Our Becoming A Proofreader course comes with lifetime access, meaning you can take things at your own pace and fit learning around your existing schedule. Once you’ve qualified as a freelance proofreader or editor, you can work as much (or as little) as you like – and from wherever you want.

Alejandrina, a stay-at-home mom of three, had always enjoyed learning about spelling, grammar, and punctuation and had done some informal proofreading in the past. After having her children, she was looking for part-time work she could do from home. She was pleased to discover that freelance proofreading was an option.

Keep reading to hear more of Alejandrina’s story.

Hi, Alejandrina! What were you doing before you started Becoming A Proofreader?

I’m originally from California, but I’m currently living in North Carolina with my husband and three small children. I went to school at Northern Arizona University, and I studied special and elementary education. When I learned about the course, I was a stay-at-home mom.

What made you consider taking the course?

When I was in middle school and high school, I always loved doing grammar exercises. In high school, I had a couple of friends give me their personal statements to check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors – just general proofreading – and I really enjoyed it.

And then, after college and after having my first child, I was looking for something that I could do at home. I came across an ad on Facebook for freelance proofreading. I was amazed that it was something I could do from home, on my own time, and be paid for doing. So that’s kind of how I came across Knowadays and Proofed.

“I was amazed that it was something I could do from home, on my own time, and be paid for doing.“

What did you like most about learning with Knowadays?

I had a pretty good experience with the Becoming A Proofreader course. The units were simple, straightforward, and easy to follow. But what I enjoyed the most was that, in every one of them, there was humor – even some of the units that were very information-heavy were a little easier to get through because of that.

So, it wasn’t just, you know, “Here’s this textbook.” You could tell that the makers of the course tried to make it a little more engaging for those taking it.

What was your experience with our guaranteed work offer with Proofed? Has the course helped you reach your goals?

Proofed’s guaranteed work offer was definitely one of the biggest things that separated it from the other freelance proofreading options I had found. It was really nice knowing that I could have a set freelancing career as long as I passed the course.

When I passed the course, someone spoke with me about whether I was still interested in working for Proofed and explained the next steps. There wasn’t any pressure to work for them if, after the course, I decided not to.

The course has helped me achieve my goals in that I now have some income every month for any small things that might come up. Because my children are small, I haven’t been doing it full time. But that’s also the nice thing – I don’t have to do it full time. It’s very flexible, and that has been one of the best things about it.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading? Do you have a favorite type of document or subject area to proofread?

The work is so flexible and so varied! I’ve proofread blogs, manual chapters, research papers, poems, and many different things. The work is never boring.

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

If anyone was on the fence about taking this course, I would say do it!

The first two times that I took the test, I didn’t pass. I had the option of speaking with a tutor, so I took it, and they were extremely helpful and friendly. They went through and answered all my questions, explaining some of the errors I had made and what they were looking for. And that was a great help.

Even after having passed, all the feedback has been really straightforward and has helped me greatly improve as a proofreader. I’ve kept every email, and I refer to them when I’m stuck on something.

The admin team is always very understanding when I can’t take a certain document or when I can only take documents of certain lengths – they’re never pushy – so that has been really great.

I can definitely see myself working with Proofed pretty much forever because of how flexible and varied the work is and because of how great the admin team has been.

“I can definitely see myself working with Proofed pretty much forever because of how flexible and varied the work is.“

Becoming A Proofreader

Are you a parent who’d like to find flexible work that allows you to spend more time at home with your family? We can help! Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses will equip you with the skills needed to succeed as a freelance proofreader and/or editor.

Pass Becoming A Proofreader with a distinction grade (80% or above), and you’re guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. That means you can start gaining experience – and earning an income – almost straight away! And if you buy both courses as a bundle, you’ll save 15%.

Try it out for free today!

The post Alejandrina appeared first on Knowadays.

Steven, a Becoming A Proofreader graduate, did exactly that. He was ready to retire from teaching but still wanted the option to work flexibly and earn some money from home. As a teacher and a lover of the English language, Steven found that freelance proofreading and editing were a perfect fit! He now works for our partner company, Proofed, setting his own hours and doing something he genuinely enjoys.

Read on to find out more about Steven and his freelance journey.

Hi, Steven! What were you doing before you started Becoming A Proofreader?

I worked for many years in IT, and more recently, I was a teacher of English as a second language.

What made you consider taking the course?

I decided that I wanted to retire from teaching, but I didn’t want to give up work completely. I was looking for something that would offer flexibility and enable me to work from home. Because I was interested in English, proofreading seemed like a good option, and that’s when I discovered the Becoming A Proofreader course.

What did you like most about learning with Knowadays?

I really enjoyed the course. I love studying English, so it was wonderful to do that. 

The course is very well designed and gives you experience in proofreading lots of different types of material. And what was particularly good about it was that you get lots of feedback. At the end of each lesson, there’s a quiz, and you get the results of that straight away. So it’s instant feedback. And at the end of each module, there’s a larger assignment. Again, once you’ve completed that, you get your feedback straight away so you can see if there’s anything that you need to concentrate on, anything that you haven’t understood straight away, and correct that, put that right, which is wonderful.

“The course is very well designed and gives you experience in proofreading lots of different types of material. And what was particularly good about it was that you get lots of feedback.“

What was your experience with our guaranteed work offer with Proofed? Has the course helped you reach your goals?

After graduating, I was offered work with Proofed, and that’s been a great experience. At times, [it was] challenging because I was having to deal with sometimes quite large documents. But that challenge has actually been really good because by meeting that challenge, I’ve been able to increase my confidence.

And the other good thing about Proofed is that there are so many resources available to you. If there’s anything that you’re not clear about, there’ll be something there to help you or somebody to help you because you can ask questions of other people, and it’s a very supportive environment.

And there’s plenty of work available for me. There’s been no shortage of work. So I’ve been able to do exactly what I wanted, which was work as much or as little as I choose. So yeah, all around, [it’s been] a great experience.

“There’s been no shortage of work. So I’ve been able to do exactly what I wanted, which was work as much or as little as I choose.“

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

For somebody who’s thinking about taking the course, I would say go for it – do it. It’s a really, really well-designed course, and it’s very enjoyable. And it can lead to lots of work in the future as it has done for me.

Becoming A Proofreader

Would you like to find flexible work you can do during retirement? Our courses can help!

Our Becoming A Proofreader course will teach you all the skills you need to work as a professional freelance proofreader. Plus, if you pass with a distinction grade (80% or above), you are guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. You can work as little or as much as you choose from anywhere you like.

And if you buy the course as part of our proofreader and editor course bundle, you’ll save 15% and get Becoming An Editor too!

Sign up for a free trial today and see how Knowadays can help you reach your retirement goals.

The post Steven appeared first on Knowadays.

For many people – such as parents, primary caregivers, and those with disabilities or chronic health conditions – remote and work from home opportunities are essential. They allow individuals to earn an income while avoiding some of the constraints of a traditional in-office role and commute.

After health concerns caused Melissa to unexpectedly leave her job at a library, she needed to find a way to earn an income from home. She came across our Becoming A Proofreader course and guaranteed work offer and decided to give it a go! She now works for our partner company, Proofed, is earning an income on her own terms, and says her confidence has really grown.

Read more about Melissa’s experiences below.

Hi, Melissa! What were you doing before you started Becoming A Proofreader?

I was previously employed at a library, but I unexpectedly had to resign from that job due to health and safety concerns.

What made you consider taking the course?

I was looking for an opportunity to earn an income from home because of the limitations I was facing due to my health concerns. Knowadays came across as a professional and reliable company that could provide what I was seeking. The reviews I read on Trustpilot made my decision easier.

Did you have any hesitations or doubts before purchasing the course?

I was concerned about investing money in a course because I did not have an income at the time.

What sets Becoming A Proofreader apart from other online courses?

Many other proofreading companies require you to have a post-secondary degree of some sort to work for them. As someone who does not have a post-secondary education, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work for Proofed if I passed the course with the required mark. The offer of guaranteed work was a huge incentive for me.

What did you like most about learning with Knowadays?

Prior to learning with Knowadays, I felt I had a good grasp of the English language. However, while taking the course, I learned about different dialects and referencing systems, how to format documents using Microsoft Word, and the finer details of professionally writing and editing documents. I was not aware of my lack of knowledge in these areas until I began working my way through the course.

I appreciated how the modules in the course were both thorough and concise. The interactive quizzes helped me retain information. Also, as a visual learner, I benefited from the videos that demonstrated recommended workflows.

I also appreciated the excellent customer service I received from the Knowadays staff. I knew I could reach out during the course if I had any questions.

“I also appreciated the excellent customer service I received from the Knowadays staff. I knew I could reach out during the course if I had any questions.“

How did you feel after taking the course?

I felt a sense of accomplishment and was excited to begin working for Proofed. I also knew I had a lot left to learn and that what I had learned through the Knowadays course was just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

I am indebted to Knowadays and Proofed for providing an opportunity to earn an income from home during a time when I felt I had few career options.

The knowledge I gained has given me more confidence when proofreading and editing documents for Proofed. I greatly value the work I have been able to do through Proofed because of the courses I completed with Knowadays.

“I am indebted to Knowadays and Proofed for providing an opportunity to earn an income from home during a time when I felt I had few career options.“

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

I would recommend Knowadays as a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to increase their knowledge of the English language, especially if they hope to enter the proofreading and editing space but lack direction regarding how to do so.

Becoming A Proofreader

Does the idea of working from home (or from anywhere!) sound good? Then freelance proofreading and editing could be the career for you!

Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses cover all the essential skills you need to start work as a freelance proofreader and/or editor. And with our guaranteed work offer, you won’t even need to worry about finding your first clients!

If you buy both courses as a bundle, you’ll save 15%. Sign up for a free trial today and start your journey to flexible, rewarding work.

The post Melissa appeared first on Knowadays.

Becoming A Proofreader graduate Josiah always had a passion for writing and editing but never pursued this interest in a professional capacity. After spending several years working in other industries, he decided to make the jump and train to become a certified proofreader.

He’s now building his knowledge, experience, and confidence with Proofed, and working toward setting up his own editing and copywriting business. Read on to find out more about Josiah’s freelance proofreading journey.

Hi, Josiah! What were you doing before you started Becoming a Proofreader?

I’ve got a varied background, starting all the way back in law enforcement straight out of college. I moved on to financial services, and then I dabbled in owning my own business for a while with a little bit of freelance work mixed in. So, I guess you can say I’m a jack-of-all-trades!

What made you consider taking the course?

I first started looking into a proofreading course because I really wanted to have something that verified my abilities, and I wanted to see how well I could do in the field. I always had a passion for writing and editing. I love fiction, and it just seemed like the right direction for me to head in.

I wanted to get into freelance work, and I knew that there was a market out there that’s tremendous for freelancers in terms of editing and writing. So, I wanted to make the jump, and I started looking around, and it just really made sense for me to take the route of becoming a certified proofreader.

Did you have any hesitations or doubts before purchasing the course?

I started out with a little bit of hesitancy, but I quickly learned that it was exactly what I was looking for in terms of gaining the knowledge and experience, as far as training goes, to do the job.

What did you like most about learning with Knowadays?

I found the Becoming a Proofreader course to be of tremendous value. Some of my favorite aspects of the course were that it took you from A to Z, but it also tested your knowledge along the way.

And it allowed you to get practical experience working on documents of different types, looking at formatting and grammatical issues. It was a phenomenal way to learn, and I found it very helpful.

What was your experience with our guaranteed work offer with Proofed? Has the course helped you reach your goals?

Working with Proofed has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve gained so much knowledge and so much experience from day one. I’ve worked on documents from research papers to brochures. I’ve helped write for the marketing team, and pioneer editing AI-generated content. 

I’m currently working on a team that edits and proofreads audiobook scripts, which has been one of the best experiences that I’ve ever had in terms of editing. It’s definitely helped me reach my goals. I still hope to someday do freelance work full time, and I know that Proofed is going to be one of the key reasons that I will get there.

“Working with Proofed has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve gained so much knowledge and so much experience from day one.“

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming a Proofreader?

I’d say if you were thinking about taking the Becoming a Proofreader course, I’d jump right in and do it. It’s worth the money. It’s worth the time. You’ll have a great experience. You’ll learn a lot, and at the end of the day, you’ll be a better proofreader and editor for it.

Even if you’ve had experience in the past, I’m confident that it will help you become a better proofreader. There’s so much information. It’s easy to follow. You can do it at your own pace. There’s just . . . it’s a no-brainer!

“I’d say if you were thinking about taking the Becoming a Proofreader course, I’d jump right in and do it. It’s worth the money. It’s worth the time. You’ll have a great experience.“

Becoming A Proofreader

If you, like Josiah, want to turn a love for language and the written word into a flexible new career, look no further than our proofreading and editing courses.

Becoming a Proofreader and Becoming an Editor cover everything you need to know to get started as a freelance proofreader and/or editor. Plus, if you buy them together, you’ll save 15%!

Sign up for a free trial today and see how Knowadays can help you reach your career goals.

The post Josiah appeared first on Knowadays.

There are lots of factors that contribute to job satisfaction: having varied, interesting work, having opportunities for career development, being able to maintain a good work–life balance, and feeling valued for your contributions (to name just a few).

While it’s rare for a job to tick every box, there are plenty out there whose positives easily outweigh their negatives.

Dean, a Becoming A Proofreader graduate, was working as a security guard for a haulage company but found the work unfulfilling. He had always admired people with a specific skill or trade and wanted to start a new career that he could really be proud of.

After seeing an ad for Knowadays online, he decided to give our proofreading course a go. He says the course changed his life! He learned a unique, valuable skill, boosted his self-esteem, and has worked with our partner company, Proofed, ever since.

Keep reading to hear more of Dean’s freelance story.

Hi, Dean! What were you doing before you started Becoming A Proofreader?

I was working as a security guard at a haulage company, but my dad got very ill with lung cancer, so I became his carer. After he passed away, I didn’t want to go back to security work because I never felt suited to it. So, I signed up for agency work while I tried to figure out what I would like to try to do.

What made you consider taking our course?

I saw an advert for the Becoming A Proofreader course online, and English was the subject I was best at in school. I remember going through all the FAQs on the website and liking what I was reading.

I remember getting a phone call from someone at Knowadays and discussing it with them too, and I liked what she was telling me. So, I decided to take the course because it seemed like it could lead me to a career I would be a lot more suited to and proud of.

Did you have any hesitations or doubts before purchasing the course?

I’m always a bit wary of websites since there are a lot of scams. I was also worried that the work with Proofed might not be genuine either. I thought I might pass the test and then receive some email with an obscure part of the terms and conditions explaining why I was wrong for thinking I’d get to work for Proofed.

Those worries were groundless though; I’ve worked for Proofed for ten months now.

Have you taken any other online courses? How did Becoming A Proofreader differ?

I have done other online courses. I took a DIY course once. I also got a diploma in hydroponics from doing a course online. Once I paid for them, I didn’t receive any further communication from the course providers though. This was fine; I paid for a service, received it, and never expected anything more.

But when I did the course, I received a lot of communication post-payment. This had a big effect.

The course can be difficult at times (as it should be), so receiving extra learning materials, advice, and guidance makes a big difference. Knowadays obviously care about people getting the most out of the course, which I think is the difference between great course providers and average ones.

“Knowadays obviously care about people getting the most out of the course.“

What did you like most about learning with Knowadays?

The people who made the course know that it’s an online course and have designed it to cater for problems that can arise from that. You can’t put your hand up and ask a teacher when you’re finding something difficult, so you’re given online tutors you can ask questions to. I never asked them many questions myself though, as the course had a simple structure, and I found it very clear.

I like that I still have access to the course because I use it for work sometimes when I want to make sure of something. It’s easy to navigate, and there is a sense of humor to it in some places.

I also like that I still get emails from Knowadays to tell me if the website is changing and invite me to join things like a Facebook community.

Mostly though, I just really appreciated how valued they make you feel as a customer, and how they want you to succeed.

How did you feel after taking the course?

Very proud. I put a lot of hard work into it. When I passed the test, I felt like I had developed knowledge and skill. I was excited to see what I could do with that moving forward, and I had confidence in my new abilities.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

It’s quite common to hear people say that something changed their life. Personally, I don’t remember ever saying that about anything though. However, I will say it about the course I took.

I was always quite jealous of people who had a specific skill or trade, as it seemed like the kind of jobs I did before were things that anybody could do.

My dad was a mechanic, and whenever he opened the bonnet of a car, he seemed to know and understand exactly what he was looking at. I thought this was very special because all I saw was machinery and wires.

When I worked security, my job was to sit in a caravan at the top of a haulage yard and make sure nothing bad happened to the lorries. Anybody can do that.

The course I took taught me a specific skill though, and now I feel like I have something more unique to offer. This led to an increase in my self-esteem, which has affected other areas of my life and improved them. So, I don’t think it is an exaggeration at all to say that the course changed my life.

“The course I took taught me a specific skill, and now I feel like I have something more unique to offer.“

What do you enjoy most about proofreading? Do you have a favorite type of document or subject area to proofread?

My favorite jobs to do for Proofed are the job and university applications because it’s really motivating to help people achieve their goals and change their lives.

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

I think the one sentence I would tell them would be “Everything you are promised you will get.” No course that is actually worth passing will be easy, so it’s not guaranteed that you will pass the final tests (although they are very doable). But Knowadays do everything possible to put you in the best position to pass them, which is something I would guarantee to anyone.

Becoming A Proofreader

If you’re feeling unfulfilled or dissatisfied at work, it’s never too late to make a change. Our courses will teach you unique, valuable skills, and help you kickstart a new career that you can truly enjoy and be proud of.

Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor cover everything you need to know to start work as a freelance proofreader and/or editor. And with our guaranteed work offer, you can start enjoying the benefits of a flexible freelance career almost straight away! Buy both courses as a bundle, and you’ll save 15%.

Try them for free today!

The post Dean appeared first on Knowadays.

Since completing our Becoming A Proofreader course, Mark has been able to do exactly that. As a freelance proofreader, he has the flexibility to earn an income on his own terms. This lets him focus on caring for his elderly parents while still having time to enjoy his many hobbies.

Take a look at our catch up below.

Hi, Mark! What made you consider Becoming A Proofreader

I really wanted and needed to have a job that had flexible hours and allowed me to travel.

What were you doing before you started the course?

I was a personal trainer.

Was the course good value for money?

I took another course after the Knowadays course, just to up my knowledge, but even though that course was twice the cost, it was a waste of my money. The Knowadays course had better material and was put together in a format that was much easier to use.

What has been the single best benefit of having done the course?

I will never make a mistake with the serial comma ever again! Just kidding. Freedom. I now have the freedom to work when I want, how much I want, and where I want. That is amazing.

“I now have the freedom to work when I want, how much I want, and where I want. That is amazing.“

How has your transition to working as a freelance proofreader with Proofed been?

The transition has been great. It was slower getting regular work than I expected, but now things are picking up. I just signed on to do some keyword optimization for them. The Proofed team is great to work for. I really appreciate them. They are very communicative, helpful, and professional.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I have mostly proofread ESL papers so far, and the thing I enjoy about proofreading those is helping someone find the right words to express what they are truly trying to say. It is also a bit like a puzzle to solve. You have to be a detective and figure out what is being said and how best to say it without changing any of the meaning. It is slow and challenging but rewarding as well.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

I now have flexibility in my work choices and subsequent freedom in my life because of that.

What is your day-to-day routine like now?

It is fairly random. I am caring for elderly parents, so I have tasks relating to that. I play violin and piano every day, compose, write, read, take walks, juggle, and work when needed.

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

I did the whole course twice before taking the test. Go slow and be thorough so you really learn the material.

Is there anything else you want to share?

I would just say that changing careers isn’t comfortable, but with some work it is possible for anyone. I wouldn’t say proofreading is my passion, but it provides me with the flexibility to pursue my passions. So, I am grateful for that.

Becoming A Proofreader or Editor

If you’d like a new career where setting your own schedule is the norm, freelance proofreading and editing could be for you. Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses cover everything you need to know to get started. You can even try them for free!

The post Mark appeared first on Knowadays.

Lauren was looking for a job she could do from home that would fit around homeschooling her daughter. She completed our Becoming A Proofreader course and now works for Proofed on the weekends. This has allowed her to take control of her career – she can decide when, where, and how to work, and she has more time to spend with her daughter.

Hi, Lauren! What made you consider Becoming A Proofreader?

I was looking for a change of career and a job I could do from home. Proofreading seemed ideal, and the Knowadays course fit my requirements perfectly. Especially the offer of guaranteed work at the end!

What were you doing before you started the course?

I was working as an administrator at a primary school.

Was there anything surprising or particularly challenging in the course for you?

Relearning some of the grammar rules. I discovered I had been taught some of them incorrectly many years ago (such as comma use), and it is hard to change habits after so long!

How has your transition to working as a freelance proofreader with Proofed been?

Really smooth. Proofed has been very easy to work with, and the feedback I received in the early days helped me to continuously improve as a proofreader.

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

It’s my first time, and I really enjoy being in control of what I do and when.

Are you making enough money?

It’s building up slowly. As my words-per-hour rate speeds up, I’m able to take on slightly bigger docs. Each month, my pay is a little bigger than the previous month, so things are improving all the time.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

So many ways! I can now work from home and can choose where, when, and how I work. I’m learning all the time – not just as a proofreader, but also from the eclectic documents I’m proofreading. The work is really interesting, I have more time with my young daughter, and I’m completely in control of my career. It has really changed my life for the better.

“The work is really interesting, I have more time with my young daughter, and I’m completely in control of my career. It has really changed my life for the better.“

What is your day-to-day routine like now?

I don’t work at all during the week as I home educate my daughter. But on Saturday morning, I log on to the Proofed queue on my tablet and wait for documents to be uploaded. I keep my tablet with me all the time over the weekend, and when an interesting document comes up I stop what I’m doing and “go to work” (wherever my laptop happens to be!). I usually stay up late on a Saturday, as often a document pops up into the early hours. I squeeze in as many as I can over the two days, giving myself little breaks.

Was the course good value for money?

Definitely.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

Making an awkwardly written document read smoothly so that the content can really shine through.

Do you have a favorite type of document or subject area to proofread?

Short essays, around 2000 words, on a variety of subjects.

Where do you proofread?

At home, usually in a little workspace set up in a corner of my bedroom.

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

I home educate my daughter, take trips to the park, read, and sew.

Is there anything else you want to share?

If you’re interested in words and fancy a change of career, I’d urge anyone to give the course a go. It’s not a quick fix or something you can do half-heartedly, but if you put the time in, it is a really rewarding career that will keep you on your toes and never let you get bored.

Becoming A Proofreader

Like the idea of making money online? Knowadays can help you learn the skills you need to start a fulfilling new career as a freelance proofreader or editor. You can even try the courses for free!

The post Lauren appeared first on Knowadays.

Since completing our Becoming A Proofreader course, Naomi has transitioned to full-time proofreading. She works with Proofed in addition to managing her own clients she’s found online, and she structures her day around various goals and projects. She enjoys the variety that each new day brings and is very happy to be free from long, rush hour commutes!

Hi, Naomi! What made you consider Becoming A Proofreader?

The course is more comprehensive than most of those offered.

What were you doing before you started the course?

I was making a valuable contribution to the healthcare industry.

Was there anything surprising or particularly challenging in the course for you?

The academic proofreading and advanced formatting in Microsoft Word modules were challenging. The former was entirely new to me, and it had been a while since I had used any of the formatting features in MS Word. If it weren’t for the formatting tutorial, I don’t think I would have made it past that point. Needless to say, it was a learning experience I will always appreciate.

How has your transition to working as a freelance proofreader with Proofed been?

So far, the transition to Proofed has been great. I’m not confident about proofing academic projects yet, but I enjoy editing other documents. The editors are awesome, by the way, and their feedback has proven helpful.

Are you proofreading elsewhere, in addition to your work at Proofed? If so, how did you find this work?

Yes. I continue to find clients through marketing and reputable online platforms.

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

This is my first time going all in with freelancing, though I’m accustomed to doing freelance work on the side. It’s totally satisfying.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

Being able to work remotely and do what I love from the comfort of, well, anywhere, allows me to live my best life. I’m thankful to be free of long commutes, rush hour, and toxic workplaces. Now I have the freedom to set my hours, contribute to creative texts, and work with enterprising writers whenever I want. It’s hard to imagine, but freelancing does offer the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds.

“Being able to work remotely and do what I love from the comfort of, well, anywhere, allows me to live my best life.“

Are you making enough money?

Right now, I’m making enough for an aspiring copy editor and proofreader. As I follow my passion, greater success isn’t far behind.

What is your day-to-day routine like now?

Each day poses a different start now. I structure everything around my goals and projects, both personal and professional. I discovered that my trusted manually composed to-do lists weren’t going to cut it any longer. So, I use project management software instead. This not only keeps me organized but focused, too. Once you find one that fits your needs, you won’t regret a moment of setting up an account. It’s like having your very own personal assistant.

Was the course good value for money?

When compared to the competition, Knowadays is definitely good value. I took the time to compare costs, and it didn’t take long to determine the winner. Without a doubt, the course is a worthy investment.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

Proofreading allows me to help aspiring writers shine. My favorite documents to proofread are manuscripts and ebooks.

Where do you proofread?

I spend much of my time proofreading from the comfort of my “work nook.” This space is actually in a small walk-in closet. Since it’s adjacent to a large floor-to-ceiling window, I get plenty of natural sunlight to work by. That is, until the sun sets, and then it’s lights on from there. I love it!

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

When it’s time to relax, I like to read a good book (or two, or three). Yes, more of that! You might even find me beachcombing, on an adventure getaway, or a nature walk.

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

If you know that you excel at editing and proofreading, whether informally or professionally, you have what it takes to pass this course. As in life, there will be challenges. Embrace them to further hone your skills. There’s a great editorial talent team at your disposal, so use the feedback and the website resources to your advantage, and you’ll do just fine.

Do you have a website or LinkedIn profile?

Yes, I have a LinkedIn profile.

Is there anything else you want to share?

For anyone on the fence about Knowadays, don’t be. In this case, the grass really is greener on this side.

Becoming A Proofreader

Would you like to kickstart a new freelance career that allows you to prioritize your own personal and professional goals?

If you like the sound of a career as a freelance proofreader or editor, Knowadays can help! Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses will teach you everything you need to know to get started. Try them for free today.

Buy both courses together, and you can save 15%!

The post Naomi appeared first on Knowadays.

When Hannah, a former funeral assistant at a mortuary, found that her day job was taking a toll on her mental wellbeing, she sought out Knowadays to help her launch a new career as a proofreader. Since graduating and starting work at Proofed, her mental and physical wellbeing has significantly improved, affording her more energy and enthusiasm for her hobbies, her Etsy business, and quality time with her cat, Penny.

Hi Hannah! What made you consider Becoming A Proofreader?

After a year of working in a mortuary during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was completely burned out and suffering from compassion fatigue. I knew it was time to find a job I could do from the safety and comfort of my home. After doing lots of research on the best work-from-home gigs out there, I stumbled across proofreading. It was perfect. I’ve been an avid reader my whole life, and I’ve always loved writing. I knew proofreading was something I could do well. So, I looked into training programs and chose Knowadays because of its reviews.

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

Use the proofreading checklists provided by Knowadays! I didn’t know about them before my first attempt at passing the exam. They made the difference that helped me pass my second attempt.

Was there anything surprising or particularly challenging in the course for you?

Because I was a straight-A student in school, it was disheartening when I didn’t pass my first exam attempt. But the Knowadays team was very kind and encouraging when they reviewed my results with me.

How has your transition to working as a freelance proofreader with Proofed been?

At first, it was admittedly a bit rough. I was at my computer all day, from when I woke up to when I went to bed, trying to pick up assignments. But that was just the first month. Now, as I near the end of my second month with Proofed, I work fewer hours than I did at my desk job and make more money per hour – and my prospects are still improving as I level up and gain access to more assignments!

What has been the single best benefit of having done the course?

As previously mentioned, my last job left me emotionally raw. The course allowed me to work with Proofed, which in turn means that I can work from my home and on my own schedule. This has allowed me to prioritize self-care and mental health. And I love that my cat Penny gets to snuggle up next to me while I work.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

This may sound dramatic, but freelance proofreading has changed everything for me. My mental health and physical health have improved because I can make the time to prioritize those things. I have more time to spend with the people I love and do the things I love. But, I have the option of taking on more work if there’s something special I want to make money for, like a spa day or a girls’ night out. Freelance proofreading has also allowed me to focus more on my Etsy shop, as I can work on shop stuff while I wait for new assignments to become available.

“My mental health and physical health have improved because I can make the time to prioritize those things. I have more time to spend with the people I love and do the things I love.“

What is your day-to-day routine like now?

I wake up without an alarm, on my own schedule. I take time for myself in the morning to drink tea, read, work out, and do some yoga. When assignments pop up, I choose the ones I want to take. Depending on how I feel that day, I work in bursts that are as long or as short as I need them to be. I take breaks when I need them and snuggle my cat as often as possible. If a friend invites me on a last-minute hike, I adjust my workday to accommodate it. It’s absolutely dreamy.

Was the course good value for money?

Absolutely! It paid for itself just a couple of weeks after I started working with Proofed.

How often would you say you proofread for Proofed in a typical week?

5+ days per week.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I love that I get to read all day! Some of the material can be a little dense or boring, but much of it is interesting and exciting.

Do you have a favorite type of document or subject area to proofread?

I love proofreading creative writing (who doesn’t?), but I also enjoy academic papers that teach me about a new subject.

Where do you proofread? Have you got a workspace set up?

I have a home office set up, but I head to my local coffee shop or my favorite park when I need a change of scenery. I’ve even proofread in the airport on the way to and from vacation! I love that I can work anywhere, as long as I have an internet connection to download the document first.

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

I set up an Etsy shop in May 2021 that sells supplies and services for witches and pagans, but I used to only work on it in my free time after my traditional day job. Freelance proofreading has allowed me to be self-employed full time, and I love it. I can’t see myself going back to traditional work ever.

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

I like to do a bit of everything – yoga, ballet, Irish dance, camping, hiking, writing, knitting, painting, cooking, baking, witchcraft. I may not be good at all of them, but they bring me lots of joy. I also recently wrote and published an original Kindle Vella series.

Becoming A Proofreader

Are you considering switching careers to prioritize your mental wellbeing? Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses are designed to provide you with all the tools you need to get started in a flexible new career. Why not try them out for free?

The post Hannah appeared first on Knowadays.

Lisa, a full-time research scientist, took our Becoming A Proofreader course to improve her knowledge of English writing rules. She now works for Proofed in her spare time, and her new skills have been valuable in her day job, too!

Read our catch up below.

Hi, Lisa! What made you consider Becoming A Proofreader?

I wanted to improve my knowledge of English writing rules.

What were you doing before you started the course?

I was working full time as a research scientist.

Was there anything surprising or particularly challenging in the course for you?

Learning about Microsoft Word’s Compare tool was very surprising! I had previously worked on academic manuscripts and theses that involved using track changes, and all that time, I had no idea there was an easier way to proofread documents.

What has been the single best benefit of having done the course?

Being given the opportunity to work with Proofed!

How has your transition to working as a freelance proofreader with Proofed been?

Very smooth! My Proofed application documents were processed just over one week after I passed the Knowadays course, so I was able to begin working with Proofed very quickly. In my first month working with Proofed, I earned over double the cost of the course. The feedback I received from the editors at Proofed was also really valuable and helped me become a better proofreader with every document that I completed.

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

I haven’t been self-employed before. I really like the flexibility in working hours, and I enjoy choosing to proofread only when I’m in the mood to do so.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

I still work full time as a scientist, but I proofread documents for Proofed in my free time. It’s been nice to earn some extra income this way, and it’s also been wonderful to see my proofreading ability and speed improve over the last few months. The skills and knowledge that I am developing are also useful to my day job; I am involved in writing manuscripts and other documents for my company, so I now feel I can do a better job of generating that material as well.

“It’s been nice to earn some extra income this way, and it’s also been wonderful to see my proofreading ability and speed improve over the last few months.“

What is your day-to-day routine like now?

I work a standard work week for my day job, but after work or on the weekends, if I’m feeling the urge to do some proofreading (which I often do, it’s quite fun!), I’ll make myself a cup of tea and sit down for a few hours to proofread some documents.

Was the course good value for money?

Yes, I think the course was good value for money because it covers a range of topics that provide a solid foundation for proofreading. The guaranteed work offer with Proofed makes the course even more valuable.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I enjoy making edits that I know will improve the clarity and flow of someone’s writing. I also love the diversity of documents and ideas that I get to read about as I proofread.

Do you have a favorite type of document or subject area to proofread?

I have an academic background, so I enjoy proofreading manuscripts, theses, and university assignments.

Where do you proofread?

I typically proofread at home from my computer, but I also enjoy proofreading in cafes using my laptop.

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

I like to try out new cuisines, read non-fiction books, watch psychological thriller films, and go for long walks in the city.

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

Complete the trial course! It will give you a really good preview of the high quality of the learning materials and the self-paced nature of the course.

Do you have a website or LinkedIn profile?

Yes, I have a LinkedIn profile.

Becoming A Proofreader

Want to learn some new skills or take your career to the next level? Knowadays can help. Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses are designed to equip you with all of the skills you need to work as a freelance proofreader or editor. Try them for free today!

The post Lisa appeared first on Knowadays.