Most proofreaders decide to niche down after they have had some experience as a general proofreader. What does it mean to niche down? What are proofreading niches? Should you niche down as a proofreader? Keep reading to find the answers. Plus, tips to find the proofreading niche that’s perfect for you!
Once you begin your proofreading career, it’s a good idea to proofread a wide variety of documents. Not only does this help you gain experience, but it also helps you maintain a certain level of income. Also, proofreading different types of documents helps you decide which type you enjoy reading and proofing the best, whether it be academic papers or fiction novels.
However, many proofreaders decide to niche down after they’ve gained enough experience. What are proofreading niches and what does it mean to niche down as a proofreader?
In this post, we will:
- answer the questions mentioned above
- discuss the basics of proofreading niches
- discuss why it’s beneficial for you to choose a niche
- uncover an effective method for choosing your perfect proofreading niche
What is a niche?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a niche is “a place, employment, status, or activity for which a person is best fitted”.
What does it mean to niche down?
Niching down means that you choose what kind of content you enjoy proofreading. Think about what you’re most knowledgeable about. Is there something you already have a lot of experience or have great background knowledge in? Do you enjoy reading Christian romance novels or do you prefer sci-fi novels? Do you find it easy to spot errors in user manuals or inconsistencies in blog posts?
See also: 17 Essential Skills Freelance Proofreaders Need to be Successful
The Basics of Proofreading Niches
Choosing a proofreading niche simply means that you are marketing your services to a specific type of client.
You can choose to niche down by targeting clients who write about a certain subject, create content in a certain format, or a mixture of both.
- Subjects: Here are some examples of subjects you could choose to focus on:
| Education | Fitness | Travel |
| Finance | Technology | Food |
| Law | Science | Medical/Health |
| Marketing | Religion | Spirituality |
- Formats: Also, you can choose to focus on one of these formats:
| Nonfiction Books | Fiction Books | Children’s Books |
| eBooks | Biographies | Magazine Articles |
| Website Copy | Blog Posts | Business Documents |
| Resumes | Theses | Transcripts |
| Screenplays | User Manuals | Advertisements |
I feel it’s best to start niching down by subject.
By choosing a subject that you are knowledgeable about, proofreading will be much more enjoyable for you. If you base your niche only on format, you may come across subjects you are unfamiliar with. This will make proofreading less enjoyable, harder, and more time-consuming.
Yypically you’ll find that some niches are based on a format where the subject doesn’t make too much of a difference. For example, children’s books do not require extensive knowledge of a specific subject. Resumes only hit the highlights, so they aren’t as detailed.
It may take some time to find the niche that is perfect for you. Some proofreaders prefer to focus on several proofreading niches instead of narrowing it down to just one.
Remember – it is your choice on how you choose your proofreading niche or if you decide to niche down.
The Benefits of Proofreading Niches
1. Prevent Competition
Choosing a specific proofreading niche will help rule out the competition.
Potential clients will seek out a proofreader who is knowledgeable about their topic or document type.
Offering proofreading services in a specific area shows potential clients that you are passionate about the subject. It also proves that you have an in-depth knowledge in that area. This helps to establish a relationship with specific clients and they will likely choose you over general proofreaders to work on their project.
Narrowing down to a specific niche will also make your marketing strategy easier since you are targeting a specific group of clients. Niching down will help clients see you as one of the experts in that area of the market.
2. Make More Money
Most clients are willing to pay more for their project to someone who is an expert in their field.
When you focus on a specific subject, you will steadily gain more experience and improve your skills. Over time, you may be able to offer additional services, such as feedback on how to improve content or copy editing.
Some niches pay more than others.
Medicine, technology, and science are some of the most profitable proofreading niches.
Also, if you have a master’s degree or Ph.D., you can charge a higher price to proofread certain documents. Certain documents, such as court transcripts and resumes, involve more in-depth knowledge and are more lucrative; therefore, you can charge more.
3. Networking Within Your Niche
Networking with other proofreaders, especially within your proofreading niche, is extremely helpful.
Networking is great for:
- sharing job opportunities
- asking/answering questions
- sharing/receiving tips and advice
Also, if you are too busy and cannot accept a job from a client, you can pass it on to a trusted proofreader within your network. Your client will be happy you haven’t sacrificed quality over quantity in your work. And the other proofreader will be thankful for the opportunity. The favor may even be paid back in the future.
4. Referral Opportunities
Just like proofreaders, clients often network with each other in their specific niche, too. They get together to share advice and ask questions.
If you have done a great job for a client, they are more than likely to pass your name along to others who may need a proofreader.
Don’t be afraid to tell your clients that you would love it if they would pass along your info to others who need help, especially if they like your work. Be sure to let them know what your area of specific interest is so that you can gain more experience.
5. Niche-Specific Testimonials
When you establish a niche, you can acquire testimonials that are specifically tailored to your area of knowledge.
When potential clients read the reviews, they will see that you are familiar with their content and understand their language. Therefore, they will be more likely to hire you. Once you complete a project with them, they’ll leave a testimonial of the fantastic job you did because of your expertise. That testimonial will persuade the next client to hire you. And so on and so on, helping your niche become more reputable.
How to Choose a Proofreading Niche That’s Perfect for You
As mentioned above, the easiest way to choose a niche is to look at what you already have experience – something you already know a lot about. This way there’s less of a learning curve, saving you time,
For example, if you are experienced in real estate, you would know the specific terms and phrases used and the duties involved including listings and ads. Since you already understand the subject, you will be able to spot errors and inconsistencies quickly.
Also, take a look at your educational background. What was your area of study in school? Have you taken any continuing education courses? Have you participated in workshops where you gained valuable skills and knowledge?
If you have a job, what tasks are you doing in your current role that can be the basis of a proofreading niche?
Past work and volunteer experience are great ways to choose a niche because you already have the knowledge and real-life experience.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help find your proofreading niche:
- What am I passionate about?
- What are my hobbies?
- What skills do I have?
- What are people always asking me to help them with?
- Am I an “unofficial expert” on something?
- What comes easily to me?
- What do I know a lot about?
Let’s look at another example.
Your hobby is knitting. You subscribe to knitting magazines, read knitting blogs and websites, buy knitting pattern books, etc. You know everything there is to know about knitting.
Did you know there’s a lot of content for knitting hobbyists? There are many publications, books, websites, and products that all need to be proofread.
With your skills and knowledge, you can approach publications focusing on anything about knitting, such as yarn and needle companies. Then you can extend your knowledge to crocheting and keep going from there into different niches as you feel comfortable.
Conclusion
Niching down means that you choose a specific subject or format that you are knowledgeable in and enjoy proofing. Choosing a niche also helps you market your services to specific clients in your area of expertise.
The benefits of choosing a niche are eliminating competition, making more money, networking, gaining referrals, and getting niche-specific testimonials.
Remember to follow your passion and proofread in a niche you enjoy. This way proofreading will be easier and more enjoyable for you.
The easiest way to choose a proofreading niche is to look at what you already have experience and knowledge in, such as past jobs and volunteer opportunities. Ask yourself what you’re most passionate about and go from there.
Tip: Continue to accept content outside of your niche, too, until you are positive you have enough chosen work in your field. While some clients may hire you repeatedly, others will only need you once or twice.
Proofreaders must be flexible!
Have you niched down as a proofreader or do you prefer general proofreading? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
