Proofreading
What is a proofreader?
A proofreader is responsible for reviewing documents to ensure that grammatical, formatting, spelling, punctuation, and other errors are corrected. Proofreaders are regularly charged with being the final set of eyes for a variety of written projects, refining content and delivering a polished, final version for their clients.
How do you hire a proofreader?
You can source proofreader talent on Upwork by following these three steps:
- Write a project description. You’ll want to determine your scope of work and the skills and requirements you are looking for in a proofreader.
- Post it on Upwork. Once you’ve written a project description, post it to Upwork. Simply follow the prompts to help you input the information you collected to scope out your project.
- Shortlist and interview proofreaders. Once the proposals start coming in, create a shortlist of the professionals you want to interview.
Of these three steps, your project description is where you will determine your scope of work and the specific type of proofreader you need to complete your project.
How much does it cost to hire a proofreader?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions. Learn about the cost to hire proofreaders.
How do you write a proofreader job post?
Your job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
Job post title
Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords that your ideal candidate is likely to type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample proofreader job post titles:
- Need proofreader to review and improve a poetry manuscript
- Expert proofreader needed to address syntax and diction errors in public health documents
- Writing expert needed to ensure science textbook content flows effortlessly
Project description
An effective proofreader job post should include:
- Scope of work: From being detail oriented to having a high proficiency in English (or any required language), list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, content, or writing styles, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Proofreader job responsibilities
Here are some examples of proofreader job responsibilities:
- Review all corporate documents to ensure content is free from grammatical and syntax errors.
- Read and edit company content in multiple languages
- Ensure that each document’s illustrations have the correct captions associated with them
Proofreader job requirements and qualifications
Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in a proofreader. Here are some examples:
- Must be detail oriented and have ability to multitask
- Familiarity using proofreading symbols that allow the author to understand and implement changes.
- Undergraduate degree in English is a must