Proofreader
Proofreaders check text before it's printed or published to make sure it's correct and complete.
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
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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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.