25+ Legit Online Proofreading Jobs From Home (No Experience Needed in 2025)

In this guide, I’ll cut through the noise and share a vetted list of the best places to find real online proofreading jobs.

Whether you’re looking for freelance gigs or a full-time remote proofreading job with a company, my goal is to help you land your first paying job.

Do You Have What It Takes?

Before you start applying for jobs, let’s be honest about what it really takes to be a successful proofreader.

Understanding the role and the skills required will save you a lot of time and help you stand out from the crowd.

What is Proofreading, Really?

Proofreading is the final stage of the editing process. It’s the last check you perform on a piece of writing before it’s published.

Your main job as a proofreader is to find and fix any surface-level errors, like:

• Typos
• Grammatical errors
• Spelling mistakes
• Incorrect punctuation

Key Skills of a Great Proofreader

Having a good eye for spotting errors is the most important skill, but successful proofreaders also have:

• A Sharp Eye for Detail: This is about more than just typos. It’s about spotting things like double spaces after a period or inconsistent formatting that others would miss.
• Consistency: You have to make sure the style is the same from page 1 to page 100. If one headline is bold, they all should be.
• The Ability to Meet Deadlines: This is a deadline-driven job. Clients depend on you to deliver quality work on time, every time.
• Clear Communication: You’ll need to communicate professionally with clients and editors to understand their expectations and deliver the best work.

Proofreading vs. Editing: What’s the Real Difference?

Here’s the deal: a lot of people use the terms “proofreading” and “editing” interchangeably, but they are two different things.

Proofreading is actually the final stage of the writing process. It’s the last check to catch any surface errors like typos, grammatical mistakes, and spelling errors before a document is published.

Editing happens earlier in the process and involves bigger changes, like rephrasing sentences or restructuring entire paragraphs to improve flow and clarity.

When you search for online proofreading jobs, you’ll see a lot of overlap. Some companies will advertise for an “editor” when what they really want is a proofreader. So, it’s a good idea to search for editing jobs as well.

How to Find Work as an Online Proofreader

Okay, so now you know what proofreaders do and how to get started, you’re probably wondering, “How can I find online proofreading jobs?”

Fortunately, there are tons of options. The three main routes you can go down are:

• Work directly with sites: Lots of websites hire people on a freelance basis. So, you work as an independent contractor.
• Remote positions with a company: Companies post jobs on sites like Indeed. These are remote positions. So you work from home as a remote employee.
• Third party freelance job sites: These are job board sites like Upwork. You can apply for lots of different freelance positions on these sites. Basically, clients post jobs that freelancers can apply to. Some of these sites do take a cut of your profits.

To give yourself the best chance, it’s important not to restrict yourself to searching just for jobs titled “proofreader.”

You should also search for jobs with these titles:

• Copy Editor
• Editor
• Editorial Assistant
• Reviser
• Academic Editor
• Book Editor

And make sure to include keywords associated with at-home positions, like “remote,” “home office,” “telecommute,” “freelance,” or “independent contractor.”

Now that you know what to look for, here’s where you can find the work…

The Best Remote Proofreading Jobs from Home for Beginners

Okay, so you have the skills, but you don’t have professional experience.

How do you get your foot in the door?

I get it. It’s hard.

The key is to start on platforms where you can build a portfolio and get client testimonials, which are often more valuable than a degree.

Freelance Marketplaces (The #1 Place to Start)

If you’re just starting out, your first stop should be a freelance marketplace to land freelance proofreading jobs and build a portfolio.

If you’re just starting out, your first stop should be a freelance marketplace.

These are websites where clients post all kinds of jobs that you can apply for.

The competition can be tough at first, but once you land a few gigs and get some good reviews, it becomes much easier.

The best part is that many clients on these sites care more about a good test score or sample than they do about a fancy degree.

1. Upwork

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Upwork Proofreading Jobs Page

This is the biggest freelance marketplace. You can create a detailed profile, set your hourly rate, and apply for jobs that range from short one-off tasks to long-term projects.

2. Fiverr

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Fiverr Proofreading Gig Page

While the pay can start low, Fiverr is a great place to get your first few jobs. Instead of bidding on projects, you create a “gig” (like “I will proofread 1,000 words for $10”) that clients can purchase.

3. PeoplePerHour

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official PeoplePerHour Jobs Page

This site works a lot like Upwork and is very popular in Europe. You can apply for jobs that clients have posted and set your own rates.

4. Freelancer

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Freelancer Editing Jobs Page

Another major marketplace where you can find plenty of proofreading gigs that don’t require you to have a degree.

Content Agencies & Companies

Another great route for beginners is to work with companies that offer work from home proofreading opportunities. Especially companies that have a lower barrier to entry.

They may not pay as much as a direct client, but they provide a steady stream of work that lets you sharpen your skills and learn the ropes.

Content Agencies & Companies

Another great route for beginners is to work with companies that offer work from home proofreading opportunities. Especially companies that have a lower barrier to entry. They may not pay as much as a direct client, but they provide a steady stream of work that lets you sharpen your skills and learn the ropes.

5. Domainite

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Domainite Application Page

This is a well-known option for finding entry-level proofreading jobs because they don’t require you to have a degree. You just need to pass an editing sample test.

6. Scribendi

• Degree Required: Yes
• Apply Here: Official Scribendi Careers Page

While they do require a university degree and sometimes experience, they offer a huge variety of work. It’s a great place to apply once you have a few freelance jobs under your belt.

7. Gramlee

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Gramlee Jobs Page

This site is focused on quick turnarounds for clients, but they are a good place to apply if you have strong grammar skills, as they don’t list a degree requirement on their jobs page.

Legit Companies Hiring for Proofreading Jobs from Home

While freelance marketplaces are a great place to start, many proofreaders prefer to work directly with established editing companies.

These sites often provide a more consistent workflow and regular payments.

I’ve broken them down into categories based on the type of work they offer.

Academic & Student Focused Editing

8. ProofreadingPal

• Degree Required: Yes
• Apply Here: Official ProofreadingPal Careers Page

Known for its two-proofreader model, this company pays between $500 and $3,000 per month. Requires a graduate degree with a high GPA or extensive professional experience.

9. Scribbr

• Degree Required: Yes
• Apply Here: Official Scribbr Application Page

As a freelance editor here, you help students with their term papers and theses. This position requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

10. Wordvice

• Degree Required: Yes
• Apply Here: Official Wordvice Career Page

Hires freelance editors for academic papers and admissions essays. Requires you to be enrolled in or have completed a graduate degree program, plus have at least two years of editing experience.

11. Kibin

• Degree Required: No (but experience preferred)
• Apply Here: Official Kibin Jobs Page

A popular essay-editing service for students that sometimes hires freelance editors. While a degree isn’t mandatory, you must pass their editing test to qualify.

12. Editor World

• Degree Required: Yes
• Apply Here: Official Editor World Application Page

Hires remote editors as independent contractors. Requires a bachelor’s degree or higher and they often specifically look for editors with advanced degrees like a PhD.

General Content & Business Editing

13. ProofreadingServices.com

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official ProofreadingServices.com Careers Page

Offers both full-time and part-time remote jobs and hires from any country. The main requirement is passing their 20-minute preliminary test.

14. Polished Paper

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Polished Paper Application Page

To apply, you’ll need to submit a resume and pass their 35-question editor test. They are looking for “exceptional editors” for a wide variety of documents.

15. Babbletype

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Babbletype Application Page

This company focuses on transcription and often has openings for proofreaders and editors to clean up transcripts.

16. Reedsy

• Degree Required: No (but extensive experience is mandatory)
• Apply Here: Official Reedsy Freelancer Page

Perfect if you’re interested in books. Reedsy is a high-end marketplace that connects authors with vetted, professional editors and proofreaders where you can set your own rates.

17. Writer’s Relief

• Degree Required: Not Specified
• Apply Here: Official Writer’s Relief Application Page

This service helps creative writers prepare their manuscripts for submission. It’s a good place to check for openings if you love literature.

18. EditFast

• Degree Required: Yes
• Apply Here: Official EditFast Registration Page

Clients post projects and the site’s system contacts editors who are a good match. A key requirement is holding at least one degree from a recognized university.

19. Edit24-7

• Degree Required: Not Specified
• Apply Here: Official Edit24-7 Home Page

Offers 24/7 proofreading services and looks for freelancers with strong attention to detail for business and general content. You apply via a contact form on their site.

Specialized & High-Level Editing

20. Edit911

• Degree Required: Yes (PhD required)
• Apply Here: Official Edit911 Employment Page

This company is for experts. They specifically hire dissertation, thesis, and book editors who have earned a PhD.

21. Cactus Communications

• Degree Required: Yes (Advanced degrees common)
• Apply Here: Official Cactus Global Careers Page

Hires editors and proofreaders with strong backgrounds in science, medicine, or academia for more technical (and often higher-paying) freelance gigs.

22. Enago

• Degree Required: Yes (Master’s/PhD preferred)
• Apply Here: Official Enago Careers Page

Hires experienced academic editors to work on papers intended for publication in international journals. They prefer editors with advanced degrees and at least five years of experience.

23. English Trackers

• Degree Required: Yes (PhD required or verifiable experience)
• Apply Here: Official English Trackers Join Us Page

This company hires professional academic editors who have a PhD or can demonstrate verifiable academic editing experience of at least two years.

24. Book Editing Associates

• Degree Required: No (but extensive experience mandatory)
• Apply Here: Official Book Editing Associates Join Page

If you want to work on books, this is a great place to look. A degree is not required, but you must have at least five years of professional editing experience and a portfolio of published books you have edited.

25. WordsRU

• Degree Required: Yes (Graduate degree or equivalent experience)
• Apply Here: Official WordsRU Jobs Page

This company prefers applicants with a Master’s degree, PhD, or equivalent professional experience for academic, business, and book content. They also require at least two years of direct experience.

Unique & Niche Platforms

26. Clickworker

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Clickworker Job Page

This site offers small online “micro-tasks,” and some of them involve proofreading or editing short pieces of text. It won’t pay a lot, but it is very beginner-friendly and an easy way to get started.

27. Babelcube

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Babelcube Home Page

This platform connects you with authors who are translating their books. You help clean up the translated work and get paid through a share of the book’s royalties, making it more of a long-term income play.

28. Workana

• Degree Required: No
• Apply Here: Official Workana Jobs Page

A freelance platform that’s popular in Latin America but open to anyone. It’s a great place to find writing and proofreading gigs if you’re bilingual or just want an alternative to the larger freelance sites.

3 Unique Ways to Find Proofreading Gigs (My Insider Methods)

Okay, the lists above are fantastic places to find work.

But here’s the thing…

That’s where everyone else is looking, too!

If you want to stand out and find jobs before they even become public postings, you have to be a little more creative.

Here are a few practical ways to find proofreading jobs near you and online.

1. The “Content Polish” Pitch

Every day, you read blogs, newsletters, and websites from small businesses you like.

And sometimes, you spot a typo (I know, MoneyPantry isn’t immune either, lol).

Instead of just cringing, you can turn that into an opportunity. Find the business owner’s email and send them a friendly, non-aggressive message.

Don’t say, “You have a typo!”

Instead, try something like:

“Hi [Name], I’m a huge fan of your website and the articles you write about [Topic]. I’m also a professional proofreader, and as I was reading your latest post, I noticed a couple of small things. Would you be open to me doing a free ‘sample polish’ of one page to show you how I could make your great content even more professional?”

I think this makes it much more approachable. You are not coming across as a “grammar police”. So people are more willing to see what you have to offer.

Most business owners are busy and would be thrilled to have a reliable proofreader on hand.

This is also a great way to start offering a specialized service, like proofreading resumes for job seekers, which is always in high demand.

2. Partner with Web Designers and Marketing Agencies

Here’s an insider secret: web designers, graphic designers, and small marketing agencies are fantastic sources of recurring work.

They deliver websites and marketing materials to clients, but proofreading isn’t their core skill. Sometimes, the final text has small errors. And I have seen it  in even demo website themes when I look for them.

Reach out to these professionals and offer yourself as their go-to, “white-label” proofreader. You can create a special rate for them, and they can offer your service to their clients as a final, professional touch to their packages.

You get consistent work, and they get to deliver a more polished product. It’s a win-win.

3. Contact University Departments Directly

This is a brilliant but overlooked way to get high-paying academic work.

Graduate students are always working on theses and dissertations and are often desperate for a qualified proofreader.

Many university departments (especially the English, History, or Science departments) keep an informal, internal list of recommended editors and proofreaders that they provide to these students.

Find the contact email for the department administrator or graduate coordinator on a university’s website.

Send them a polite email introducing your services, providing a link to your portfolio or professional profile, and ask to be added to their list of recommended freelancers.

Just getting on a few of these lists can lead to a steady stream of high-value projects.

Saeed’s Tip: My Recommended Tools for Success

Here’s the deal: to do a professional job, you need professional tools.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money.

Over the years, I’ve found that having just a few reliable resources makes my work faster and much more accurate. These are the essentials I recommend you keep handy.

These are the same tools I use to proofread and edit our content here at MoneyPantry.

A Good Grammar Checker

Let’s be honest, even the best proofreaders can miss things.

Using a tool like a free Grammarly account or the Hemingway App is like having a second pair of eyes.

They’re not a replacement for your own skills, but they’re great for catching tiny mistakes you might have overlooked.

Your Preferred Style Guide

Different clients use different writing styles. Instead of guessing, it’s best to have a reference.

The two most common ones you’ll run into are the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook for journalism and web content, and The Chicago Manual of Style for books and academic writing.

A Reliable Online Dictionary

When you’re unsure about a word, don’t just guess. I always have a tab open to a trusted online dictionary like Merriam-Webster.

It’s fast, free, and an essential tool for any serious proofreader.

Document sharing tools

Document sharing tools are also useful for proofreaders. While you may email documents in some cases, you may need to use a tool where everyone can view and share work.

A couple to consider are Google Docs (which is free) and Dropbox (which is free for a basic account).

FAQs About Online Proofreading Jobs

Here are answers to some of the common questions beginners ask about working as an online proofreader.

Becoming a Proofreader from Home: Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are tons of legitimate proofreading jobs from home, whether you’re starting with freelance platforms or applying directly to companies.

And you don’t need to be a Ph.D. to get started. While some high-level jobs do require a degree, there are dozens of companies and freelance platforms that value skill above all else.

Now, I’ll be honest, without qualifications or experience, you may not make a ton of money from the start.

But if you focus on building up your client testimonials and your portfolio on a freelance site, there’s no reason you can’t have a successful career.

If you are a beginner, start by joining a few of the sites I listed above to find your first online proofreading job so you can start making money faster.

And if have been making money as an online proofreader, I’d love to hear about your experience? Where did you find your first online proofreading job? Leave a comment below and let us know.