Last updated: January 2026

In this article: What Proofreaders Do | Proofreader vs. Copy Editor | Skills Required | Salary | Tools | How to Become One | FAQs

Proofreaders are the last line of defense before content goes public. They catch the typos, fix the punctuation errors, and ensure every piece of text is polished and professional. If you have a sharp eye for detail and a love of language, proofreading could be an ideal career path.

What Does a Proofreader Do?

A proofreader reviews written content to ensure it’s free of errors before publication. This includes checking for:

• Spelling mistakes
• Grammar and punctuation errors
• Typos and typographical inconsistencies
• Formatting issues
• Syntax problems
• Style guide compliance

“I see proofreading as reading a proof—analyzing it on a visual and content level for final changes after it’s evolved through its stages of revision,” says Mary Emma Koles, owner and founder of online editing company Ink200 and director of SpiderSmart Learning Centers.

A proofreader notices the extra space after a period, the use of “their” instead of “they’re,” and a compound adjective missing a hyphen. The job is about fine-tuning every aspect of every word and line to ensure the most fluid, error-free presentation possible.

Types of Content Proofreaders Work On

• Books and manuscripts
• Academic papers and dissertations
• Marketing materials and advertisements
• Website content and blog posts
• Business documents and reports
• Resumes and cover letters
• Legal documents
• Social media content

Proofreader vs. Copy Editor: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse proofreaders with copy editors, but there’s an important distinction:

Corrections at the sentence and word level should already be made before the text reaches a proofreader. Proofreading is the final polish, not a rewrite.

Skills Required for Proofreaders

Core Skills

• Attention to detail – Catching errors others miss
• Mastery of grammar and punctuation – Knowing the rules inside and out
• Patience – The work requires meticulous, line-by-line review
• Precision – Fine-tuning word-to-word, sentence-to-sentence
• Concentration – Maintaining focus through lengthy documents
• Time management – Meeting deadlines while maintaining quality

“Patience for the tediousness that comes with fine-tuning every single aspect of every single word and line,” advises Koles. “Precision for the fine-tuning required in revising word-to-word, sentence-to-sentence, and paragraph-to-paragraph.”

Technical Skills

• Style guide knowledge – Familiarity with AP, Chicago, APA, and other guides
• Microsoft Word proficiency – Especially Track Changes
• Google Docs – Suggesting mode and commenting
• Basic HTML/hyperlinking – For web content proofreading
• PDF markup tools – Adobe Acrobat annotation features

Proofreader Salary

Proofreader salaries vary based on experience, location, industry, and whether you work freelance or in-house:

Factors affecting salary:

• Location – Major cities pay more than rural areas
• Industry – Legal and medical proofreading commands higher rates
• Specialization – Technical expertise can significantly increase earnings
• Employment type – Freelancers may earn more per hour but have variable income

Proofreading Tools and Software

Modern proofreaders use a combination of software tools and manual review:

Essential Tools

• Microsoft Word Track Changes – Industry standard for marking edits
• Google Docs Suggesting Mode – Collaborative editing for online documents
• Adobe Acrobat – PDF annotation and markup
• Grammarly – AI-assisted grammar and spelling check
• ProWritingAid – Style and readability analysis
• PerfectIt – Consistency checking for professional documents
• Hemingway Editor – Readability and clarity analysis

Style Guides to Know

• APA Style – Academic and scientific writing
• Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) – Book publishing and academic work
• AP Style – Journalism and news writing
• MLA Style – Humanities and liberal arts

A Note on AI Tools

AI proofreading tools like Grammarly are helpful for catching common errors, but they don’t replace human proofreaders. AI can miss context-dependent errors, nuanced style issues, and industry-specific terminology. The most effective approach combines AI assistance with human expertise.

Freelance vs. In-House Proofreading

“Freelance and consistent positions alike are out there for the taking,” says Koles. “It’s all a matter of seeking new avenues to editing work and—of course—doing an exceptional job with every single piece you are given to polish and perfect!”

How to Become a Proofreader

1. Build Your Skills

Start by strengthening your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and style. Study style guides relevant to your target industry. Practice proofreading anything you can get your hands on.

2. Gain Experience

Proofread for friends and family—resumes, college essays, cover letters. Volunteer for organizations that need editorial help. Every piece you proofread builds your skills and portfolio.

3. Create a Portfolio

Document your work with before-and-after samples (with permission). Show potential clients or employers the types of errors you catch and how you improve text.

4. Get Certified (Optional)

While not required, certifications can boost credibility:

• Editorial Freelancers Association courses
• UC San Diego Copyediting Certificate
• ACES: The Society for Editing training

5. Land Your First Role

Look for entry-level editorial positions at publishers, websites, or marketing agencies. Smaller publications are often more willing to hire less experienced proofreaders.

6. Specialize (For Higher Pay)

Consider developing expertise in high-paying niches like legal, medical, or technical proofreading. Specialized knowledge commands premium rates.

Who Do Proofreaders Report To?

In most professional settings, proofreaders report to an editor or editorial manager who oversees the publication process. Freelance proofreaders work directly with clients or through editing agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a proofreader do?

A proofreader reviews written content for errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting. They ensure text is accurate, consistent, and error-free before publication—the final quality check before content goes public.

What’s the difference between a proofreader and a copy editor?

A proofreader focuses on catching surface-level errors (typos, spelling, punctuation) in final drafts without rewriting. A copy editor works earlier in the process and may restructure sentences, improve clarity, and make more substantial changes to the text.

How much do proofreaders make?

Entry-level proofreaders earn $35,000–$42,000 annually. Mid-level proofreaders make $42,000–$52,000, while senior proofreaders can earn $52,000–$65,000+. Freelance rates range from $18 to $60+ per hour, depending on experience and specialization.

Do I need a degree to become a proofreader?

A degree isn’t required, though many proofreaders have backgrounds in English, journalism, or communications. What matters most is demonstrable skill in grammar, attention to detail, and knowledge of style guides. A strong portfolio can be more valuable than formal credentials.

Is proofreading a good career?

Proofreading can be a rewarding career for detail-oriented individuals who love language. It offers flexibility (especially for freelancers), the satisfaction of perfecting written work, and opportunities across many industries. However, the work can be tedious and requires sustained concentration.

What skills do proofreaders need?

Essential skills include mastery of grammar and punctuation, attention to detail, patience, precision, and familiarity with style guides (AP, Chicago, APA). Technical skills like Microsoft Word, Track Changes, and Google Docs are also important.

Can I work from home as a proofreader?

Yes. Many proofreading jobs are remote, especially freelance positions. All you need is a computer, a reliable internet connection, and the necessary software. Remote proofreading opportunities exist in publishing, marketing, legal, and many other industries.

What tools do proofreaders use?

Common tools include Microsoft Word (Track Changes), Google Docs (Suggesting mode), Adobe Acrobat for PDFs, and grammar-checking software like Grammarly or ProWritingAid. Knowledge of style guides (AP, Chicago, APA) is also essential.

Will AI replace proofreaders?

AI tools assist proofreaders but aren’t likely to replace them entirely. AI can miss context-dependent errors, nuanced style issues, and industry-specific terminology. The most effective approach combines AI efficiency with human expertise and judgment.

Ready to start your proofreading career? Browse proofreading jobs on Mediabistro.

Marrying video clips, cool sound effects, and cooler graphics sounds like one of the coolest jobs ever. No wonder you’re itching to be a video editor. We got a couple of video editors to tell you all about the job. Take a look at what they had to say and then get scratching.

What exactly does a video editor do?

A video editor uses footage, sound, and graphics to tell a story. A typical day in the life may include creating treatments and storyboards; developing scripts; producing and editing videos and photos for multiple platforms, from short-form daily content for social media platforms to long-form series; and sourcing and/or creating and adding graphics, animations, special effects, music, sound effects, and sound bites.

A video editor also makes decisions about maximizing the content’s value online and helps align the final version of the piece to the appropriate distribution platform, says Elizabeth Giorgi, founder and CEO of internet video production company Mighteor. Audience development and working with members of other departments or an editorial team to ensure consistent and comprehensive content may also be part of the daily grind.

“It is my job to turn raw footage shot by a photographer into a compelling video,” says David Abrams, an auto test video editor/photographer at Consumer Reports. Though you may work with a producer or use a script to guide you, the overall tone of each piece is in the editor’s hands, says Abrams, so whether or not a video accomplishes its goals is often decided in the editing suite.

What skills does a video editor need?

“Storytelling is the number one skill a video editor must have,” says Abrams, noting you must see the video through the eyes of your audience and consider how your edits affect the story you’re telling.

Knowledge of editing tools such as Apple’s Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s Premiere Pro is key, says Abrams, who suggests taking a course or subscribing to a teaching site such as lynda.com to develop your skill set.

Adds Giorgi, “Experience with After Effects, color grading and sound software, as well as the latest in mobile, will make you an invaluable asset.”

Attention to detail and the ability to think laterally and visually are also important.

Who is a video editor’s supervisor?

A video editor at a startup may report to the CEO, while a video editor at a larger company may report to the digital content editor.

How do I get ahead in this position?

Stay abreast of the latest and greatest in technology and digital trends, and never stop honing your editing skills—this includes learning and adapting to new tools.

How can someone break into this field?

Broadcast journalism programs “teach all the basics as well as the guts of storytelling,” says Giorgi. But, if college isn’t your cup of tea—hey, everything isn’t for everybody—don’t count yourself out. If you can get your hands on a computer and editing software, you’re good to go.

“This field tends to value experience over formal education,” adds Abrams. “Your ability to edit and tell stories is far more valuable than [a] degree hanging on your wall.”

If you are looking for a role in video, search our video editing jobs on Mediabistro. Hiring? Post video editor and other creative jobs.

You’ve put in work managing the EIC’s calendar, replying to reader mail and maybe even writing short items. It’s time you apply for that assistant editor position you’re not-so-secretly dying for. Need more info before making the leap? Check out what a few assistant editors have to say about the job and then hop to it.

What exactly does an assistant editor do?

No matter what type of publication — print, digital, fashion, sports, interior design — an assistant editor’s primary responsibility is taking on assignments in collaboration with the editors and EIC. Routine tasks typically include conceptualizing and pitching stories, conducting research, interviewing sources, writing and editing copy, selecting photos and art to accompany articles, and proofreading. Some assistant editors may also manage social media accounts, and repurpose and curate content.

“Because VIBE is a smaller media company, I might have more tasks assigned to my role,” said Stacy-Ann Ellis, assistant editor. “Aside from assigning, cleaning and prepping pieces for publication, I shoot photography for features, determine the visual elements to accompany our larger pieces, keep track of staff and freelance deadlines, as well as write and shoot feature pieces for myself. It’s a lot.”

What skills does an assistant editor need?

The ability to write clear, concise copy (oftentimes in a hurry) is the most important, said Mary Kaarto, author and speaker. Kaarto spent 22 years working as an assistant editor for various trade publications. “A good assistant editor should be able to provide valid information in as few words as possible, yet make it enjoyable to read,” said Kaarto. You should also be able to generate creative and competitive stories. It doesn’t matter how well you write, if the story is uninspired, no one will read it, she added.

And you should definitely be skilled in prioritizing a hectic workload, said Ellis, as well as effectively communicating with staff members and working quickly and cleanly.

Being a self-starter and willing to take on any task, from opening mail to answering phones, is also a major deal, added Devon Warren, managing editor at Arts & Crafts magazine publisher Stampington & Company.

Who is an assistant editor’s supervisor?

If you work for a smaller publication as Kaarto did, you’ll likely report directly to the magazine’s editor. At a larger publication or website, an assistant editor may work for a specific section, such as news or fashion, in which case she might report to the editor of that section.

How important are digital skills?

“Nowadays, digital publication employers want multi-hyphenates who can do their own job and jump in to do someone else’s job if need be,” said Ellis. “That’s just the way it is.”

What does it take to excel in this position?

The ability to quickly solve problems in a pinch is vital to your success in this position, said Kaarto, who suggests keeping a backlog of timely filler material on hand for emergencies.

Organizing your time well and offering to assist your colleagues will cast you in a favorable light, advised Warren. And be adaptable, added Ellis. Nowadays, everything’s in flux, so staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever.

How can I break into this field?

A degree, preferably in English or journalism, helps. So does having a couple of internships under your belt. And while you’re gaining all that (unpaid) experience, network. Ellis advises that hard work and making — and maintaining — good connections pays off.

If you’ve got the writing chops and SEO savvy, then we’ve got the job for you: SEO copywriter. It may be the coolest job you’ve ever heard of. See what a few people in the field say about the position. Then, tell us we were right. We’ll be here, waiting.

What Exactly Does an SEO Copywriter Do?

An SEO copywriter writes copy that helps boost a website’s search engine rankings. The job is similar to that of an SEO specialist, but they aren’t the same. While an SEO specialist focuses on analyzing, reviewing, and executing changes to existing content to boost a site’s standing, an SEO copywriter typically creates original content to support the specialist’s strategy. An SEO copywriter must balance writing for search engines and writing for people, appealing to—and persuading—readers.

“The primary purpose of this role is to write copy that is search engine optimized through including keywords,” says James Nuttall, a copywriter who does SEO copywriting at Roman Blinds Direct. “This involves writing content across an entire website, from page descriptions to blog articles, helping to push your site up Google’s rankings.”

SEO copywriters craft Tweets, blog and Facebook posts, product descriptions, sales and promotional copy, and other content. Their specialty is considering keyword density and prominence as well as tone, style, and readability. Common tasks include:

• Researching product attributes, competitive keywords, and content landscape.
• Auditing websites to help develop off-site and on-site SEO campaigns.
• Monitoring searcher and customer behaviors.

What Skills Do You Need?

You have to know how to write well. The word is copywriter, after all. “No matter how well your content may be optimized, if the words on the page aren’t worth reading, your target audience will not be interested—not to mention Google can tell the difference between good and bad copy,” says Nuttall.

“Knowing who your audience is and how they interact with your content is essential to creating copy that will convert, inform and be shared,” says Kevin Rossignol, senior SEO copywriter and editor at BudgetDumpster.com.” You also need a working knowledge of technical SEO, PR and analytics to consistently improve your copy, he adds.

And you should be able to take constructive criticism—any writer should, frankly. You can’t always get a hole in one, so don’t take it personally when someone doesn’t love what you wrote.

Who Is an SEO Copywriter’s Supervisor?

It depends on the company, but you could report to a web content supervisor, an SEO content manager, or someone in the marketing department.

What Does It Take to Excel at This Job?

“You must be a good writer, although that’s secondary,” says Eric Brantner, an SEO copywriter and managing editor at Scribblrs.com, a blogging and content marketing site. “It’s more understanding how to talk to people, then [putting] it on ‘paper,’” he says.

How Can Someone Break Into This Field?

No degree is typically required, except maybe at the agency level, says Brantner, who recommends getting started by putting together your own site or mock business sites to showcase your talent.

So you’ve wanted to be a journalist since you were 12 and have a framed picture of Dan Rather on your nightstand to prove it. Cool. Hashtag career goals.

Kick off “Operation Become a Journalist” by getting the scoop on the job from a couple of seasoned pros. Then go break that story.

What exactly does a journalist do?

Journalists are storytellers. They write and report news stories about everything, from social issues and politics to sports and entertainment. A journalist presents information so folks can form opinions and make prudent decisions. “Journalists educate and inform the public about events and issues and how they affect their lives,” says Rebecca Briscoe, Houston Style Magazine national features reporter.

With newsrooms operating leaner and more digital than ever, journalists today juggle more roles than their predecessors. Beat reporters file for multiple platforms. Investigative journalists produce videos alongside their longform pieces. The job description has widened even as staffs have shrunk.

But getting to the story takes some legwork. A journalist spends time perusing press releases and developing story ideas; verifying facts; researching and investigating a single topic (sometimes for years!) for in-depth, long-form pieces; cultivating sources and relationships; and interviewing subjects.

And depending on where the journalist works, the job may entail anchoring a newscast, on-the-spot reporting, taking photos and producing content, including videos, for social media platforms.

What skills does a journalist need?

A mean pen game goes without saying. That includes having a voice that stands out. “The same way a verbal storyteller has a voice and a presentation style, so too should the journalist,” explains freelance writer Cari Shane, who’s written articles for various publications, including The Washington Post, Budget Travel and The Huffington Post. “The way words are written is key to the final product.”

Interviewing and interpersonal skills are important too. Extracting info from some subjects can be like pulling teeth, after all. You should also understand how media is consumed.

Does that mean I need digital skills?

You don’t have to be a digital deity, but experience with HTML and CMS, on-air content systems such as ENPS (Electronic News Production System), digital editing software and analytics is smiled upon.

“Hootsuite is a great way to manage social media platforms, Dropbox is the best method for me to share secure files, and Tweetbinder is my lifesaver when I want to quantify social media trends and engagement,” offers Briscoe.

Speaking of the digital space, are bloggers and people who report on celebrities journalists?

There’s no consensus on what makes someone a journalist, so the answer depends on whom you ask.

“They’re journalists if they approach their work as journalists [do]—that is, taking the job seriously, being a stickler for accuracy and writing well,” says Kent Klein, substitute host of the POTUS channel on SiriusXM.

“I consider myself a journalist because I have fact checked and researched my topic thoroughly,” says Briscoe, adding that most of her pieces offer serious, thought-provoking content.

Who’s my supervisor?

An editor, also known as the gatekeeper.

Do I need a journalism degree to break into the field?

“There’s nothing wrong with a journalism degree, but I would prefer a content-based discipline—economics, politics or foreign relations, for example,” says Klein. But experience is what really seals the deal. If you can get the story and translate it to paper, you’re as good as hired. Knock out a couple of internships while you’re still in school to get a head start.

Now, hop on over to the job board to find the perfect journalism job.