11 Proofreading Courses Online In 2023 (Personal Experience!)

Looking for THE BEST proofreading courses to get you started on your online proofreading career?

You’re in the right place.

Three years ago, I quit my 9-5 office job and started working remotely by working as an online proofreader.

This wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t taken a few accredited proofreading courses online that showed me the ropes.

These proofreading training courses helped me transition into an online proofreader that was able to pay my bills and save.

Whether you’re an experienced proofreader or just starting, signing up for proofreading online courses is a great way to increase your skills and ultimately, your profit.

When you have the skills and knowledge to proofread a document well, you will impress existing clients and also be recommended to new ones.

So, read on to find out about some of the best online grammar editing proofreading courses out there, both free and paid, so you can deliver high-quality work and increase your rates.

Note – I have bought most of these proofreading training courses myself.

DISCLAIMER

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

Here’s a quick summary of the best online proofreading courses available in the market:

The Best Proofreading Course?

General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP)

Although it’s the most expensive on the list, it’s because it’s the best.

I have done many, many proofreading and copyediting courses and this one is the most comprehensive.

Proofread Anywhere ensures you never need to buy any other proofreading resource or refer to any other proofreading online training.

It also shows you how to find jobs and you receive certification once you complete the modules and test at the end.

Also, here is a FREE workshop that will teach you how to become an online proofreader!

More on the details of this proofreading online course later.

First things first.

It is important to understand the difference between a proofreader and an editor before you decide if you want to learn editing and proofreading.

Don’t make the mistake of using the two terms interchangeably, because that’s what I did before I took a proofreading course!

An Editor: Makes major changes like restructuring sentences and paragraphs, fact-checking, ensuring clarity or reworking word choices to add more punch.
A Proofreader: Checks the work after it has been edited like typos, formatting or grammar errors.

Proofreading can be done on any type of written content such as academic journals, books and novels, blog posts, website pages, resumes, and so on.

This is known as general proofreading.

You can also choose to specialize in niche areas such as legal, technical, or medical proofreading.

These types of proofreaders are highly sought after, but make sure you have mastered the field you’ve chosen to specialize in.

In other words, proofreading is the last stop before a piece of work is published.

It ensures the work is nice and pretty before it goes out to the clients – just like a garnish to a delicious meal!

Do I Need Special Skills To Become A Proofreader?

Not really, but it would help if you’re an avid reader who has good grammar and “Eagle Eyes”, as they call it.

It’s not the norm for clients to ask about your academic background, but if you’re an English or Journalism major, that would be a bonus. (Note – I had neither)

If you don’t have a background, it is also not difficult to get a proofreading certification online.

Here are some of the traits of a good proofreader:

You have an inquiring and analytical mind.
You have excellent attention to detail.
You don’t mind reading long texts and have the patience for it.
You’re not easily distracted and have a good attention span.
You’re systematic and you manage time well.
You’re reliable and trustworthy.
You’re open-minded towards various topics, even the ones you’re not interested in.

11 Best Proofreading Courses

To save you time searching, this post has compiled 11 of the best proofreading courses online for you:

This is the best one which I recommend because I have taken it myself:

General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP) (Proofread Anywhere)

The Proofread Anywhere course shows you how to turn your passion for reading into a proofreading business. Founded by Caitlin Pyle, this course teaches you how to proofread and how to market your services to find clients.

Main features:

7-day free proofreading course (Introduction).
Bonus resource guides for all types of service-provider markets.
Lifetime access to course materials.
Course completion certificate.
Also offers a Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ course.

Price: USD497 for the Ignite Package and USD597 for the Ignite Plus Package.

Also, here is a FREE workshop that will teach you how to become an online proofreader!

Other proofreading courses I recommend from the cheapest to the most expensive:

2. Microsoft Word Essentials (Udemy)

Why is this course on the list, you ask?

Because proofreading is mainly done on Microsoft Word, so it’ll be wise to get to know this platform better.

Plus who’s going to say no to a free online proofreading course right?

This proofreading resource for beginners will make your proofreading tasks easier, faster, and more efficient.

Most of us are experienced in Microsoft Word – but do you really know the function of each button?

Main features:

A step-by-step tutorial that’s easy to follow.
High 4.4-star course rating.
2hr 48min of on-demand video.

3. Writing Editing Masterclass – Content Editing, Copyediting, and Proofreading (Skillshare)

This editing and proofreading course contain many modules on content editing, copyediting, and proofreading.

It aims at making you an expert at converting dry, boring content with a lot of errors into interesting, easy-to-read, lean, and error-free content.

Main features:

Modules cover a larger context of the editing process.
Final proofreading tests are not compulsory – do it anyway!
Low time commitment.
2-month free trial.

Price: USD8.99 per month with Skillshare Premium.

4. Kickstart a Freelance Editor and Proofreader Career on Upwork (Udemy)

Other editing and proofreading courses in this list focus on upskilling your technique and style.

But in this course, Professor Duncan Koerber will teach you how to find work on Upwork – assuming you already know how to proofread.

Main features:

One of the highest-rated freelancing courses on Udemy.
Insights from Professor Koerber’s writing textbook, Clear, Precise, Direct: Strategies for Writing.
Lifetime access to course materials.
Course completion certificate.

Price: USD12 with 30-day money back guarantee.

5. How to Find & Correct Writing Errors: The Proofreading Guide (Udemy)

This proof freading course is packed with 19 video lessons that can help you upskill your proofreading techniques. Taught by University professor Duncan Koerber, this course is a bestseller on Udemy.

Main features:

Students will learn to develop the right mindset to catch errors, and where they lurk.
Low time commitment.
Lifetime access to course materials.
Course completion certificate.

Price: USD12 with 30-day money back guarantee.

6. Proofread Like a Pro (Udemy)

This breezy 1.5 hour course will teach you how to proofread like a pro by teaching you what to look out for and how to use professional proofreading symbols.

Top companies like WordPress, Nasdaq, and Eventbrite so you can be sure of its quality content that is value for money.

Dr Clare Lynch, a Cambridge writing tutor and professional copywriter manages to deliver a concise, clear, and engaging class even within a short time span.

If you are looking for a short course to take but want quick returns on investment, this is the one to go for.

Price: USD12 with 30-day money back guarantee.

7. Writing Proofreading Course: Proofread Punctuation & Grammar (Udemy)

If you have got the proofreading basics down pat, make sure you also try this course on proofreading punctuation and grammar.

You’ll learn three key methods to proofread effectively, and how to fix poor syntax and correct punctuation.

No matter how good at proofreading you think you might be, Nitay L’s class will give you new insights for sure.

As an Upwork proofreader, he will also give you solid, real-life examples from his experiences and teach you how to earn as a proofreader as soon as possible.

Price: USD12 with 30-day money back guarantee.

8. Proofreading Power Basics (Udemy)

This course takes only an hour but is jam-packed with 23 video lessons to keep you occupied.

You’ll learn the tips and tricks to proofreading but bear in mind, this course requires you to have at least an intermediate level of grammar and writing skills.

Main features:

Offers hands-on exercises and quizzes.
Downloadable materials are available.
Lifetime access to course materials.
Course completion certificate.

Price: USD35 with 30-day money back guarantee.

9. What is Proofreading? (Publishing Training Center)

This entry-level proofreading training offers extensive study time – between 5 to 7 hours with 8 months of access to the modules once you signed up.

At the end of this course, you’re expected to understand proofreading in 4 sectors:

Book and journal publishers.
Independent authors.
Educational industry.
Organizations that may not be publishers but who have information or messages to share.

Main features:

Can be viewed on computers only, not tablets and smartphones.
Fees are non-refundable.
Downloadable material is available.
Course completion certificate.

Price: USD36

10. How to be an Editor/Proofreader for Translators (Udemy)

This course is one of the best proofreading and editing courses online.

It is designed for translators who wish to concentrate more on editing, revision and proofreading.

Instead of teaching how to edit and proofread, this course focuses on how to USE editing and proofreading to earn money.

Main features:

Ensures you can work effectively as an editor/proofreader alongside translators.
Low time commitment.
Lifetime access to course materials.
Course completion certificate.

Price: USD37 with 30-day money back guarantee.

11. Proofreading and Copyediting 101 (Universal Class)

This 11-hour course covers both proofreading and copyediting. So, if you’re a writer who’s looking to improve your writing skills, this course is for you.

Not only you’ll improve your writing skills, but this might also be the pathway for you to kickstart your career!

Main features:

You can start anytime once signed up.
Modules can be viewed via both computer and smartphone.
Accredited Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Offers exams and assignments.

Price: USD95 with and USD70 without CEU Certificate.

Why Do People Hire Proofreaders?

Have you ever read a book or a report and noticed any grammatical errors?

Does it make you question the credibility of the writer?

Errors in the written text may result in readers focusing on the errors instead of the content of the text.

Checking for errors needs a human touch. While it’s true that there are tons of software that can check grammar, spelling, as well as formatting, relying too much on automated proofreading is risky.

Words have personality and meaning.

Proofreaders are hired for different reasons:

To boost credibility

The first impression is crucial.

Spelling mistakes and grammar errors can make readers lose interest in reading or worse, lose customer trust and loyalty.

Online copies are the most at stake in this case. Errors, even when they seem minor, are actually a major setback to a business because they can make a site look illegitimate or sketchy.

To save money

Our eyes and brain love to play tricks on us. That’s why even the smallest thing should be proofread. Imagine having “Principle” instead of “Principal” on a name card. Reprinting would cost a bomb!

Also, this can avoid potential future lawsuits where customers misunderstand the text due to errors!

To save time

When you’re a professional proofreader, reading and catching copy errors are your bread and butter.

Naturally, you get it done faster than other people would. That’s why people hire proofreaders, they want to save time to get other work done.

To improve their writing and language use

When people hire proofreaders, they get to improve their own writing and language use too.

Proofreaders will reveal the errors that the writer might have overlooked.

It can be quite embarrassing to make minor errors like exchanging “it’s” and “its”. So, here’s where proofreaders come into play – to avoid clients doubting a writer’s professionalism.

How Much Can You Get Paid As A Proofreader?

Before we go deeper into this section, you have to know that there are two main options when it comes to fixing a proofreading rate – per hour and per word.

Per Hour

The simplest way to work out your rates.

But please be careful with your estimation of how long each job will take.

You don’t want to request an extension from your client or undercharge them for the extra hours you work.

Per Word

Charging per word may allow you to provide a reliable estimate of how much you’ll charge for a job, but you might need to alter the rate to suit the complexity of the task you’re working on.

Freelance proofreaders have the liberty to customize their rate according to:

Level of expertise and years of experience.
Turnaround time.
Work difficulty.
Deadlines.
Scope of work.

Beginner proofreaders typically charge around USD10 per hour.

More experienced proofreaders usually fix an hourly rate from at least USD20 to USD45 per hour, but depending on your experience and expertise, the rate can go up to USD50 per hour.

Let’s take a look at some annual salary estimates to give you an idea of how much you can potentially earn per year, as a freelance proofreader:

Salary.com: USD52,569
Ziprecruiter: USD51,391
Glassdoor: USD60,809

Some Tips To Succeed As A Proofreader:

Make sure your client understands what a proofreader does.
Sometimes, unedited copies might land on a proofreader’s desk, so you shouldn’t agree to proofreading rates while you have to do copy-editing instead.

Offer higher proofreading rates for weekend assignments or a quick turnaround time.

Experience and good references go a long way, so start with a low rate but deliver the job well anyway, because you need experience before you start charging more.

Practice, practice, practice!

If you’ve read all this way, congratulations!

That means you’re interested in polishing your proofreading skills.

Once you’re equipped with the course of your choice, you can have some fun with these free online exercises:

FAQs On Proofreading Courses

What Qualifications Do I Need To Be A Proofreader?

You do not need any official qualifications to be a proofreader but you should have the following soft skills:

Meticulous and thorough
Good command of English with native or near-native fluency
Great communication skills
Excellent written skills
Open to feedback and change

It is also good to have a bachelor’s degree in either of these fields: English, English literature, publishing, communications, digital media, or journalism.

You can also skill yourself by taking up specialist courses or an internship role in proofreading.

What Is The Best Certification For Proofreading?

The best certification for proofreading for anyone with or without experience is the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ by Proofread Anywhere.

With the best proofreading certification also comes lifetime access to course materials and a course completion certificate.

I’ve taken this course before myself and while it can be pricey, it is a comprehensive course to get you started immediately on a proofreading career.

The course will teach you how to not only proofread but market your proofreading services even if you have no experience.

How Can I Learn Proofreading For Free?

There are many ways to learn proofreading for free, such as taking this course from Proofread Anywhere. These provided many proofreading courses free.

There are even free copyediting courses and free online proofreading courses with certificates.

Ultimately if you do want to make a living out of proofreading, it would be worth investing in a paid course.

The best editing and proofreading courses online are paid.

And with that premium comes more content and actionable exercises and assessments that will better your skills and increase your worth as a proofreader.

Is Proofreading Still In Demand?

Proofreaders are still in strong demand even now despite the presence of spellchecking software like Grammarly (which I am using right as I type!).

Grammarly is not able to pick up every spelling or grammatical error because it can only check against one type of language at one time, and it cannot pick up context.

What happens if you’re writing a cross-cultural piece which has both English, and Malay words and even a smattering of Spanish words?

Yes, your spell-check software can be your first layer of checks but a human should always verify the recommendations by the software.

And that’s why proofreading will always be in demand.

Does Proofreading Pay Well?

Proofreading can pay well from USD10 to USD50 per hour.

You can always earn more as you develop your skills as a proofreader and gain more job experience.

In fact, you can even value-add to your services as a proofreader and even offer add-ons like translation proofreading or even copyediting to earn more.

Is It Hard To Become A Proofreader?

It is not hard to be a proofreader though there is a bit of a learning curve at the start.

But if you are meticulous, hardworking, and have a keen eye for detail, you will be able to pick up proofreading quickly.

Practicing and doing multiple rounds of proofreading will also help you get better at proofreading.

You should also take proofreading courses, both free and paid courses to improve your skills and learn from experienced proofreaders on how to get better.

Of course, once you can afford to invest in yourself beyond the best free proofreading courses, head straight for the quality ones!

Taking proofreading courses can help you upskill BUT having top-notch skills doesn’t mean anything if you don’t put them to use.

The bottom line is, do more research to understand the job, join forums or Facebook groups and talk to other proofreaders/editors.

Don’t be afraid to expand your network and your skillsets like branching into copyediting too.

Speaking from personal experience, finding a good proofreading course online free of charge is rare.

There are plenty of proofreading and editing courses online for free but they aren’t very good, even if they do offer copyediting certificates online for free

I ended up wasting months trying to get good free info and then took some courses and in 2 weeks I learned how to get new clients.

Remember this: The more you invest in yourself, the more you’ll improve the odds of increasing your income.

Proofreading Courses: 11 Of The Best Online Ones in 2023!

Related Posts

11 Proofreading Courses Online In 2023 (Personal Experience!)

Here’s a quick summary of the best online proofreading courses available in the market:

The Best Proofreading Course?

General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP)

Do I Need Special Skills To Become A Proofreader?

11 Best Proofreading Courses

General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ (GPTP) (Proofread Anywhere)