Updated June 2, 2025.
Do you have a background in editing or reporting?
Do friends and family constantly want you to look over their writing for typos and spelling errors?
Do you think you'd like to find a proofreading job that you could do from home?
Well, then keep reading as you will be introduced to a company that will allow you to do just that.
What Exactly is ProofreadingServices.com?
As its name easily implies, ProofreadingServices.com is an online company that allows you to work from home proofreading a variety of written works from authors, academia, and businesses.
Founded in 2011 by Yale graduate Luke Palder, it was originally called ProofreadingServices.US until 2013.
The company is currently based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and claims to have over 25,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Many of their clients are recognizable names, such as Cisco, MIT, IBM, Vogue, Pearson, CNet, Harvard, and the University of Cambridge.
While their main focus is on proofreading, they also offer over 25 additional services for academics, authors, businesses, and job seekers — including resume writing, eBook cover design, transcription, translation, and ESL tutoring.
Most of these skills are advertised using other channels. However, to keep this post focused and on point, we will only discuss proofreading.
What is the Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?
Even though many times the two terms are used interchangeably, there are differences.
Proofreading is the finding of overall mistakes in grammar, spelling, verb and noun agreement, correct sentence structure, and anything considered “structured.” I like to think of proofreading as finding the “embarrassing” mistakes in writing.
On the other hand, editing can do that, but more importantly, its purpose is to enhance the writing and give it more “voice” and flow within the context to which it belongs.
Good editing can create stronger descriptions and better overall style. For example, instead of writing: She wore a red dress; editing might suggest: She wore a scarlet evening gown. (See how editing can enhance the content?)
What Are the Professional Requirements to Work at ProofreadingServices.com?
The main professional requirement is to pass the 20-minute preliminary proofreading test with a high score (previously reported as 95% or higher).
You won't be able to create an account or proceed further until you complete this test.
Note: the test is timed, and if you don't complete all the questions within the 20 minutes, you’ll only be scored on the ones you answer.
Important: if you have a learning difference and need additional time or accommodations, you can email [email protected] for support.
ProofreadingServices.com emphasizes that you do not have to be from the United States to work there — they welcome applicants from any country as long as you pass the test.
If accepted, you’ll be given style guidelines to follow, which is typical for companies offering proofreading, editing, or writing services.
What Are the Pay and Hours Like at ProofreadingServices.com?
The hours are flexible, and you may work full-time or part-time, 24/7, in any time zone.
The site quotes the pay as ranging from $19 to $46 USD per hour depending on:
- The urgency of the deadline
- The type of document being proofread
- The length of the document
Reader Feedback
According to one of our readers, ProofreadingServices.com asks you to take a grammar test when you apply. Then, after the grammar test, you have to work on sample edits — and this is unpaid time.
It’s possible to be rejected at that stage, so this is something to keep in mind.
Important Scam Warning
ProofreadingServices.com never charges candidates to apply for any job. If someone is charging you to apply, they are not associated with the company and are acting fraudulently.
If you encounter this, report it to [email protected].
How Would Interested Individuals Apply to ProofreadingServices.com?
Simply go to their website and click on Apply, then follow the link to the preliminary proofreading test.
Would You Rather work for yourself as a proofreader and make MORE money?
Working for yourself is usually the most profitable route to take because you can set your own rates and seek out higher-paying clients.
If you'd like some guidance in doing this, I recommend this FREE 76-minute workshop explaining how to go about starting your own freelance general proofreading side hustle from home.
This webinar was put together by a friend of mine who created her own proofreading side hustle from home, earning $43,000 in her first year!
This is extremely useful information if you're thinking seriously about striking out on your own.
Good luck in whatever you choose to pursue!
Leisa Good has worked in the corporate world as well as side hustled and operated a virtual assistant business full-time since 2006.. She wrote the eBook on that one! She is also a PFYP certified career coach and the owner of the blog, Powerfully Purposed For Success. She empowers folks 50-ish to find fun, flexible, and financially rewarding work both now and into retirement. However, this time it will be work/life on their terms.