How to Earn Money Proofreading

Here are some of the best side hustles in the proofreading niche.

How to Earn Money Proofreading
How to Earn Money Proofreading

Best Side Hustles in Canada to Earn Money Proofreading

If you have an eye for detail and enjoy reading, proofreading can be a great way to earn money in Canada. Here are some of the best side hustles in the proofreading niche:

1. Freelance Proofreading

Freelancing as a proofreader allows you to work on a wide range of projects, from academic papers to blog posts, books, and corporate materials. You can work with individual clients or businesses.

Income Potential: $25 - $50 per hour
Where to Offer: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr

2. Proofreading for Self-Published Authors

The rise of self-publishing has created a huge demand for proofreaders. Many indie authors look for affordable proofreaders to ensure their books are error-free before publishing.

Income Potential: $500 - $1,500 per book
Where to Offer: Reedsy, Fiverr, Upwork

3. Academic Proofreading

If you have experience in academia, offering proofreading services for students, researchers, and academic journals can be a lucrative side hustle. This includes proofreading essays, dissertations, and research papers.

Income Potential: $30 - $60 per hour
Where to Offer: PaperTrue, Wordvice, Scribbr

4. Business Proofreading

Corporate and business clients often need proofreaders to check their reports, marketing materials, and presentations. This is a niche with fewer competitors, and clients are willing to pay a premium for error-free documents.

Income Potential: $40 - $75 per hour
Where to Offer: LinkedIn, ProBlogger, Indeed

5. Proofreading for Websites and Blogs

Many bloggers and website owners hire proofreaders to check their content for grammar and spelling mistakes. This side hustle is especially popular for niche blogs and e-commerce sites.

Income Potential: $0.01 - $0.03 per word
Where to Offer: Freelancer, ProBlogger, Fiverr

6. Resume and Cover Letter Proofreading

Helping job seekers with their resumes and cover letters by ensuring they are error-free can be a high-demand service, especially in competitive job markets.

Income Potential: $50 - $150 per document
Where to Offer: LinkedIn, Fiverr, Upwork

7. Proofreading Translated Texts

If you’re fluent in multiple languages or specialize in English grammar, proofreading translated texts for international companies can be a valuable service. This often involves checking for grammatical errors and ensuring translations make sense.

Income Potential: $30 - $60 per hour
Where to Offer: Gengo, OneHourTranslation, Upwork

8. Proofreading eCommerce Product Descriptions

With thousands of products listed online, eCommerce businesses need proofreaders to check product descriptions for errors. It’s a quick but high-demand niche that can provide consistent work.

Income Potential: $0.01 - $0.03 per word
Where to Offer: Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr

9. Online Course Content Proofreading

The boom in online courses has created a demand for proofreaders to ensure course content is well-written and error-free. You can work with course creators to proofread slides, written materials, and marketing content.

Income Potential: $30 - $50 per hour
Where to Offer: Teachable, Udemy, Skillshare

10. Proofreading for Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profits often need proofreaders to ensure their proposals, reports, and publications are professional. While some non-profits may offer lower pay, the volume of work and potential for long-term contracts can be appealing.

Income Potential: $20 - $40 per hour
Where to Offer: Idealist, Charity Village, Upwork

11. Court Transcript Proofreading

Legal transcription proofreading is a specialized field that involves reviewing court transcripts to ensure accuracy. This niche often requires some training but offers good pay for those willing to specialize.

Income Potential: $30 - $60 per hour
Where to Offer: Proofread Anywhere, LinkedIn, Upwork

12. Proofreading for Non-Native English Speakers

If you’re comfortable working with non-native English speakers, offering proofreading services to international students or professionals can be a rewarding niche.

Income Potential: $20 - $50 per hour
Where to Offer: Scribendi, ProofreadingPal, Freelancer

13. Publishing Companies and Magazines

Magazines, journals, and publishing houses regularly hire proofreaders to review articles, stories, and books before they go to print. You can apply to work with Canadian publishing companies or freelance for multiple clients.

Income Potential: $25 - $50 per hour
Where to Apply: Penguin Random House Canada, HarperCollins Canada, Magazines Canada

14. Social Media Content Proofreading

Brands and influencers need their social media content proofread to ensure professionalism. Offering services to check their posts, captions, and ads can become a consistent income stream.

Income Potential: $20 - $40 per hour
Where to Offer: Fiverr, Upwork, Instagram

15. Blog Post Proofreading

Many bloggers and content creators hire proofreaders to ensure their articles are free from grammatical errors. This niche offers steady work for proofreaders with a flexible schedule.

Income Potential: $0.01 - $0.03 per word
Where to Offer: Upwork, Freelancer, ProBlogger

These proofreading side hustles provide a flexible way to earn money while working from home or anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Whether you specialize in academic work, legal documents, or creative writing, there are plenty of opportunities to monetize your proofreading skills in Canada.