If you’re a freelance writer, chances are you’ve heard of the term “proofreader”. But what exactly does a proofreader do, and why should you care? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the proofreader’s role in the freelance world and provide some tips on hiring the perfect proofreader for your project.
What Is a Proofreader?
A proofreader is someone who reviews written material to ensure accuracy and consistency.
When reading a document, a proofreader will look for:
- typos
- spelling errors
- grammatical mistakes
- punctuation errors
- formatting issues
- double words
Additionally, a proofreader may check facts and ensure all sources are cited correctly. The goal is to deliver polished content that looks professional and can be trusted by readers.
What Does a Proofreader Do?
A proofreader is the final pair of eyes looking at a project. A proofreader will:
- Read the document.
- Find the errors.
- Mark the errors.
- Return the document.
What Doesn’t a Proofreader Do?
Since proofreaders are the last set of eyes on a document, they do not deal with any issues that should have been addressed earlier during the editing stage. A proofreader does not reword or rewrite content. However, if there is an awkward sentence or redundancies throughout the document, a proofreader can flag those issues for you to address.
Why Should I Hire a Proofreader?
Every writer knows how important it is to produce high-quality work—after all, your reputation as a professional depends on it! That’s why hiring a proofreader is so important; it gives you an extra pair of eyes to review your work before sending it into the world. This person can help catch any mistakes or inconsistencies that may have been missed during the editing process. Plus, having an experienced professional review your work adds a layer of credibility and assurance that your writing is up to par.
What Else Should I Consider Before Hiring a Proofreader?
Before hiring someone to review your work, make sure they have experience working with similar projects. Ask them about their process and make sure they understand what you need from them before moving forward with the project. Also, consider their rates and turnaround times—proofreading can take some time depending on how long the document is or how many revisions are required. Make sure you know what kind of timeline you’re working with before you agree to anything.
What Does a Proofreader Charge?
What Does a Proofreader Charge?
According to grammarist.com, the average proofreading rate is $0.013 – $0.016 per word, about $13 – $16 per 1000 words. Typically, a proofreader will charge per word instead of per hour.
Some things to consider for proofreading rates are the deadline, document type, and length.
- Deadline: A proofreader’s rates may be higher if you expect a quick turnaround time. For example, the rate for a 3-day deadline will differ from a 5-day deadline.
- Document type: Medical and scientific articles will come at a higher rate than an article for a blog or magazine. Also, a casually written document is easier to proofread than a document full of jargon and gibberish. Harder-to-read documents will cost more.
- Length of document: A proofreader can usually finish a 2000-word document in 24 hours, so you shouldn’t expect a 10,000-word document to be finished in 3 days. Unless, of course, you’re willing to pay the extra cost.
How Do You Find the Perfect Proofreader for Your Project?
Here are some tips on hiring the perfect proofreader for your project:
- Send a sample of your work to be proofread.
If you have a long project, such as a book manuscript, a proofreader should be willing to proofread a sample of your work. This helps both you and the proofreader because they can estimate how long it will take to proofread so they can give you the best rate. An example of a sample would be about 500-1,000 words, typically taken from the middle of your text. - Know the qualifications and experience of the proofreader.
Just because someone has a degree in English or journalism, doesn’t mean they’re going to be the best proofreader. Proofreading skills are developed with specialized training. And lots of practice!
Usually, the more years of experience the proofreader has the better. However, it’s a huge plus if they have experience in the type of writing you need to improve. Another plus for them is if they are knowledgeable about the subject matter of your writing. - Make sure you know what types of English they work with.
That may sound a little strange, but a professional proofreader will understand what you’re talking about. From a proofreading standpoint, it’s helpful to divide English into four main dialects: US, UK, Australian, and Canadian.
TIP: There are major differences between US and UK English when it comes to spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation! - Check out their reviews and/or testimonials.
If a proofreader has a business website, they’ll probably have a page of testimonials listed. Read through them carefully to see how past clients evaluated them. If they work on a freelance platform, such as UpWork, read through their reviews. Check to see if any reviews mention that the proofreader meets deadlines, and is thorough and professional, yet friendly. - Check out the proofreader’s portfolio, if they have one.
Taking a quick look at a proofreader’s portfolio will give you a general idea of how they correct a document. Typically a proofreader will have a portfolio page on their website. - Know general proofreading rates.
Keep in mind that proofreaders’ rates are based on their level of training, expertise, and experience. - Find out if the proofreader charges per word, page, or hour.
Most proofreaders charge per word because it makes the billing process so much easier. Choosing a proofreader who charges per word will allow you to know exactly how much your project will cost. - Observe a proofreader’s written communication skills.
If a proofreader has a bunch of errors on their website or their freelance platform profile, it’s probably a red flag. Move on to the next potential proofreader quickly!
Where Do I Find a Proofreader That’s Best for Me?
If you’re looking for a proofreader to polish up your text for you, here are some places to look:
Remember: You get what you pay for!
- Consider a professional proofreading service. A professional proofreading service is a company that hires proofreaders who receive an ongoing list of jobs. Usually, their rates are steep. However, you can typically expect high-quality work by using a reputable company. The main reason for using a professional proofreading service is if you need a document back in a matter of hours. You may not have time to connect with someone else who could meet your deadline. Some well-known online proofreading companies include:
- Consider a freelance proofreader. A freelance proofreader works for themselves instead of for a company. The best freelance proofreaders will be available to answer any questions you have before, during, and after the process. A freelance proofreader would be the best way to go if you’re not rushed to meet a quick deadline.
Conclusion:
A proofreader’s role in the freelance community is more important than you may think. A good proofreader will make sure your writing is error-free. Proofreaders do final checks on documents before they go live on websites or in print. You’ve worked hard writing that book, blog post, article, etc! It would be a shame to send it out into a world full of punctuation and spelling mistakes. This is why hiring a proofreader is a very important step in your publishing process. With the tips listed above in mind, you should be well-equipped to find the perfect proofreader for your project!
