Proofreaders?

[Karol]

Hello! I was wondering whether any of you know how someone can pursue work as a proofreader?

Although my career experience has been in business, I've been an avid reader for my entire life of almost every type of work imaginable (except porn). I tend to notice even the smallest error and feel compelled to correct it! In high school as well as college, I took courses in literature and creative writing whenever possible.

Just before retiring, I held the position of Department Director/Sales Support for a large company. One of my responsibilities in that role was to edit numerous manuals, memos, and business articles that my staff members wrote. I was known throughout the company as a person with exacting standards, an outstanding vocabulary, an eye for detail, and a precise knowledge of grammar.

I believe I have a knack for proofreading and would love to pursue work of this type in retirement, preferably working from home. Do you have any ideas on how I could get started?

A million thanks for your advice!

[Debra]

Hi Kay, and everyone, my name's Debra Purdy Kong, and I'm pretty new to Goodreads. Kay's question caught my eye because I've hired proofreaders in the past to look at my book before going to press. I'm here in Canada's northwest, and I found a proofreader by contacting our local professional editor's association. Most provinces, and presumably the U.S., have a number of writers' organizations you could contact for info. Also, professional writers' magazines might be a place to advertise in, or to contribute an article about proofreading to, so you'll get your name known. As in most businesses, good word-of-mouth feedback goes a long way to building a business. Hope this helps.

[Karol]

Thank you so much, Debra. That sounds like great advice!

[Debra]

You're very welcome!

[Rowena]

Kay,

Have you ever heard of LINKEDIN.com ? It's free. You announce yourself as Freelance, and set up your profile.

Here's mine.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenacherry

Feel free to befriend me.
One thing to know about Linkedin. They really mean it when they say Do Not Invite anyone you don't know, so obey the rules.

However, you can become connected with editors, agents, authors, PR mavens, all branches of the media. Anyone wanting a proofreader will find you.

Email me privately (on linkedin, with your real email addy) and I will add you to my website links of freelance editors.

Also, go where authors go.
Set up your own group here, also on Shelfari, also on Facebook and MySpace, and even Bebo. Also, on Ning.com look for WritersandReadersofDistinctiveFiction (WRDF)
and PublishedAuthors

Join large yahoogroups frequented by authors and readers and aspiring authors.

Check out other freelance editors' websites to see what the going rate is, for instance, karenbabcock.com

I think $1 per page is on the cheap side, but don't underprice your services, and be sure you are clear what sized font and how many lines per page constitute a page.

Best wishes,
Rowena Cherry