The content in this thread has been very informative, thank you for posting the question. I have always loved grammar and proofreading. I will definitely be doing more research into proofreading and editing as a service.

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Marjorie
www.aysvirtualsolutions.com

Many people can use proofreading/editing services. I'm thinking about making this my niche.

This was a very informative thread! Thanks for the clarification between proofing, editing, and copy editing! I always thought they were more or less the same thing, now I need to re-think my services and how to inform potential clients of the differences in these services.

~ Gloria

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~ Gloria
http://www.uptimevirtualassistants.co m

I never thought about taking classes for it but Proofreading/Editing will be a part of my niche.

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Élite Assistants LLC
www.eliteassistants.net (Site Under Construction)

Hi Michelle,

Editing is a deeper process than proofreading. Basically, proofreading is just intended to catch surface errors, while editing (as you said, too, there are several types within that terms) takes meaning, organization, clarity, accuracy, completeness, consistency, etc. into account. Depending on the level of editing, a client may want these things just marked/pointed out, or s/he may want fully written suggestions for how to do it better.

Here are a few helpful links. Some are in academic rather than business terms, but don't worry about that. They get to the same basic points.
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/proofread.html
http://deannahoak.com/2005/08/31/p188/
http://www.fonerbooks.com/editor.htm
http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/processes/editing/

Yes, proofing/editing can be a viable specialty option. I don't currently do anything but proofing, editing, and writing now, except for occasional reminder service or submission assistance for writing/editing clients.

I agree with the others that there's not really a degree or certification anyone cares about. Experience matters a lot more. Clients like to hear about you from others with whom you've worked and/or have a short-term trial project with you themselves before going for the big work. I think in this way, proofing/editing is like any other specialty: In a client's eyes, the real proof is in the pudding.

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AnnaLisa Michalski, Sunny Words Writing Services

Hi AnnaLisa,

Thank you, your description of simple editing is exactly what I am good at. I believe I can market my service as proofreading and editing because there has to be people out there that need just simple editing along with catching spelling and grammar errors. Thankfully I have been proofing/editing with Demand Studios now for a year so I added that to my resume just recently (should have done so sooner, but hey a year looks pretty good in comparison to a couple months anyway, so I think it is for the best).

I am now actively seeking additional work in this arena. I enjoy it very much. I also recently got my first official "Virtual Assistant" gig as a Telephone Mystery Shopper and Call Evaluator. So I am going to stick with that as well because as the length of time and experience builds, I may find more work there too. Although I'm actually already looking and added it to my resume even though I just started.

But I know I have a couple great references in both of these so I am very happy about that!!

Take care, and thanks again, to all who have responded with the great info and viewpoints.

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Michelle

Originally Posted by ilovecats54

I am now actively seeking additional work in this arena. I enjoy it very much. I also recently got my first official "Virtual Assistant" gig as a Telephone Mystery Shopper and Call Evaluator. So I am going to stick with that as well because as the length of time and experience builds, I may find more work there too. Although I'm actually already looking and added it to my resume even though I just started. But I know I have a couple great references in both of these so I am very happy about that!! Take care, and thanks again, to all who have responded with the great info and viewpoints.

Hi there Michelle,
I'm so glad you brought up this niche, because I love to proofread (and I go crazy when I see typos in newspapers!!). Ever since high school, I've been the grammar police . I've also done some editing of reports & letters at my former job as an admin. assistant...it's a great thing to offer, I just need to get some more recent experience. The Demand Studios website looks awesome - I'm going to check it out further. Also, could you tell us more about the mystery phone shopper and call evaluator jobs? Those sound intriguing too!

Take care,

Rachel

Hi Rachel,

I'm so glad that I started this topic too - I never imagined it would remain so active but I'm glad it has! I've learned a lot so I'm glad this has allowed others to learn and share too.

I'm like you, I can be reading a magazine or newspaper or even something on the Internet and the spelling/grammar errors just seem to jump out at me. I'm no English or Literature major (or even remotely close) but it just happens.

As far as the Telephone Mystery Shopper / Call Evaluator, I had responded to an ad back in April 2009 (I think from Craigslist if I'm not mistaken) and never heard back until recently. The person had kept my information and was in need of adding someone. So for the calls, I just make calls as if I'm a customer asking questions, and then forward the calls via email to the person I'm working with. The evaluations are where I listen to calls already made and then grade them, and then again the evaluations and calls I listened to are emailed. So it's easy and fun too! A few laughs along the way too when I'm listening to the recorded calls - let me tell you.

Anyway thanks for the reply. I hope this topic continues to grow!

Michelle

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Michelle

Hi Everyone,

I just thought I would add a few comments to those that have already been made. I am actually in the transition stage between working as a freelance proofreader and setting up as a VA. Although I do have a degree in English language and linguistics, I am also a qualified proofreader and copy-editor. I gained these qualifications when I decided to work as a freelance proofreader, however, I wouldn't consider them entirely necessary if you are offering other services too.

As a proofreader, you are expected to proofread an average of 8 pages per hour. Freelance rates can vary from between £14, up to around £18 per hour.

Although qualified to carry out both tasks, I enjoy proofreading the most and therefore do not really take on many editing tasks. I find the final stage of proofing a piece of copy to be the most exciting.

I hope this helps.

Claire

Hi Margie,


My editorial fees are based on the depth of the project. Proofreading/Copyediting is charged by the word (see sample below) or $50/hr; $20/page. High-end rates are charged for technical, scientific, and reference material.


0 - 250 words $49.95
251 - 600 words $89.95
601 - 900 words $109.95
901 - 1200 words $129.95
1201 - 1500 words $149.95
1501 - 2000 words $169.95
2001 - 2500 words $199.95
2501 - 3000 words $229.95
3001 - 4000 words $289.95
$59.95 per each additional 500 words

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Shellye L. Lyons, Business/Marketing Manager ~~ The Lyons Group, LLC

Thank you for posting this. I was researching the differences in the terms myself yesterday. I will be doing my first proofreading/editing assignment tomorrow I think if they have it ready. I am looking forward to the challenge.

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Rhonda Holscher, Owner
Rhonda's Virtual Office - Hire a Virtual Assistant

So glad to see this thread. I have been considering adding proofreading to my resume as well but I tend to miss mistakes and and my grammar leaves a little to be desired. Thank also for the information on the courses available. I am definitely going to look into these courses further.

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Helen
H & L Bookkeeping & VA Services

Originally Posted by jenkinsde27

I found a a course called Proofreading and Copyediting 101, with universalclass.com, that offers a basic course for $39 or $64 if you want to receive a certificate and CEUs. ed2go.com also has a 6-week course called The Keys to Effective Editing for $139. Deanna

Deanna,

I've also taken courses through ed2go.com and I highly recommend it. I've also found that the price of the course varies widely, depending on which community college you buy the course from (so it could be lower than $139 elsewhere). I believe the same Quickbooks class I took for $89 was over $100 at another nearby school.

FYI!

Rachel

If you want to take courses and are on a shoestring budget, you might want to consider checking with your local Workforce place. Here in Ohio it is called Job and Family services, WorkforceOne. They have all sorts of resources, one of the things your office might provide is a computer lab with the courses on the computer, they are free, and you get certified when you are finished. The other thing that they will help you with is getting grants (which is money you do not have to pay back), and other financial resources if you want to go back to school.

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Rhonda Holscher, Owner
Rhonda's Virtual Office - Hire a Virtual Assistant

Originally Posted by RhondaHolscher

If you want to take courses and are on a shoestring budget, you might want to consider checking with your local Workforce place. Here in Ohio it is called Job and Family services, WorkforceOne. They have all sorts of resources, one of the things your office might provide is a computer lab with the courses on the computer, they are free, and you get certified when you are finished. The other thing that they will help you with is getting grants (which is money you do not have to pay back), and other financial resources if you want to go back to school.

Rhonda,

Thanks for that resource - I had not heard of it before!

Have a great weekend,

Rachel