A freelance proofreader corrects written materials, including legal documents, reports, and books. They specialize in format, comparison, or content work, and require knowledge of word processing and editing software. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement, but a bachelor’s degree in language arts or journalism is preferred.
A freelance proofreader reviews written materials and makes text corrections. She can review legal documents, reports, court transcripts or news copies. A sizable number of reviewers also review fiction and non-fiction books, plays, and screenplays. As a freelancer, she usually works from a home office or a personally rented office in a building.
Generally, there are three types of review projects, including format, comparison, and content work. A freelance proofreader can provide all three types of services or specialize in one. Some projects require a combination of proofreading services and others require only one type of proofreading.
Format revision refers to the actual physical appearance of the text. Typically applies to documents such as business letters, essays, scripts and reports. Key points of concern often include consistency in paragraph size, margins, and spacing. In some cases, outline formats and footnotes are checked for accuracy in format and syntax.
If she is proofreading the comparison, the proofreader usually has two documents to review, the original and the draft. In that case, every character, punctuation mark, and word in the two documents must be compared to ensure they are identical. The original document is often handwritten or a typed copy with handwritten notes embedded on each page.
Content review is generally considered the most labor intensive. For these types of jobs, the freelance proofreader is usually required to edit the technical content, facts, or flow of the text. As she reads the work, she is expected to correct spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and consistency in terminology. While she does these technical edits, she is usually required to ensure that the text is accurate if it is a work of non-fiction that deals with irrefutable subjects like science or math. If it’s fiction, your job is to make sure the thoughts and images in the text are logically organized and project a coherent procession of events to the reader.
In addition to having an excellent command of the language and in-depth knowledge of punctuation and grammar, a freelance proofreader is generally required to have a good knowledge of word processing, editing and proofreading software. While some proofreading work still involves paper documents, most work is presented on CD or sent out for review via email. Several proofreading software programs also offer interactive features that allow the author and proofreader to simultaneously view and edit the same document.
A high school diploma or equivalent is a normal educational requirement for a freelance proofreader. Most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in language arts or journalism. Jobs in technical fields often require familiarity with specific terms and vernaculars. A review test is often part of the job application process.
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