to improve the professional qualifications of those who write well in English. That is why Jobs for Editors is ready to offer part-time proofreading jobs along with editing tasks. Online proofreading jobs can become a good option for those who find a competitive salary, flexible schedule, and the unique experience of improving people’s writing on various topics a viable source of work. If you want to get paid to proofread at home or wherever it is convenient for you, it is high time to make the first step towards this noble objective.