Editing Side Hustle Guide: How to Make Money Online as an Editor or Proofreader

Starting an editing side hustle helps you make money online in your spare time. If you’re skilled at catching grammar issues and rewriting text so it’s engaging, error-free, and filled with brand voice, editing might be the perfect side hustle for you.

Below, we cover everything you need to know to start an editing or proofreading business. You’ll learn the best online proofreading jobs for beginners and the best sites to find editing gigs, how much you can earn, and how to create an impressive portfolio.

If you want to start your own proofreading business or editor side hustle, get the lowdown on these lucrative careers below.

Side Hustles Explained

A side hustle refers to a secondary source of income that individuals engage in outside of their regular employment. For those passionate about editing with a strong command of the English language, starting an editor side hustle can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding endeavor.

Here’s a closer look at the definition of a side hustle for editors and the benefits it offers:

Definition of an Editor Side Hustle

• An editor side hustle involves providing professional editing services to clients, including proofreading, copyediting, search engine optimization (SEO), and content editing.
• As an editor, your role is to refine and polish written materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency.
• You may work on a range of content, such as articles, blog posts, books, marketing materials, and academic papers You will often make your edits in Google Docs or Microsoft Word, depending on the client’s preferences.
• To secure freelance editing work, you may be asked to complete an editing or proofreading test or language editing assignment. While some companies may pay for your time, unfortunately, most do not. And you will have to decide if your interest in the company/client and the potential pay/longevity of work is worth your time.
• While you don’t need a bachelor’s degree or to be a graduate or postgraduate student to be a professional proofreader or editor, you will want to have strong grammar skills, expertise in content marketing, formatting, and possibly Google’s E-E-A-T algorithm, depending on your niche. Experience working in Google Docs and Microsoft Word is also helpful. Many proofreading jobs and editing gigs will ask for these qualifications in job ads.

Benefits of Side Hustles

• Opportunity to showcase and enhance your editing skills while earning extra income.
• Flexibility to work on your own terms, choosing projects that align with your interests and availability.
• Potential to build a solid reputation and network in the editing industry.
• Stepping stone towards a full-time editing career or launching your own editing business.
• Intellectual stimulation and the satisfaction of helping others improve their written communication.

Editing vs. Proofreading: What’s the Difference?

Not sure if you want to be a freelance proofreader or editor? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key differences:

Editors

• Editors provide a comprehensive approach to improving written content. They focus on enhancing the overall quality, clarity, and effectiveness of the text.
• Editors analyze the content for structure, organization, and logical flow. They may suggest rephrasing sentences, restructuring paragraphs, and improving the coherence of the writing.
• They work closely with the author to understand the intended purpose, target audience, and desired outcomes of the piece.
• Editors address not only surface-level errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling but also larger issues related to content development, such as inconsistencies, factual accuracy, and overall messaging.
• They ensure proper adherence to style guides, tone of voice, and formatting requirements.
• Editors play a significant role in shaping the content and refining it to meet the highest editorial standards.

Proofreaders

• Proofreaders primarily focus on correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting. They review the final draft of a document to ensure accuracy and consistency when hired for proofreading jobs.
• A freelance proofreader pays meticulous attention to detail, catching typos, misspellings, and grammatical mistakes.
• They verify adherence to style guides, ensuring consistency in formatting, citation styles, and other specific guidelines to excel at proofreading jobs.
• A freelancer proofreader works with a finished manuscript or document and does not typically make substantial changes to the content or structure in freelance jobs.
• The primary goal of a freelance proofreader is to ensure the text is error-free and polished, ready for publication or dissemination.

While both editors and proofreaders contribute to improving written materials, editors take a more comprehensive and in-depth approach, addressing content development and overall quality, whereas proofreaders focus primarily on error correction and consistency.

What Skills Do You Need to Succeed as an Editor or Proofreader?

To excel at an editing or proofreading job, it’s important to develop and possess a range of essential skills that will enhance your editing abilities and attract clients.

Here are the top editing and proofreading skills you should focus on cultivating:

Mastery of Grammar and Language

To find proofreading jobs or editing gigs, you must develop a deep understanding of grammar rules, including sentence structure, punctuation, verb tense, and subject-verb agreement. Strengthen your knowledge of commonly misused words and grammatical errors.

Keen Attention to Detail

Cultivate an eagle-eyed attention to detail to catch even the smallest errors, inconsistencies, and typos that might have been overlooked. Train yourself to read meticulously, paying attention to every word, sentence, and paragraph.

Superior Spelling and Vocabulary

Essential editing and proofreading skills include enhancing your vocabulary by reading extensively across various genres. Familiarize yourself with spelling rules and common spelling pitfalls.

Use resources such as dictionaries and thesauruses to expand your word repertoire. This will help you fine-tune any document you edit.

Excellent Communication Skills

Develop strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey your edits, suggestions, and feedback to clients and authors. Learn to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, maintaining a professional and approachable tone.

Familiarity With Style Guides

In most editing or work-from-home proofreading jobs, you’ll be asked to stick to a style guide. Acquaint yourself with widely used style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style, Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, or specific industry style guides.

Understand the nuances of each style and apply them consistently to ensure cohesive and well-structured content.

Research Proficiency

Not all freelance proofreading jobs will expect you to fact-check, but if you’re editing, you will most likely need to handle this task. Build effective research skills to fact-check information, verify references, and understand specialized terminology.

Develop the ability to find reliable and credible sources that support the content you are editing.

Time Management

Whether you have an editing or proofreading business, understanding how long it’ll take you to edit something is key to ensuring you charge enough to make the work with the time and effort.

Hone your time management skills to meet project deadlines efficiently. Learn to estimate the time required for editing tasks accurately. Create schedules or use project management tools to organize your workload effectively.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Most freelance proofreading jobs won’t ask you to make any edits, but as an editor, you will need to pay to understand and adapt your revisions to each client’s voice and audience.

Adapt your editing style to cater to different genres, target audiences, and client preferences. Be open to feedback and receptive to adjusting your approach based on client requirements.

Professionalism and Confidentiality

Maintain professionalism in all interactions with clients and authors. Respect client confidentiality by handling their work with utmost discretion and ensuring the security of their intellectual property.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Develop critical thinking skills to assess the clarity, coherence, and effectiveness of written content. Identify areas for improvement and offer practical suggestions to enhance the overall quality of the writing.

Where to Find Editing or Proofreading Jobs for Beginners

When it comes to finding the best proofreading jobs or editor side hustles, there are various platforms and resources available to connect with potential clients.

Creating profiles on multiple sites can help you find editing and proofreading jobs online and ensure you have consistent work.

Here are some avenues you can explore to find legitimate proofreading jobs and editing gigs, no matter your skill level:

Online Platforms

Try the following online platforms to find steady online proofreading jobs and editing gigs, whether you’re just starting out or experienced:

• ClearVoice: ClearVoice is a platform that connects freelancers with clients seeking content creation services. Many clients on ClearVoice require editing and proofreading for their written materials. You can find some of the best online proofreading jobs through this platform, including steady editing work. You can set your own rates as well to ensure you are only offered jobs in your desired range.
• Contently: Contently is a platform that connects freelance editors with brands and publications. Create a portfolio showcasing your editing skills and apply for editing assignments posted by clients. This is a great way to find proofreading jobs and editing gigs, as well as build steady work with clients.
• Constant Content: Constant Content is an online marketplace where you can sell your editing and proofreading services directly to clients. Create a profile and list your editing skills and experience to attract potential clients who are looking to hire editors and freelance proofreaders.

Job Sites

You can find freelance proofreading jobs online and editing gigs at the following job sites:

• Indeed: Indeed is a job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources. Search for “editing” or “proofreading” positions, specifying your location if necessary.
• LinkedIn: Explore job ads on LinkedIn by using keywords like “freelance editor” or “editor side hustle.” Additionally, join relevant professional groups to network with potential clients and colleagues in the editing industry.
• Glassdoor: Glassdoor not only provides job listings but also offers insights into companies and their hiring practices. Look for editing positions or freelance opportunities on Glassdoor.

Social Media and Online Communities

Here’s a list of social media sites and online communities where you can find online proofreading jobs and editing gigs:

• Facebook Groups: Join Facebook groups dedicated to freelancing, writing, or editing. Some groups specifically cater to connecting editors with clients seeking editing or proofreading services .Examples include “Freelance Writing Jobs” and “Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).” You can find some of the best proofreading jobs in Facebook groups that aren’t posted elsewhere, but you need to be fast in order to be considered. If you are in any groups you like, consider checking them daily. Finding online proofreading jobs and editing gigs this way often requires timely responses to job postings in order to be considered.
• Reddit: Visit relevant subreddits such as r/forhire, r/HireaWriter, or r/editors to find editing gigs. Engage in discussions and network with potential clients and fellow editors.
• Twitter: Use Twitter hashtags like #FreelanceJobs, #EditingJobs, or #Proofreading to discover freelance editing opportunities. Follow industry influencers and engage in conversations to expand your network.

Freelance Service Platforms

The following platforms are great sources of online proofreading jobs and editing gigs:

• Fiverr: Fiverr is a popular platform offering freelance services, including editing and proofreading. Create a profile showcasing your editing expertise, set your rates, and market your services to potential clients.
• PeoplePerHour: PeoplePerHour is a freelance platform where you can find editing gigs and set your own pricing. Create a profile highlighting your skills, and bid on projects that match your expertise.
• Freelancermap: Freelancermap is a platform that caters to freelance professionals, including editors. Create a profile, specify your editing or proofreading services, and search for relevant projects in your field.
• Upwork: If you’re a freelance proofreader or editor, Upwork is a popular freelance platform where clients post job ads for a wide range of services, including editing and proofreading. Create a profile, showcase your skills and experience, and apply for relevant editing projects.
• Freelancer: Freelancer is another freelancing platform that offers editing gigs. Browse through the job postings or create a profile to attract clients seeking editing and proofreading services.
• Guru: Guru is a freelance marketplace where you can find editing projects posted by clients. Create a profile highlighting your expertise, and bid on suitable editing jobs.

How Much Can You Make as a Freelance Proofreader or Editor

If you’re considering an editor side hustle, one important aspect to consider is the potential income.

While the exact earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, expertise, and the nature of the projects, here are some average hourly pay rates for editors and proofreaders to give you an idea:

Average Hourly Pay for Freelance Editors

Editors generally command higher rates compared to proofreaders due to the more comprehensive nature of their work, which involves not only correcting errors but also improving the overall quality and structure of the content.

The average hourly pay for editors can range from:

• Entry-level editors: $15 to $25 per hour
• Experienced editors: $25 to $50 per hour
• Specialized or niche editors: $50 to $100+ per hour

These rates can vary based on factors such as the industry you specialize in (e.g., academic, technical, creative), the level of editing required (e.g., developmental editing, copyediting), and the complexity of the content.

Average Hourly Pay for Freelance Proofreaders

Proofreaders focus primarily on identifying and correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.

While the scope of their work may be narrower compared to editors, they still play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and polish of written materials.

The average online proofreading job can range from:

• Entry-level online proofreader: $10 to $20 per hour
• Experienced proofreaders: $20 to $40 per hour
• Specialized or technical proofreaders: $40 to $70+ per hour

Similar to editing, the specific rates for proofreading can vary depending on factors such as industry specialization, the complexity of the content, and the level of attention to detail required.

It’s important to note that these figures represent average hourly rates and can vary based on your location, the market demand for editing services, and the specific requirements of each project.

Additionally, some editors and proofreaders may choose to charge per project instead of hourly rates. As you gain experience and establish your reputation, you can adjust your rates accordingly.

Remember to thoroughly research the market rates and consider your skills, experience, and the value you bring to clients when determining your pricing.

Setting Up Your Editing or Proofreading Side Job

When launching your editing or proofreading side jobs, it’s essential to lay a strong foundation that will attract clients and set you up for success.

Here are some actionable steps to consider before trying to find editing or proofreading job online:

Choosing a Business Name and Branding

While not mandatory, choosing a business name and establishing branding can help you create a professional presence and make a lasting impression on potential clients.

When selecting a business name for remote proofreading jobs or editing gigs, keep these tips in mind:

• Make it memorable and easy to pronounce.
• Ensure it reflects your editing and freelance proofreading services and resonates with your target market.
• Conduct a search to ensure the name is not already in use by another business.

Once you have a name for your editing or proofreading services, develop a consistent brand identity by creating a simple logo and selecting a color scheme and typography that aligns with your services and target market.

This branding can be utilized on your website, social media profiles, and any marketing materials.

Defining Your Target Market

To effectively market your editing services and find online jobs, you need to identify your target market.

Consider the following factors to narrow down your focus for your freelance proofreading career or editing business:

• Industries: Determine the industries or niches you want to specialize in, such as academic writing, technical documents, marketing materials, or fiction.
• Demographics: Consider the demographics of your ideal clients, including their age, occupation, and location.
• Content Types: Decide the specific types of content you excel at editing, such as research papers, blog articles, eBooks, or business reports.

By clearly defining your target market, you can tailor your marketing efforts and communicate your value proposition more effectively.

Creating a Portfolio of Editing Work

Building a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate your editing skills and attract potential clients.

Here are some platforms where you can create a free online portfolio to help you get online proofreading jobs and editing gigs:

• Behance: Ideal for showcasing creative editing projects, such as book covers or magazine layouts.
• Clippings.me: Specifically designed for writers and journalists to showcase their work, including editing samples.
• LinkedIn: Utilize the “Featured” section on your LinkedIn profile to highlight links to published articles or attach relevant documents.
• Google Sites: Create a professional-looking website using Google Sites, where you can showcase your editing portfolio and provide additional information about your services.

When selecting samples for your portfolio, aim for diversity to showcase your versatility. Include “before and after” examples to highlight the impact of your editing. Remember to anonymize or seek permission from clients before using their work in your portfolio.

Establishing Competitive Pricing

Determining your pricing structure requires careful consideration. While entry level proofreading jobs will pay less, you’ll still want to make sure you make enough money that it’s worth your time and energy (and the same goes with editing jobs).

Ensure you’re charging enough to make a wage you’re happy with.

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Research the market rates for editing services in your target industry and location.
• Consider your experience, expertise, and the value you bring to clients.
• Determine whether you will charge per hour or per project.
• Evaluate the complexity and length of the projects you’ll be working on.

While it’s important to be competitive, ensure your rates reflect the quality of your work and the value you provide.

As you gain experience and positive reviews, you can gradually increase your rates. microsoft word. money proofreading. money proofreading.

Setting up a Website to Advertise Your Services (Optional)

Having a website can serve as a valuable tool for promoting your editing or freelance proofreading business.

Here are some key elements to include:

• A clear description of your editing services and specialization.
• Testimonials or client reviews to build trust and credibility.
• Contact information or a contact form for potential clients to reach out to you.
• An updated blog or resources section to showcase your expertise and provide helpful tips for writers.

Choose a user-friendly platform like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace to build your website. Focus on creating a clean and professional design that reflects your branding and is easy to navigate.

Remember, setting up a website is optional, but it can enhance your online presence and provide a centralized platform for potential clients to learn more about your services.

If you know SEO basics, you can also optimize your site to help you get freelance jobs from organic web searches.

This means that anyone searching for editing or proofreading help could find your site and hire you — without you having to pay a dime in advertising, aside from hosting for your website.

Best Online Courses and Books for Aspiring Editors

If you’re looking to enhance your editing skills and knowledge, there are several excellent online classes and books available. Here are some top recommendations for aspiring editors:

Best Editing Classes to Help Beginners Learn

If you’re looking for a proofreading course or a editing class to get you up to speed before you try to find clients, here are some great options:

• Certificate in Editing and Proofreading — Masterclass: This comprehensive online course covers the essentials of editing, including grammar, punctuation, style, and proofreading. It provides practical exercises and examples to reinforce your learning.
• Copyediting Certification Course by Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA): The EFA offers a variety of courses designed for those aspiring to become professional editors, including line editing, fiction editing, editing for Chicago Manual of Style, copyediting for beginner and intermediate levels, inclusive editing, and much more.
• Grammar and Punctuation by Coursera: Offered by the University of California, Irvine, this course focuses on mastering grammar rules and punctuation usage. It includes interactive exercises and quizzes to reinforce your understanding.
• Editing and proofreading courses by Reedsy: You can find a variety of excellent courses through Reedsy, including a general proofreading course or a more advanced editing course, to help you edit or proofread fiction. These courses explore how to refine story structure, character development, pacing, and dialogue and make great money proofreading or editing. They’re an excellent choice for those interested in working with creative writing.
• How to Become a Proofreader and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business: This online proofreading course will teach you how to create a profitable online proofreading business and attract prospects.

Best Editing Books for Beginners to Read

If you prefer to learn the craft of proofreading or editing through books, you have many fantastic options.

Check out the following books to fine-tune your skills:

• “The Copyeditor’s Handbook” by Amy Einsohn: This comprehensive guide covers the fundamentals of copyediting and provides practical tips and techniques for improving written content. It includes valuable information on grammar, style, and common editing challenges.
• “Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation” by Lynne Truss: This humorous and engaging book is a must-read for anyone interested in punctuation. It offers an entertaining exploration of punctuation rules and provides valuable insights into the importance of proper punctuation.
• “Developmental Editing: A Handbook for Freelancers, Authors, and Publishers” by Scott Norton: This book focuses on the art of developmental editing, which involves shaping and refining the content, structure, and overall quality of a manuscript. It offers practical advice and strategies for providing effective editorial feedback.
• “The Subversive Copy Editor: Advice from Chicago” by Carol Fisher Saller: This book provides a unique and insightful perspective on the editing process. It covers various aspects of editing, including grammar, style, and dealing with authors, in an engaging and entertaining manner.
• “Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors” by Kathy Ide: This book provides valuable insights into the world of proofreading, offering tips and techniques from experienced editors who have worked with best-selling authors. It covers various aspects of proofreading, including common spelling mistakes to watch out for, grammar and punctuation rules, and how to effectively market your proofreading business.

Editing Tools to Help Perfect Your Craft

Ain’t no shame in your editing game if you use a few tools to ensure you deliver the best results to clients.

To refine and perfect your editing skills, there are several highly effective editing tools available. These tools can assist you in catching errors, improving clarity, and enhancing the overall quality of your written content. While they should not be used in place of editing, they are helpful when used in conjunction.

Here are some top recommendations:

Grammarly

Grammarly is a comprehensive writing assistant that goes beyond basic grammar and spell-checking. It provides real-time suggestions for grammar, punctuation, spelling, style, and tone. Think of it as a final quality assurance check after you’ve completed your work to ensure you’ve caught all errors.

Grammarly can be used as a browser extension, desktop application, or integrated directly into popular writing platforms like Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It also offers a plagiarism checker to ensure the originality of your content.

ProWritingAid

While we believe this one is best for fiction and non-fiction editing, ProWritingAid is an all-in-one writing and editing software that offers an extensive range of features. It analyzes your writing for grammar, spelling, style, readability, clichés, repetitive words, and more.

It provides in-depth reports on your writing, highlighting areas for improvement and offering suggestions for enhancing your style and clarity. ProWritingAid integrates with popular writing platforms and is a valuable tool for self-editing.

Hemingway Editor

Think of this one as a Grammarly light tool. The Hemingway Editor is a unique tool that focuses on improving the readability and clarity of your writing. It highlights complex sentences, excessive adverbs, passive voice usage, and other potential issues.

The app assigns a readability grade level to your writing and offers suggestions to simplify sentences and enhance overall readability. Hemingway Editor can be used online or as a desktop application.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including OpenAI, have made significant advancements in language processing and can assist in the editing process. OpenAI’s language model can generate alternative sentence structures, improve word choice, and suggest ways to enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.

While AI writing tools are not perfect, they provide valuable insights and suggestions that can complement your editing skills. Here’s a prompt you can use with any AI tool:

“Please review and edit the following document for clarity, grammar, and coherence. Make necessary revisions to improve the overall quality of the content. Your edits should aim to enhance readability, eliminate any redundancies, correct errors, and ensure a consistent writing style throughout the document. Pay attention to sentence structure, word choice, and flow. Your objective is to polish the text and make it more engaging and professional. Please provide clear and concise suggestions, along with explanations, to help the writer understand the changes made and learn from the editing process.”

Final Thoughts

An editor side hustle can help you earn money online, hone skills, and build wealth. Whether you want to have an online proofreader or editor side hustle or even offer translation services, it’s crucial to have a strong grasp of the English language, catch grammar and spelling errors, and turn any type of content from meh to mesmerizing.

While you don’t need a bachelor’s degree for most editing or online proofreading jobs and side hustles, you will want to ensure you have a sharp eye for what makes great content. Knowing how to optimize content for SEO will also help, especially for blog content and website copy.

Whether it’s you’re first proofreading job or you’re a seasoned editor, it doesn’t hurt to take courses and read books to develop your skills further. Editor side hustles and home proofreading jobs are fantastic ways to make money in your spare time and grow your skills.

Related Reading

• What Is a Side Hustle? Definition, Benefits, and How to Get Started
• Best Side Hustles: Top Picks to Make More Money in 2023
• What Is Passive Income? Definition, Benefits, and Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions