Best Side Hustles for Proofreading

Whether you're a seasoned editor or just starting, Canada offers plenty of opportunities for proofreaders to earn money. Here's a guide to the best proofreading side hustles, their income potential, tools and resources, and how to get started.

Freelance Proofreading on Platforms

Freelancing allows you to offer your proofreading services to clients worldwide through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. You can choose projects that match your expertise, from academic papers to blog posts.

Income Potential:

Freelancers typically earn between $20 to $50 per hour, depending on experience and the complexity of the project.

Tools and Resources:

• Grammarly – For grammar and spell-check.
• Hemingway Editor – To improve readability.
• ProWritingAid – For detailed editing insights.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on Upwork or Fiverr.
• Create a professional profile showcasing your skills and experience.
• Bid on proofreading jobs that match your expertise.

Proofreading for Academic Papers

Many students and researchers in Canada require proofreading for essays, dissertations, and research papers. This niche often involves formatting according to academic styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago.

Income Potential:

Academic proofreaders can earn $25 to $60 per hour or charge per word, with rates ranging from $0.02 to $0.05 per word.

Tools and Resources:

• Citation Machine – For proper citation formatting.
• EndNote – Reference management tool.
• Turnitin – For plagiarism checking.

How to Get Started:

• Join platforms like Scribendi or Editage.
• Reach out to local universities and advertise your services.
• Network with students on platforms like LinkedIn or through campus groups.

Corporate Proofreading

Businesses require proofreaders to review marketing materials, reports, emails, and websites. This side hustle offers steady work and the opportunity to collaborate with established companies.

Income Potential:

Corporate proofreaders can earn $30 to $70 per hour or negotiate flat rates for specific projects.

Tools and Resources:

• Microsoft Word Track Changes – Essential for collaborative edits.
• Google Docs – For real-time proofreading.
• Slack – For client communication.

How to Get Started:

• Search for jobs on Indeed Canada and Glassdoor.
• Connect with businesses through LinkedIn.
• Offer your services to marketing agencies or content creators.

Editing & Proofreading Self-Published Books

With the rise of self-publishing, authors often seek proofreaders to polish their manuscripts before publication. This side hustle is perfect for avid readers who enjoy fiction or non-fiction.

Income Potential:

Proofreading for authors typically pays $0.01 to $0.03 per word, translating to $500 to $1,500 per book, depending on length.

Tools and Resources:

• Scrivener – For manuscript organization.
• BookBaby – Self-publishing support.
• KDP Amazon – For publishing resources.

How to Get Started:

• Join networks like Reedsy.
• Advertise your services on forums like KBoards.
• Connect with authors on social media platforms.

Specialized Proofreading Niches

Specialized niches such as legal, medical, or technical proofreading offer high-paying opportunities. These require familiarity with industry-specific terminology.

Income Potential:

Specialized proofreaders can earn $40 to $100 per hour, depending on expertise.

Tools and Resources:

• Black’s Law Dictionary – For legal terminology.
• PubMed – For medical references.
• Merriam-Webster Technical Dictionary – For technical terms.

How to Get Started:

• Complete specialized training or certifications (e.g., legal proofreading courses).
• Network with professionals in the field via LinkedIn.
• Offer services on platforms like Guru.

Proofreading is a flexible and rewarding side hustle, especially in a diverse and opportunity-rich market like Canada. By leveraging the right tools, platforms, and resources, you can turn your attention to detail into a profitable endeavor.