Proofreader

Proofreaders check text before it's printed or published to make sure it's correct and complete.

In this guide

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a proofreader, you'll work with digital and non-digital documents to make sure they're ready for publication.

You'll:

  • correct spelling mistakes, punctuation errors and grammar
  • make sure text, tables and layouts follow the agreed style
  • check for inconsistencies in wording, chapter titles, headings and lists
  • confirm that references and hyperlinks match notes - and work
  • make sure text flows well and is in the right order, including page numbers
  • highlight confusing words and suggest changes
  • use proofreading tools to mark up digital content, track changes and leave comments

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Career path and progression

As an experienced proofreader, you could build up your reputation as a specialist in a particular field, work freelance, or approach publishing companies about jobs.

With further training you could move into editing, or commissioning content for publishers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of English language
  • excellent written communication skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • the ability to work well with others
  • persistence and determination
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Most relevant

  • English Language - Proofreaders need an expert understanding of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure to spot and correct errors in text. They also need to ensure that writing flows well, is clear, and follows consistent style rules across entire documents.
  • English Literature - Proofreaders develop a sharp eye for language, tone, and style through close reading – skills that are central to studying literature. Working with a wide range of texts in this subject builds the kind of sensitivity to word choice and meaning that proofreaders rely on every day.

Also relevant

  • Modern Foreign Languages - Proofreaders who speak other languages can work on translated texts or multilingual publications, checking that meaning has been preserved accurately. Studying languages also deepens understanding of how grammar and syntax work, which sharpens proofreading skills in English too.
  • Computer Science - Proofreaders working on digital publications sometimes need to check that hyperlinks function correctly and that content displays properly across platforms. Understanding how markup languages and content management systems work can be useful when proofreading web-based or technical content.
  • Business - Proofreaders frequently work freelance or run their own businesses, so understanding how to manage finances, find clients, and market their services is important. Many also proofread business documents like reports, proposals, and marketing materials, so familiarity with business writing is helpful.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies and private training organisations

You may find it useful to have a degree in:

  • English
  • publishing
  • journalism
  • digital media

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

You can apply to do a Publishing Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, which may help you get a proofreading job.

This usually takes around 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

You could start as an editorial assistant then move into proofreading.

If you have a degree or expertise in a particular subject, you could use it to develop a proofreading specialism. For example, if you have a technical or scientific degree you could proofread science textbooks or journals.

Volunteering will help you get a better understanding of the job and is a good way to make contacts in the publishing industry.

You could volunteer to:

  • write or proofread for student magazines or publications
  • proofread for small businesses
  • work on charity publications, websites or social media

Doing professional courses can improve your skills and your chances of finding work. You can find short courses through the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading and The Publishing Training Centre.

Career tips

Experience working in publishing or journalism could help you to find jobs.

There's a lot of competition for work and publishing companies do not always advertise vacancies.

Often, jobs are filled through:

  • word of mouth
  • recommendation
  • agencies that offer proofreading services

You'll find it helpful to develop a portfolio of your work, paid or unpaid, to show your skills to employers.

Further information

You can find out more about proofreading careers from the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.

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