Some clients may instead prefer you to print out the text, proofread it manually, then fax it back. In those cases, you’ll need to know how to use a printer and fax, as well as the symbols used in proofreading and copy editing manually.
Online classes are available from such organizations as e-Learners, Universalclass. com, and Mediabistro. com.
For an overall refresher on usage, read “The Elements of Style” by William Strunk and E. B. White.
You should also become familiar with and bookmark reference websites such as Dictionary. com; however, it can sometimes be faster or more effective to look something up in a book than online.
Websites that specialize in providing proofreading and editing services include Mulberry Studio, Proofread NOW, and Word firm. Some services specialize in areas such as business communications, while others provide additional services such as transcription, indexing, or proofreading in multiple languages. Some services also offer promotional assistance to proofreaders who contract with them, such as the ability to create or link to their websites. You may have to have at least 2 to 3 years of proofreading or editing experience, sufficient computer equipment, and typing speed, and you may also have to take a test to qualify to work with them. Freelance marketing sites include Guru and Upwork. These sites list clients with jobs, and you bid competitively with other freelancers to win the job. Freelancers are listed on these sites by the level of experience; some sites also offer enhanced listings for a fee. Job boards include Monster. com and Jobs. com. You post a resume with your experience and set up a keyword search for jobs you’re interested in. Job boards are devoted primarily to jobseekers looking for full- or part-time work as employees of a company, but they may also offer to telecommute positions or contract work as well.
