Drumroll, please! Your quiz results are in! You got…
General
Proofreading!
If you…
Sound like you?
always see typos inside your favorite books
cringe when there are random quotation marks around employees “must” wash hands
fight the temptation to comment when you notice a wrong word in a social media post
want an extra stream of income that’s legit, puts your brain to work, and doesn’t require you to dance on reels, talk on the phone, or sell products you don’t care about
want to be in control of your income and your time
…then you’re going to love being a general proofreader!
Ready to learn how you can turn skills you already have into a money-making side hustle?
So how does general proofreading work?
I’m glad you asked! General proofreading focuses on any type of content where the writer has direct control over the words on the page (as opposed to the verbatim spoken word). It closely follows the formal grammar rules we learned in school and makes everything grammatically correct (while following client preferences).
Compared to transcript proofreading for court reporters, it’s much more black and white, and it takes less training. General proofreading is what you usually think of when you think of proofreading and what you’re already used to doing when you read a book and want to fix an error.
Once a general proofreader connects with a client and they both decide to move forward, they’ll sign a contract, agreeing to the rates and turnaround time. The general proofreader (you!) will proofread the document the client sends you in the file type they prefer, and then you will send it back to the client by the due date. You will invoice the client for the job…and get PAID!
The Editorial Freelance Association rate guide quotes the median rate anywhere from $35-$65/hour. This is just an average, and you can make less or more depending on a variety of factors including the complexity and size of the project, your proofreading efficiency, and your rates. You could make as little as a few bucks a month if you only do one small job or you can make a thousand or two if you have consistent work from clients. It’s up to you! (I cover how to set your rates inside my training.) When I was a general proofreader, I made $1-2,000/month.
The best part?
You can do this on your schedule and from wherever you want to work.
As long as you are skilled as a proofreader, are easy to work with, and get jobs back on time, your clients don’t care what location you proof from or what time of day (or night!) you like to work.
Talk about freedom!
Speaking of getting paid… How much can you make?
What are the steps to being the general proofreader clients want to work with so you can make money as your own boss, on your own time, and wherever you want?
How to become a successful general proofreader
Set up your business entity
Know how to use the most common proofreading programs so you can proof any file type your clients send you
Be familiar with the reference manuals you’ll use while working with your clients
Have a working knowledge of grammar rules and word usage
Set up your rates, turnaround times, and contract templates
Go get your clients
Start making money
Need help with those steps?
I got you, friend!
Unlock the skills and confidence to launch your own general proofreading business in just weeks.
Inside General Proofreading University, you’ll master essential general proofreading techniques, enhance your grammar skills, and learn to find and get clients authentically (offline and online), saving you time and helping you start earning quickly.
Transform your passion for words into a profitable proofreading side hustle in under 6 weeks with
General Proofreading University (GPU)!
How to proofread as a general proofreader
Unlock the skills to confidently take on clients by mastering the art of proofreading with clear, no-nonsense steps. Lay the foundation for your new business, understand the crucial -- and very specific role -- of a proofreader so you remain within your scope of practice and give your clients exactly what they need, effectively use proofreading tools, tailor your services to meet client needs, and get some practical experience under your belt so you aren’t a newbie before you start working with clients.
The general proofreader’s grammar guide
Enhance your grammar skills and tackle common errors with confidence as a general proofreader. This guide provides you with quick references and essential rules, ensuring you're always prepared to spot and correct mistakes effectively. It’s the perfect resource to bring all of your grammar skills back to the forefront and rebuild your efficiency with grammar in case it’s been a little while!
How to set up your general proofreading business for success
Streamline your journey to becoming a successful general proofreader by mastering the essentials of business setup, including rates, contracts, and job management. This comprehensive guide simplifies everything from invoicing and organization to client interactions, empowering you to navigate your new business with confidence and ease.
How to find & get general proofreading clients
Master the art of client acquisition without the discomfort of traditional (i.e., icky and spammy) marketing tactics. Learn to showcase your authentic self -- whether you’re introverted or extroverted -- while confidently attracting clients and building a thriving general proofreading side hustle, both on and off social media. Plus, gain access to bonus coaching call replays that dive deeper into effective marketing strategies tailored just for you!
GPU is a straightforward, four-step process on how to turn your typo-finding eyeballs into money-making eyeballs.
Inside, you will master essential general proofreading techniques, enhance your grammar skills, and learn to find and get clients authentically (offline and online), saving you time and helping you start earning quickly.
Experience the freedom of working on your terms while providing invaluable services that meet your clients’ needs.
You’ll learn:
Hi! I'm Elizabeth,
professional proofreader and
The Proofreading Business Coach.
Hi there, my typo-finding friend! I’m guessing we have some things in common, like loving to read, find and fix mistakes, and help people feel happy and confident about their writing…and we wouldn’t mind making some (good!) money in the process. I’m so happy we get to meet here!
I’ve been in the proofreading world for years. In fact, I started my proofreading journey right out of high school. My first official gig was at college where I helped students edit and proofread their papers. After dropping out of college a couple of years later, I decided to transition my in-person proofreading business to all online.
Throughout my general proofreading career, I’ve proofread a wide variety of projects, including everything from nonfiction books on topics like self-improvement and theology, sci-fi and romance novels, business papers, website content, blog posts, and even a stranger’s family Christmas letter! One of my coolest jobs was proofreading answers for a huge online question and answer business and eventually managing their team of writers from around the world.
Proofreading has transformed my life. It’s not only been a side hustle, it’s a lifestyle. It’s given me the freedom to support myself, live life on my own terms, and help my husband pursue his goals. I’ve found confidence and fulfillment, all while doing something I love.
And it’s why I’m so excited for you to get your hands on the general proofreading guides! That way you can have an affordable and straightforward way to take your proofreading business where you want it to be with the know-how I wish I had when I first started.
Here’s to making your life happen the way you want it to!
Hi! I'm Elizabeth,
professional proofreader and
The Proofreading Business Coach.
fAQs you should read before Enrolling In GPU
You will need a laptop/desktop or tablet that can run an internet browser and Adobe. You should not proofread on your phone as the screen is too small to catch errors and proofreading software is often clunky or unavailable for your phone. An internet connection is also required.
My guides focus on The Chicago Manual of Style, which is what I primarily used as a general proofreader. The principles you learn can also be applied to other manuals, such as AP, MLA, etc.
You sure don’t! I’m a college dropout, and it has never held me back from landing the proofreading jobs I wanted. Your clients care about your skills and how you present yourself, not the letters after your name. I’ll show you how to market yourself effectively, regardless of whether you have a degree or certification.
As long as you have internet access, you can proofread anywhere in the world. That’s because jobs are sent and received online. While I specifically teach US grammar/spelling and how to set up a business in the US, the skills for proofreading, running a business, and marketing yourself apply globally. This side hustle is SO flexible!
English can be your second (or third or fourth!) language as long as you are conversationally and grammatically fluent in English. Your job revolves around the English language, from talking with clients to proofreading their writing, so it’s important you can communicate and proofread in both formal and informal English.
Due to the broad range of potential clients in general proofreading, I can't list every single place. However, I will share my favorite places to find clients, how to identify where your ideal clients hang out, and how to get clients.
GPU is completely self-paced, so you can work through it at a speed that works for you. It's organized to help you finish in less than two months, but if you need longer, take it! As for how quickly you'll get clients, that is ultimately up to you. Some students see result the same week they start marketing and others take longer. Staying consistent and marketing well is the key!
I cannot guarantee your success because, ultimately, your success is up to you. GPU gives you the training and steps. It's then up to you to show up and consistently apply what you learn. Proofreading isn’t a “get rich quick without any work” scheme. You have to be willing to put in the work to make your proofreading business happen -- it’s worth it!
Your training is completely self-paced inside GPU and in-depth coaching call replays. GPU contains in-depth, step-by-step training and corresponding action items so you can apply what you’re learning. By the time you go through the course and complete the action steps, you’ll have your business set up and ready to go! GPU is self-contained, so there is no additional coaching or support community.
No, there are no refunds. If you have questions or need help determining if this is a good fit for you before purchasing, email me! elizabeth@elizabethjwiegner.com
No. When you purchase GPU, you are agreeing it is specially yours and that you will not reproduce, distribute, sell, duplicate, share, or exploit the material inside.
No, these guides only apply to general proofreading. They do not cover transcript proofreading for court reporters, which is a unique and advanced type of proofreading requiring very specific, in-depth training. General proofreading and transcript proofreading are not the same, so the same training would not apply to both.
If you’re curious about transcript proofreading,
Testimonials, feedback, and reviews are directly from students. They have not been compensated for their comments. Success/results/income is not guaranteed and can vary from student to student. Proofreading is not a "get rich" and "get rich quick doing nothing" business. It takes diligence, learning, and showing up for yourself to get the results you want. No coaching, training, or course will give you the life you want to have; you have to put in the work. Your success is up to you!
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