How to Become a Remote Academic Editor with Wordvice

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Updated June 23, 2025.

Are you a native English speaker with at least two years of professional editing experience? Do you have a Master’s or PhD? Would you enjoy editing academic writing for ESL professionals? If so, Wordvice might be a great fit for you. Keep reading our Wordvice review for everything you need to know before applying.

What Exactly Is Wordvice?

Wordvice is a freelance editing company that contracts editors to work remotely as independent contractors. Most of the editing work is for ESL (English as a Second Language) clients and includes academic, scientific, and admissions writing.

According to the company, Wordvice editors “strive to preserve the author’s voice and underlying message while improving the technical and organizational aspects of the writing.”

Types of documents may include research papers, dissertations, theses, journal articles, and admissions essays.

What Do Editors at Wordvice Do?

As you'd expect, editors are responsible for proofreading and improving clarity, grammar, style, and formatting. Much of the work is scientific or academic in nature, and many clients are university professors and researchers who are not native English speakers.

Projects are typically assigned based on the editor’s background and availability.

Wordvice editors can also leave helpful comments in the margins and communicate with clients via a built-in chat feature for real-time discussion.

Most Wordvice editors have extensive experience with English grammar, sentence structure, tone, style, and formatting—and many hold advanced degrees in technical or scientific fields.

The company hires editors from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Most editors have anywhere from two years to over two decades of editing experience.

Go here for more work at home proofreading and editing opportunities.

What Are the Educational Requirements?

To be considered for a position with Wordvice, you’ll need:

  • Native fluency in English
  • A completed or in-progress Master’s or PhD program
  • At least two years of professional editing experience
  • Familiarity with style guides such as APA, AMA, MLA, and Chicago
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word and its editing tools
  • Strong technical writing and grammar skills

Applicants with academic backgrounds in medicine, engineering, life sciences, or similar disciplines are especially sought after. However, the most important traits are strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the editing styles you’ll need to know:

  • APA – Commonly used in education, psychology, and sciences
  • AMA – Used in medicine and health sciences
  • MLA – Popular for humanities and liberal arts
  • Chicago – Often used for business, history, and fine arts

What Equipment Do You Need?

There’s no special equipment required beyond:

  • A reliable, high-speed internet connection
  • An up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware program
  • Microsoft Word for document editing

How Much Does Wordvice Pay?

Payment is calculated based on the word count of the document and the required turnaround time. Some assignments may have deadlines as tight as 9 hours, while others allow up to a week.

The more flexible and available you are, the more opportunities you’ll receive.

Pay varies depending on experience and document complexity. Payment is made via PayPal or direct deposit.

What’s the Training Like?

Training at Wordvice is ongoing. Editors receive feedback on their work and have access to skill-building tools to improve quality and consistency.

New editors receive initial guidelines to help them understand expectations and succeed in the role.

What Do Editors Say About Working at Wordvice?

On Glassdoor, Wordvice currently has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars (based on a small number of reviews). Here's what editors like about working there:

  • Flexible work schedule
  • Reliable, on-time payments
  • Higher pay than many other freelance editing platforms
  • Easy-to-navigate website and job platform
  • Supportive environment and responsive staff
  • Editors with high client ratings often receive steady work

You can also check reviews on Sitejabber, Google, or Reddit. As always, do your own research to form the best opinion.

How to Apply to Wordvice

To apply, visit the Wordvice website and click “Apply” on the homepage. You’ll need to submit your resume, complete an application, and provide a sample of past editing work.

If selected, you’ll be notified via email after your application is reviewed.

Good luck to everyone who applies!

Want to Make Even More as a Proofreader?

While working for companies like Wordvice is a great way to get started, working for yourself can be far more profitable. You can set your own rates, choose your clients, and earn much more on your own terms.

If you want help getting started, I recommend this FREE 76-minute workshop that walks you through launching a freelance proofreading side hustle from home.

It was created by a friend of mine who started proofreading as a side gig and made $43,000 in her first year!

? Click here to watch the free proofreading workshop.

This is a great resource if you’re serious about working for yourself.

Good luck in whatever you decide to pursue!