proof reading from home

briona

Not too long ago there was another proof-reading thread which generated huge interest and I pointed out then that you need to be pretty realistic about your chances of actually finding work...

I'm a Graphic Designer and many of the specialist agencies I'm registered with advertise a few freelance proof-reading jobs BUT as far as I know they require you to have a formal qualification.

As a designer I do all my own proof-reading, as do most of the studios I work for, so I'm not sure where you'd actually find work?! My mother does some proof-reading for her University contacts however she goes a step further and also does copy-editing, which requires you to have a pretty comprehensive knowledge of the subject you're reading.

The link below has some interesting information on freelance proof-reading, not least the following extract:

What are my chances of getting work?
Variable, but not good. You will be competing with the established workforce, many of whom trained in a publishing company and have quite a few years' experience. And you will be vying for jobs with a large number of newcomers who are doing the same as you – the SfEP receives up to 10,000 enquiries a year!

http://www.sfep.org.uk/pub/faqs/fwfree.asp

ryandj

briona wrote: »

Not too long ago there was another proof-reading thread which generated huge interest and I pointed out then that you need to be pretty realistic about your chances of actually finding work...

I'm a Graphic Designer and many of the specialist agencies I'm registered with advertise a few freelance proof-reading jobs BUT as far as I know they require you to have a formal qualification.

As a designer I do all my own proof-reading, as do most of the studios I work for, so I'm not sure where you'd actually find work?! My mother does some proof-reading for her University contacts however she goes a step further and also does copy-editing, which requires you to have a pretty comprehensive knowledge of the subject you're reading.

The link below has some interesting information on freelance proof-reading, not least the following extract:

What are my chances of getting work?
Variable, but not good. You will be competing with the established workforce, many of whom trained in a publishing company and have quite a few years' experience. And you will be vying for jobs with a large number of newcomers who are doing the same as you – the SfEP receives up to 10,000 enquiries a year!

http://www.sfep.org.uk/pub/faqs/fwfree.asp

Thanks, that is useful! So, it seems not a huge moneyspinner. However, in my advantage, I have experience working in a scientific publishing company and am building up my experiece of proofing in specialist chemistry areas. At the same time I am also building up my contacts so if I keep going like this maybe in a few years I could go freelance...

briona

ryandj wrote: »

Thanks, that is useful! So, it seems not a huge moneyspinner. However, in my advantage, I have experience working in a scientific publishing company and am building up my experiece of proofing in specialist chemistry areas. At the same time I am also building up my contacts so if I keep going like this maybe in a few years I could go freelance...

Taken from the link I posted above, it would appear that having experience in a specialist area (especially if it's in publishing) would indeed give you the 'edge' over other candidates:

"If you have expertise in a particular subject, you may stand a better chance of finding work with publishers producing publications in your subject. For example, if you have a degree in engineering or law, or can cope with complex mathematics, you will probably get more business coming your way than if you are hoping to work on the latest bestselling novels."

So with your experience I'd imagine that you would be able to go freelance in the future... Hope everything works out for you!

Briona

Sazzyukrafc

I'm a qualified and experienced Journalist (degree and NCTJ - subbing and proof reading among my qualifcations) and have extensive editorial and proof reading experience.

I've previously worked freelance and didn't actually find that many proof reading projects, mainly copywriting. To be honest, I bet in my couple of years freelancing, I only had a couple proof reading projects!

ryandj

What is involved in copy editing exactly?

LizD_2

I used to work for a publishing company (data-input and proof-reading) - virtually all proof-reading and copy-editing is done in house. It's near impossible to get into freelance, sorry!

Sestren

If you want to get into it you've just got to spend the money on recognised training courses. To become fully qualified in proofreading/copy editing you're looking at upwards of GBP1000.

It's a career rather than something to be done in your spare time. Ignore the adverts; the only way in is to pay the money, do the work and set yourself up as a full time freelance.

I'd also like to point out that elance is highly competitive and you're up against companies located in countries where the average wage is a lot lower. There will always be somebody to undercut you so, again, unless you have the qualifications and the experience then you're unlikely to find any editorial work.