Proofreader

Proofreaders check publications for errors before they go to print or appear online. They mark where errors have been made, for example, in spelling, grammar and punctuation. They usually work alone, and often from home.

Work activities

Proofreaders work on a wide range of materials, including books, magazines, brochures, reports, websites and academic journals. Traditionally, proofreaders receive an author’s work after it has been copyedited and typeset. The proofreader checks the page proofs against the edited version word by word, making sure the typesetter has followed the copyeditor’s marks correctly. However, proofreading is now often “blind”, meaning that the proofreader doesn’t have an edited version to compare against. Also, proofreaders increasingly work on-screen.

Proofreaders often use special, standard marks in the text and page margins to show what and where the errors are and how they should be corrected. Traditionally, they’ll use red ink to show the typesetter’s mistakes and blue ink for any errors missed (or made) by the copyeditor. Proofreaders who work on-screen might use a “track changes” feature to mark the text. Proofreaders’ tasks include:

Marking spelling, grammar and punctuation mistakes.
Checking that page numbers are in sequence.
Ensuring consistency by following a house style guide.
Making sure captions for illustrations (diagrams, maps and photos) match what’s being shown in the illustration.

Proofreaders don’t check facts, suggest rewriting, comment on page layout or put together indexes. Proofreaders usually work on their own, although they might contact the copyeditor and/or author to discuss queries. They use print and online dictionaries and other reference books to check details they are unsure about.

Personal qualities and skills

As a proofreader, you’ll need:

Sound knowledge of spelling, grammar and punctuation.
A sharp eye for detail and the ability to concentrate for long periods of time.
To work neatly and accurately.
Organisational and time-management skills to meet deadlines.
To enjoy working on your own.
Good communication skills when dealing with clients and authors.
Computer skills.
Knowledge of the processes involved in producing books, other printed materials and websites.

Most proofreaders are self-employed, so you’ll usually need business and marketing skills.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) suggests that proofreaders charge at least £28.65 an hour (2023). However, not all proofreaders earn as much as this, especially early on in their careers. Freelancers may experience periods without work. For employed proofreaders, salaries are in the range of £20,000-£30,000 per year.

Hours of work vary depending on workload, but you might need to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.

Employers are publishing companies (either large organisations that cover a wide range of publications, or small, specialist firms that deal with just one or two publishing areas), graphic design agencies, printers, government bodies and any organisation that publishes written material, whether print or online. Although the traditional publishing industry is concentrated in London, the South East, Oxford and Cambridge, proofreaders can base themselves anywhere in the UK.

Most proofreaders are self-employed freelancers, usually working from home.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, in trade magazines/websites such as The Bookseller and on editorial and general job boards.

You can find advice on attracting freelance work on the CIEP website. It’s a good idea to build up a network of relevant contacts, as not all proofreading jobs are advertised. Speculative job applications can be useful. Freelance proofreaders often advertise on searchable online directories. It can also be a good idea to have your own website that advertises your services and includes testimonials from clients you’ve worked with.

Entry routes and training

There are no set entry routes into this career. Some proofreaders have a degree, for example, in English or in a subject that relates to their specialist field for proofreading, such as science publishing.

Some proofreaders move into sub-editing/copyediting roles. It’s also possible for experienced proofreaders to provide training in proofreading.

Qualifications

There are no minimum educational requirements for entry to this work, although you need excellent knowledge of English grammar, punctuation and spelling. You might be at an advantage if you have a degree or experience in a particular field because specialist knowledge is useful for some publications. Many proofreaders are graduates, often in subjects such as English.

Adult opportunities

The Publishing Training Centre (PTC), Editorial Training and the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) offer courses in proofreading.

Unwin Charitable Trust supports projects and training connected to the book trade.

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