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Topic: Good Proofreading Courses (NYC)
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| Author | Message |
| Chris H | Posted – 11/17/2004 2:06:00 PM | show profile | email poster While I've done proofreading before, I'm thinking about trying to upgrade my skills, particularly making them applicable towards legal and financial proofreading, which seems to be most in demand around NYC. Here's a few of the training agencies that I've looked up so far. Can anyone give me any info on their reputation and how much they live up to their sales pitch? I *do not* want to shell out cash for some fly-by-night operation that won't wind up getting me employed. 1) http://www.columbiaproofreaders.com/ These guys look the most seductive of all the ones I've checked out so far. If they can live up to their pitch, I'd love to go with them. 2) http://www.manhattanproofreaders.com/ 3) http://www.learnproofreading.com/ Any buzz or additional info on other companies would be great, too. ------ ====== "Writing is like prostitution; first you do it for love, then for a few friends, and finally you do it for money." --Moliere |
| pob | Posted – 11/17/2004 4:44:56 PM | show profile Search the archives There have been a lot of posts over the years about Columbia Proofreaders, and none of them have been good. I'd be very wary of them. * * * Other than that, I've always thought proofreading courses were a scam. But the Catch-22 nature of the problem (how do you get a legal proofreading job without legal proofreading experience) always leaves one looking toward these courses. I always thought I'd look for another way it, maybe request an informational interview at a company that uses legal or financial proofreaders to find out how they screen candidates and what they look for. You might find you'd get enough information to help you pitch yourself for that type of work, even without the course. |
| Chris H | Posted – 11/18/2004 9:10:07 AM | show profile Well... One reason that I feel the need for a course is the fact that I tested for legal proofreading at a temp agency, and didn't score quite high enough for them to send me out. I need to brush up on some of the specific spellings and formatting conventions of the field, obviously. My GF's theater partner makes her day job at a very nice wage doing legal proofreading, and has suggested *some* kind of class. ------ ====== "Writing is like prostitution; first you do it for love, then for a few friends, and finally you do it for money." --Moliere |
| pob | Posted – 11/19/2004 12:14:40 AM | show profile Have you asked your contact at the temp agency for a recommendation? If the agency contracts legal proofreaders, they might have good information. And it seems to me that if you were just shy of where you should have scored on the test, the agency would be eager to help you in the hopes that they could place you somewhere. If you find a reputable training agency, do let us know. Continued good luck to you. |
| Jay S | Posted – 12/10/2004 9:58:05 AM | show profile Columbia Proofreaders Someone left a negative message about Columbia Proofreadrers. Granted, they are a bit eccentric, but they're very dedicated to help you learn proofreading and find work quickly. In my opinion, the class was excellent. Friends of mine took it and they got work, too. Even on the job, I met many people who had taken the same class. Plus, there's always someone there to answer questions at any time. I dont' know of any other class that does that. |
| mls | Posted – 1/5/2005 12:51:14 PM | show profile Columbia Proofreaders Just took the Columbia Proofreaders course yesterday. Intense! -- just the tutor and me -- definitely worthwhile. It took persistant phone calls to make it happen but I'm glad I didn't give up. She was extremely helpful in giving advice on breaking into that career and the proofreading field in general. Very knowledgeable. Go for it! |
| pstrother2004 | Posted – 1/23/2005 12:55:07 PM | show profile Good Proofreading Course NYC I had nothing but bad experiences with so-called Columbia Proofreaders. They never returned my calls, and were rude when I did get through. Ended up calling the agencies who actually do the hiring (Metropolitan Proofreaders, Peak Legal, there are more on the website below) and the only legal proofreading training class they recommended to me (and highly) was www.learnproofreading.com, taught by Beatrice Moritz. I also liked this class best because it takes 2 days, and there is take-home homework. Cramming info doesn't work for me. It was not an easy class, but the homework was helpful, she's a good, organized teacher, I did well on the tests and I've gotten some work so far (mainly through Metroproof). Plus I learned about EDGAR proofreading. Am working on getting more work by also signing up with more agencies. But one important tip: be aggressive with the agencies, & keep calling them about work availability. It's a competitive field. Good luck! |
| VillageGal | Posted – 2/6/2005 11:44:49 AM | show profile Try EFA- the Editorial Freelancers Association. I think they offer courses. |
| irisgreenberger | Posted – 2/7/2005 7:25:28 PM | show profile | email poster Question for pstrother2004 Thanks for your very helpful post. Do you mind me asking you what is a reasonable amount to expect to be paid per hour as a new proofreader? I am trying to decide if it is financially worth it to invest in a course if it is so difficult to find regular work as someone without experience. |
| pstrother2004 | Posted – 2/8/2005 12:42:20 AM | show profile Proofreading Salaries Hi Iris - I've been making $20 per hour working the third shift (overnight). I went out on one day booking at another agency and made $15, considerably less, so decided to try working late nights for a while. That's another thing about Columbia (by the way, they have nothing to do with Columbia University): when I finally got someone on the phone, she said I could make over $30/hr. That's a big lie. Without experience, I'm lucky to be making $20 at an agency. My teacher at Moritz Legal did tell me it's possible to get freelance clients on your own eventually, and make around $35/hr by cutting out the agency. I'm hopeful, and hand out business cards wherever I go. And if you have friends who are lawyers, you should approach them. I can't say I've gotten regular work since being trained last year, but I've more than earned back the $185, and the work is gradually increasing. One thing: if you take a proofreading class, take one that teaches legal, not just general, proofreading. I've done some publishing proofreading since then, and was more than qualified to do that with my legal proofreading. I think learning the more difficult type of proofreading is more practical. Hope this was helpful. |
| irisgreenberger | Posted – 2/8/2005 12:05:31 PM | show profile | email poster Proofreading salaries Thanks for all the great advice! Sounds like the late shifts are the way to go. |
| drazma | Posted – 8/23/2005 2:39:27 PM | show profile | email poster How about in the SF area? This was all extremely informative info, so thanks for that! I realize that this site is mostly geared towards the NYC area, but does anyone out there have any advice on good proofreading courses in the San Francisco Bay Area? Thanks! |
| VillageGal | Posted – 8/23/2005 3:07:46 PM | show profile In NYC, I would check out the classes offered by the Editorial Freelancers Association.THey also have a good job bank for editing jobs but you must be a member to access the job bank 212-929-5400 |
| seventhorange | Posted – 8/26/2005 12:09:32 PM | show profile I read this post because I started my career as a legal and financial proofreader. In fact, I think I may have even taken the Columbia proofreaders class, but I can't remember the name for sure. To those of you considering taking proofing classes, I would say that it can be a great field to get into. I eventually got a temp to perm job that paid very well. I had many temps under me, and here is one piece of advice I can give: LEARN the material. It's very easy to spot those who are just faking their way through. However, those who were thorough and did learn the ropes were also easily spotted, and more likely to be asked back. In summary, if you want to get into the field, learn your craft. Despite the fact that many actors think they can do the work (instead of waitressing, for example) it really is a profession. Treat it like that, and you'll go far. ------ seven |
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