Hey, I’m Elizabeth! I’m a work-from-home proofreader and business coach who teaches other readers and typo fixers how to build a life of freedom as a proofreader. I am proud to say that my energy, love, and personalized support are second to none in the proofreading world.
You already know you’re good at catching typos and grammar errors! So what’s the next step to turn those grammar skills of yours into a successful general proofreading business so you can proof books, blog posts, websites, social media posts, emails, and more for some serious cash?
Here are three must-do steps to start your general proofreading business.
Beyond marking up typos and grammar errors, you also have to know
Many hopeful proofreaders skip this part and run right into trying to get clients. However, skipping this step is setting yourself up for failure. If you don’t know how to run your business well, you will become overwhelmed and discouraged, and your clients will quickly sense your disorganization and lose confidence in you. So before you start advertising your services as a general proofreader, you should
To some this is the most intimidating part, but it doesn’t have to be! Marketing doesn’t have to feel icky or spammy or like you’re constantly bugging people for something they don’t want. Find your ideal clients, the ones you’re excited to work with and the ones who are excited to work with you. Hang out where they are and show them how you are the best proofreader for them and how organized and ready to go you are and that you have the skills you need to be amazing for them. You’re providing a valuable service to your clients, and they’ll be fortunate to work with you!
I talk to a lot of people who dream about starting their own general proofreading business. They’re excellent at grammar and spelling and are always catching errors…but they never get started. If you’ve learned these three steps and are ready, then do the thing! Open your business doors and start working. The world needs you and your personality, work ethic, and skills. So go be awesome, proofreader!
If would like help with knowing how to proofread, how to set up your business, and how to get clients, you’re in the perfect spot. I cover all three steps (and more) inside The General Proofreading Guides!
But how do you know which type of proofreading is best for you?
There’s general proofreading, which focuses on books, blogs, papers, and more. And there’s transcript proofreading, which focuses on verbatim legal transcripts.
Both work with words, but they’re both very different when it comes to how and what you proofread, the clients you work for, and the skill and experience you need to be successful.
So which one’s the perfect money-making match for you?