11 Jan 2024

Working as a proofreader or editor

Find out what skills and knowledge you need to become a professional editor or proofreader.

How do I become a proofreader or editor?

If you’re good with punctuation, spelling and grammar and have a keen eye for mistakes in writing, that’s a great start! But it’s only the beginning.

To work as a professional proofreader or editor you also need the following skills and knowhow:

up-to-date core skills training
a willingness to keep learning and updating your skills and knowledge
good general knowledge
a wide vocabulary
the ability to express ideas concisely
tact, discipline and communication skills
reliability and efficiency to work to tight budgets and deadlines.

You also need to be pragmatic. If there isn’t the time or budget to do a ‘perfect’ job, you need to know how to make sure it’s professionally good enough, and to be happy to leave it at that.

Plus, editing and proofreading aren’t about imposing your own rules, voice or way of writing. If you disagree with your author’s decisions on style or content, you’ll need to respect their wishes and do your best for them anyway.

How do I qualify to be an editor or proofreader?

There’s no set pathway for training to be a proofreader or copyeditor. Everyone has different needs and previous experiences. Read our free advice sheet on how to choose a training course. Or find out what it’s really like to be a proofreader or copyeditor by taking one of our introductory courses.

Which training is best?

Foundational training

Initial foundational training is essential because it teaches you:

the skills you need as a professional
the confidence to know when to make a change and when to leave well alone
the best and most efficient industry-standard practices.

Continuing professional development

Professional proofreaders and copyeditors should continue to update their skills and knowledge because:

technology moves on
conventions change
language evolves.

CPD provides you with the flexibility and confidence to expand your business or career.

What will be expected of me?

Start with the CIEP’s Professional Practice Code. This is a good guide to what we expect from professional proofreaders and copyeditors.

Then check out the Curriculum for Professional Development. There, you’ll find a full list of the skills and knowhow you might need throughout your working life.

CIEP members can find additional support in the member forums and our knowledge hub.

Should I be self-employed or an employee?

Being a freelancer

If you intend to work freelance, you’ll need to set up a business, meaning you’ll be self-employed.

Fees paid for freelance work vary enormously. There is no universal going rate. Clients in some sectors will pay less than others, and even within sectors there are variances.

As a business owner, you’re responsible for setting your fees according to what you need to earn. That could mean regular marketing so that you find the right clients for you.

Getting a job in publishing or communications

If you’d prefer to be an employee rather than going solo – such as working for a publisher or communications department – you’ll still need training and experience (or to be willing to learn).

You’ll probably also need some contacts to get your foot in the door because it’s competitive.

In-house salaries in traditional publishers tend to be low if you’re just starting out. You might find better-paid positions within large businesses or organisations with a publishing department.

Will I make a living from proofreading or editing?

You can make a living from proofreading and editing, and many people do. But many also struggle, and it’s not a quick-fix solution to earn money working from home.

Being good with words is a good place to start but doesn’t mean you’re ready to do a professional editing job. You’ll need to learn industry-standard skills to be sure you’re fit for purpose.

You’ll also need a professional business head if you’re working for yourself because, in addition to editing, you’ll also be in charge of your finances, tax, marketing, networking, and all the other aspects of running a business.