Would you like a proofreading business where you…

  • Work whenever, wherever you want?
  • Work with clients who appreciate you?
  • Have consistent work to be either part-time or full-time?
  • Set your own hours?
  • Read true crime?

Sound like a dream job?
It’s possible as a transcript proofreader for court reporters!

You’re looking for a proofreading job that gives you the freedom to… 

  • Pay off debt
  • Treat yourself to splurges (e.g., eat out more, hire a housekeeper or nanny, get a Peloton, start personal training)
  • Not have to ever worry how to support yourself if poop ever hits the fan in your life
  • Travel whenever you get the itch
  • Be home with your kids 
  • Forget commutes and work in your comfy clothes
  • Contribute to the household income
  • Not feel stressed about paying the rent, groceries, or utilities
  • Work when you want to — not when a boss tells you you have to show up
  • Do something you LOVE to do, not have to do (like the job you’re currently in)

The problem you’re running into is…how do you actually proofread transcripts?

And how on earth are you supposed to find clients and manage your business with everything else you have going on in your life?

You have this crazy awesome skill of catching grammar errors everywhere! Seriously, you can’t go anywhere without seeing them! 

You also love to read mysteries, watch crime shows (anyone else a Law & Order and Dateline fan?), and listen to crime podcasts. You know proofreading transcripts for court reporters would be perfect for you!

But with all the hows and what-ifs, no wonder you haven’t been able to be as successful as you know you can be.

So how do you create that life you want with the proofreading business you’ve only dreamed about until now?

Introducing…

Learn How to Be a Transcript Proofreader

Learn How to Be a Transcript Proofreader is specifically designed to teach you exactly what you need to know to proofread transcripts, manage your business, and get clients so you can live your life on your terms.

By the end of this course, you will know how to… 

  • Proofread transcripts with a high level of skill so you’re confident you can show up for your clients.
  • Set up and manage your new business so you don’t get overwhelmed.
  • Find and get consistent clients so you can get paid to do what you love.

What’s inside?

Learn How to Be a Transcript Proofreader includes video + written course material, as well as detailed assignments so you can apply what you learned and build your skills. 

Plus interact inside the private community with myself and your coursemates so you have the support you need to stay on track.

Each phase of the course is broken down into step-by-step lessons so you know exactly what to do to get your business launched in a matter of weeks!

Start your business in just three steps

Learn everything you need to know to be the proofreader court reporters want to work with,
all on your own timeline.

Phase 1: Introduction to Transcript Proofreading

Ready to learn about transcript proofreading and see if it’s the right money-making side hustle for you? Phase 1 is for you! Inside, you’ll get the foundation you need to start a successful business.

Phase 2: Build Your Skills

Learn the ins and outs of proofreading transcripts including detailed how-to videos and real-life transcripts so you get the practice and experience you need to be confident and successful as a transcript proofreader.

Phase 3: Turn Your Skills into Bills

After you’ve passed your exams in Phase 2, it’s time to learn how to make money with your new skills! Learn exactly how to manage your business and get clients so you can have the proofreading business you want.

How does it work?

Enroll in Phase 1, work through the lessons and assignments, and move on to Phase 2 whenever you’re ready.

After you pass your grammar and proofreading exams in Phase 2, move on to Phase 3, get featured in the graduate directory, and go get clients!

Everything’s on your timeline — move through the phases as quickly or as slowly as your schedule needs. No expiration dates. No obligation to continue. In other words, do what works for you!

Plus receive unlimited support and encouragement from day one from myself and your proofreading peers inside my private, zero-drama transcript proofreading community.

Why do you need special training to be a transcript proofreader?

The court reporting industry is a highly skilled industry. Called the “guardians of the record,” court reporters are responsible for flawlessly transcribing the spoken word of legal proceedings — and it’s their proofreader’s job to help them make sure their transcripts are turn-in ready.

Transcripts are unlike any other writing material you may be used to proofreading. Because court reporters take down the verbatim written word, you proofread transcripts for readability. Sometimes the grammar is all over the place but you can’t change what’s said since it’s verbatim! It’s a unique skill — but it’s fun!

Because court reporters form such a tightly knit community, your reputation is invaluable. Before you head into the industry, you must be trained in proofreading transcripts and understand the court reporting world so you can show up and be an exceptional proofreader.

That’s why your training is so important to set you up for success from day 1.

Here’s what’s inside each phase:

Phase 1: Introduction to Transcript Proofreading

Ready to learn about transcript proofreading and see if it’s the right money-making side hustle for you? Phase 1 is for you! Inside, you’ll get the foundation you need to start a successful business.

 

  • Join the zero-drama private learning community
  • Set yourself up for success
  • Understanding CRs and transcripts
  • The types of CRs you can work with
  • The life of a transcript
  • The types of transcripts you can proofread
  • What your job as a transcript proofreader is
  • Common legal terms + definitions you need to know
  • Name your transcript proofreading business
  • Create your business email
  • Create your business page
  • Form your business entity
  • Pop-up Q&A lives hosted by me inside the community

Phase 2: Build Your Skills

Learn the ins and outs of proofreading transcripts including detailed how-to videos and real-life transcripts so you get the practice and experience you need to be confident and successful as a transcript proofreader.

 

  • The Grammar Masterclass for Transcript Proofreaders
  • Devices to proofread on
  • Proofreading styles + software
  • How to use your proofreading software
  • How to research like a pro
  • Working with CR preferences
  • The anatomy of a transcript
  • How to proofread transcripts
  • Common annotations and what they mean
  • Proofreading tips
  • Transcript confidentiality
  • Confidentiality 
  • Practice proofreading transcripts
  • Direct, personalized feedback on a practice transcript
  • Grammar exam
  • Hand-graded transcript exam
  • Pop-up Q&A lives hosted by me inside the community

Phase 3: Turn Your Skills into Bills

After you’ve passed your exams in Phase 2, it’s time to learn how to make money with your new skills! Learn exactly how to manage your business and get clients so you can have the proofreading business you want.

  • Join the zero-drama private marketing support community
  • Taxes and your business bank account
  • Insurance
  • Rates and turnaround time
  • Setting up payment methods and your invoicing software
  • Invoice terms
  • Onboarding a new CR
  • A proofreader’s job from start to finish
  • Conduct and communication with your CRs
  • Staying organized
  • Managing your workload
  • Scheduling your proofing time
  • Taking time off
  • Focus on the CR
  • Infusing value into your business
  • Your skills, experience, interests + a secret ingredient
  • Help statement
  • Tagline
  • Info sheet
  • Email signature
  • Marketing online to get CRs
  • Posting and commenting online in groups and boards
  • Responding to a request for a proofreader post
  • How to write a killer connection letter
  • Best places to market online
  • Unique ideas to market offline
  • Referrals
  • Posting to your Facebook page
  • Good Facebook page posting guidelines
  • Final marketing thoughts 
  • Graduate directory
  • Regular Zoom coaching calls with your graduate peers and myself to meet up, motivate, brainstorm, learn, and grow together

Meet your coach

I’m Elizabeth, The Proofreading Business Coach. I’ve proofed in a lot of niches since I started proofreading in 2006 — and working with court reporters is the BEST. My clients are wonderful and reading true crime is a dream come true!

I love proofreading and all the freedom and flexibility it lets me have, all while getting to read for a living. But it didn’t happen overnight! I went through a LOT of trial and error as I tried to learn how to get clients and manage my business. 

There’s no reason for you to have to start from square one like I did! I want you to have the awesome proofing life I have without having to figure it all out on your own. Stand on my shoulders and GO!

What court reporters are saying

See what some of my CRs had to say when I told them I was launching Learn How To Be a Transcript Proofreader!

“I am glad you are doing that…I get asked for the name of a good proofreader all the time.  ‘Good’ proofreaders like you are hard to find!” 

“That’s so cool! …it’s SO hugely important that great proofers (like you! <3 )  pick up on and notice those little things for us…that’s great you’re training proofers on this!!! You go, girl.”

“That sounds so fun! Good for you!”

“That is great and much needed…I think it’s fabulous! Any way I can help I will.”

It’s busy right now!

With many attorneys now using Zoom to conduct legal proceedings, they are able to fit more appointments in. That means more work for court reporters — which means more work for you! It’s not unusual for me to get 20 files a week (I’m a full-time proofreader. Your workload will vary depending on what you want to work for you.).
There’s work out there for good proofreaders. Court reporters need you!

Phase 1: Introduction to Transcript Proofreading -- $97

Ready to learn about transcript proofreading and see if it’s the right money-making side hustle for you? Phase 1 is for you! Inside, you’ll get the foundation you need to start a successful business.

 

  • Join the zero-drama private learning community
  • Set yourself up for success
  • Understanding CRs and transcripts
  • The types of CRs you can work with
  • The life of a transcript
  • The types of transcripts you can proofread
  • What your job as a transcript proofreader is
  • Common legal terms + definitions you need to know
  • Name your transcript proofreading business
  • Create your business email
  • Create your business page
  • Form your business entity
  • Pop-up Q&A lives hosted by me inside the community

Phase 2: Build Your Skills -- $497

Learn the ins and outs of proofreading transcripts including detailed how-to videos and real-life transcripts so you get the practice and experience you need to be confident and successful as a transcript proofreader.

 

  • The Grammar Masterclass for Transcript Proofreaders
  • Devices to proofread on
  • Proofreading styles + software
  • How to use your proofreading software
  • How to research like a pro
  • Working with CR preferences
  • The anatomy of a transcript
  • How to proofread transcripts
  • Common annotations and what they mean
  • Proofreading tips
  • Transcript confidentiality
  • Confidentiality 
  • Practice proofreading transcripts
  • Direct, personalized feedback on a practice transcript
  • Grammar exam
  • Hand-graded transcript exam
  • Pop-up Q&A lives hosted by me inside the community

Phase 3: Turn Your Skills into Bills -- $797

After you’ve passed your exams in Phase 2, it’s time to learn how to make money with your new skills! Learn exactly how to manage your business and get clients so you can have the proofreading business you want.

  • Join the zero-drama private marketing support community
  • Taxes and your business bank account
  • Insurance
  • Rates and turnaround time
  • Setting up payment methods and your invoicing software
  • Invoice terms
  • Onboarding a new CR
  • A proofreader’s job from start to finish
  • Conduct and communication with your CRs
  • Staying organized
  • Managing your workload
  • Scheduling your proofing time
  • Taking time off
  • Focus on the CR
  • Infusing value into your business
  • Your skills, experience, interests + a secret ingredient
  • Help statement
  • Tagline
  • Info sheet (your fancy new resume!)
  • Have your info sheet proofread
  • Email signature
  • Marketing online to get CRs
  • Posting and commenting online in groups and boards
  • Responding to a request for a proofreader post
  • How to write a killer connection letter
  • Best places to market online
  • Unique ideas to market offline
  • Referrals
  • Posting to your Facebook page
  • Good Facebook page posting guidelines
  • Final marketing thoughts 
  • Graduate directory
  • Social media features 
  • Bonus training including how to improve your proofreading efficiency, new-year accounting, how to use Instagram and LinkedIn to get clients, raising your rates, and guest expert features
  • Regular interactive support inside the learning community from grads and myself
  • Pop-up Q&A Lives hosted by me inside the community
  • Regular Zoom coaching calls with your graduate peers and myself to meet up, motivate, brainstorm, learn, and grow together

FAQs you should read before enrolling

What happens when I enroll?

As soon as you enroll, you get immediate access to Phase 1 and can start working through it right away! The units are divided into weeks to keep you on track to have your business ready to go in 8 weeks, but you can work through the course as quickly or as slowly as you like. You'll also have access to join myself and your other coursemates and grads inside The Transcript Proofreader's Learning Community for support and motivation from the start!

If you've enrolled in the full course, you will need to pass the grammar exam before moving on to Phase 2 and the transcript exam before moving on to Phase 3 (more details on the exams in these FAQs).

Who is this course a good fit for?

This course is a good fit for you if you love reading, fixing typos and punctuation errors, tackling a fun challenge, and working hard for yourself, and if you are fluent in conversational US English. Beyond that, you will be dedicated to showing up for yourself, open to learning, receptive to feedback, love to research, and aren't afraid to work hard. You are determined to make this work for you. You should also be willing to work with your peers, contribute to group discussions, and bring a positive spirit to the Community. While you can be very successful as a transcript proofreader, this is not a "get rich quick doing nothing" business. It takes work and practice to learn!

Do I need to know how to proofread before taking this course?

Nope! I’ll teach you how -- and you’ll get plenty of practice on real-life practice transcripts (answer keys included!).

Do you offer payment plans?

I offer payment options where you can create your own payment plan! At checkout, you can choose to pay through credit card, Google Pay, Cash App Pay, Afterpay, or Klarna. You can also pay via PayPal with their Buy now, Pay Later plans including Pay in 4 or Pay Monthly, as well as Venmo.

What if I don’t live in the US?

Location doesn’t matter! Transcripts are sent digitally, so as long as you have internet to receive and send jobs, you can proofread wherever you want!

My course focuses on US court reporting and setting up a business as a US citizen. So if you are a citizen from another country, the steps for how to set up a business in your country will probably be a little different than here in the US. I always recommend connecting with a local CPA to ensure your business is set up correctly. If your currency is different than USD, you will also need a way to convert currency when you invoice clients (PayPal will convert most currencies!).

Otherwise, how to proofread and market will be the same wherever you live!

What if English isn’t my first language?

It is very, very difficult to proofread transcripts if English is not your first language. That’s because transcripts are the spoken word, and you have to not only understand the English language, you must also understand odd sentence formations and colloquialisms. You should be fluent in conversational US English because transcripts are not formal English by any stretch and court reporters are extremely particular about working with proofreaders who are completely comfortable with conversational US English. You’re the one who understands your command of the English language -- be honest with yourself!

The grammar and spellings focused on in this course are US English because this course focuses on working with US court reporters. 

What do I need for the course?

Transcript proofreading doesn’t require a lot of supplies!

You will need a laptop/desktop or iPad, internet, and proofreading software. I cover your proofing software options (and how to use them) inside the course. Pricing ranges from free to $9.99 depending on what you prefer to use. You do not need software until Phase 2. A grammar reference manual is required in Phase 2; it's less than $15 on Amazon.

Your state may require you to register your business and there can be some cost with that. That varies per state (I help you with those steps inside the course!). There are other optional resources (additional grammar books/online subscriptions) you can purchase that I highly recommend inside the course.

Do I need a college degree?

You sure don't! I'm a college dropout myself and it's never once been a problem to get clients. Court reporters care about what you know and if you're trustworthy and easy to work with...not if you have a college degree.

What's more, with the income potential you can have as a transcript proofreader, you can make similar to the average college graduate a year...with a fraction of the cost and time with Learn How to Be a Transcript Proofreader.

How much money can I make a month?

That depends on the number of clients you have, how busy those clients are, what kind of turnaround time clients request, how many jobs are technical -- in other words, there are a lot of variables. On top of that, it’s up to you to decide how active you want to be getting clients. Most prefer to be part-time proofers (or at least start off that way) and can earn $100, $500, or even $1,500/month. You can grow into a full-time business and make over $4,000/month. 

When you start, you will work on building up your client base until you get to the income and schedule you want to have. This is helpful so you can get used to your workload and new proofing life as you grow your business!

How fast can I get clients?

That’s up to you! We start building your business in the first week, and after you pass your exams, I teach you how to organize your business and then how and where to get clients. From there, whenever you want to go get clients is up to you! Everyone’s progress and success rate are different. You could land a client within your first week or never if you never put any work into it.

Do you guarantee I’ll get clients?

I don’t because your success is up to you. I will give you all the training you need to get clients and be successful including how and where to get clients. I show off my grads on my social media and refer them to court reporters, and grads have extensive support inside the private business building community.

Many grads get their first client within the first two or three weeks of marketing, some take longer. Those who get clients are the ones who consistently implement the marketing I teach.

It is up to you to apply yourself to learn to be the best proofreader you can be, build a trustworthy business, and go after the opportunities you’re provided. A proactive proofreader is a successful proofreader. Create your own success — I’m here to support you while you do!

Where do I get support from students/grads and you in the course?

All support is inside a private Facebook group! It is a powerful community made up of students, graduates, and myself where our entire focus is on supporting each other while we build our transcript proofreading businesses. I'm in the community regularly to answer questions, motivate, and encourage -- and I host pop-up lives inside the group to answer questions live and talk about transcript proofreading! I have a zero-tolerance policy for drama, complaining, and disrespect. Inside the community, we respect each other where we're at, push each other to achieve our best, and help each other see our goals are possible with determination and hard work. 

Do I need to go through all three phases?

If you decide you want to be a transcript proofreader and make money with your new business, yes. Each phase is designed to build on the previous one and give you exactly what you need to be successful -- all at your own pace.

Do you give refunds?

There are no refunds. This course is yours to keep as soon as you purchase it! I outline the course here so you have all the details before you enroll and can make sure it's the right decision for you. If you have questions beforehand, email me: elizabeth@elizabethjwiegner.com

How much time do I need each week for the course?
Going through the course material, completing the assignments throughout the week, and interacting inside the Community can average you anywhere from 5 to 20 hours per week depending on how much time you have and how comfortable you're feeling with the material. The longest time is when you get to the practice transcripts in Phase 2. This is where you practice applying what you've learned about proofreading and get experience proofing real-life transcripts.
What if I don’t have time?

I hear you! Life is busy and you want to get your proofreading business going! That’s why I’ve packed the course into 8 weeks, and I’m focused on teaching you exactly what you need to know -- no fluff. Yes, this will require you to show up and work hard during those 8 weeks, but the investment in yourself will be worth it.

That being said, while the course is laid out to be completed in 8 weeks, it is still self-paced. You can work through it on your own time. Some grads have finished in less than 8 weeks while others have taken much longer. 

I’m here to support you and help you streamline your new business life. You’ll be that much farther ahead if you start now than if you wait another year or five before you act on your goals. 

I work a full-time job/have kids. Will I have time?

Successful grads from the course include moms and full-time employees, and they've done a wonderful job. They've made the course a priority, put it on the calendar, and made it happen!

I know everyone's schedule is so different and you have a life outside of work and this course, so while it is an intensive course and you will have to show up for yourself to make it happen, I put everything and only the things you need to know inside the course to respect your time.

What are the exams like?

The grammar exam is a multiple-choice exam covering grammar and spelling rules discussed inside The Grammar Masterclass for Transcript Proofreaders. It is required to pass the grammar exam before you can move on to Phase 2.

The transcript exam is a transcript you will proofread to demonstrate you are comfortable working with transcripts. The transcript exam is hand graded and returned to you with feedback. It is required to pass the transcript exam before you can move on to Phase 3.

What if I can’t pass the exams?

I don’t believe in making exams that are impossible to pass if you know what you’re doing -- the exams are there to demonstrate you know the practical, real-life skills you’ll need as a proofreader. I’d be doing you and CRs a disservice to teach you how to get jobs if you aren’t ready to get jobs. Because the course is self-paced, you can practice as much as you like before taking your exams. The grammar exam is completely open book. The transcript exam is a real-life transcript. There is no limit on how many times you can take the exams; there are retake fees to encourage you to take learning seriously. With in-depth course content training, over 3,100 pages of transcripts to practice on, feedback on a transcript you've proofed, and support from myself and other students and grads, there is no reason to fail if you apply yourself!

Aren’t there already enough proofreaders out there?

In comparison to the number of proofreaders out there, there are very few exceptional proofreaders who court reporters feel confident working with. Court reporters have reached out to me in frustration trying to find a proofreader they can trust. I stay busy (even overwhelmed at times!) with work myself. There’s work for the truly awesome proofreaders. That’s who I'll help you to be.

Violence makes me queasy. Would this be a good niche for me?

Transcripts are real life, so there are jobs that are brutally graphic and detailed, ranging from murder, molestation, rape, kidnapping, etc. These type of cases come primarily from court reporters who work in criminal court and that’s all they do. You can typically avoid this type of content by working with CRs who work civil cases. You can also add a caveat that you don’t proofread graphic transcripts. If this would be too triggering for you in general though, transcript proofreading is probably not a good fit for you. 

On the flip side, if you are expecting transcripts to read just like Law & Order, you’ll be surprised too. Even though I’ve read some unforgettable murders, kidnappings, and rapes, I’ve also read countless pages covering construction defects, medical malpractice, car wrecks, divorces, slip-and-falls, property and mineral rights, city suits, and expert economists.

How long do I have access?

You have access to the lifetime of each phase of the course.

If I purchase the full course together, do I still have to pass my grammar and transcript exams?

Yes. You are still required to pass the grammar exam to move on to Phase 2 and the transcript exam to move on to Phase 3. When you purchase the full course, there is no change in the exam procedures. 

I’m already a proofreader. Do I still need your course?

Even if you already know how to proofread, you’ll need to understand how to proofread transcripts, which is a very specific type of proofreading. The focus is on fixing typos, dropped and wrong words, punctuation for readability, making sure everything is consistent, and following court reporter preferences.

Can I proofread transcripts and keep my current proofreading/editing business?

Absolutely! There's no reason you can't do both.  

Ready to keep building your transcript proofreading business together?

Let’s do this!

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. Transcript proofreading is not a get-rich-quick business. It takes diligence, learning, and showing up for yourself to get the results you want. No course will give you the life you want to have unless you put in the work. Your success is up to you -- I'm here to support you!

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