If you’re new to proofreading and you’re considering setting yourself up as a freelance proofreader, you’ll find a wealth of information and resources on the internet to help you get started. Here is a pick of some of the best sites:
1. The Proofreading Agency Blog
This fun and engaging blog is full of handy tips and advice, as well as information on topics of interest to proofreaders and copy-editors. Keep an eye on this one as it’s updated regularly.
Proofreading Agency Blog
2. Proofreading and Copy-editing (UK)
Written by an experienced proofreader and an advanced member of the Society for Editors and Proofreaders, this informative site is written ‘to give you some idea of what freelancing entails, and whether or not you would be suited to it’. Includes an online bookshop with a selection of well-regarded dictionaries and reference books.
www.copyediting.co.uk/
3. Society for Editors and Proofreaders (SfEP) FAQs
The Society for Editors and Proofreaders aims to encourage high standards of proofreading by providing training and professional qualifications. This FAQs page explains the difference between proofreading and copy editing, and the difference between traditional proofreading and proofreading ‘blind’.
www.sfep.org.uk/pub/faqs/fproof.asp
4. Wikipedia: Entry for ‘Proofreading’
Another useful definition of ‘proofreading’ and related terms.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading
5. Publishing Training Centre – Basic Proofreading Course
The Publishing Training centre is the industry and government approved training body for the book and journal publishing sector. Among the range of excellent courses they offer is ‘Basic Proofreading by Distance Learning’, which leads to a certificate that is widely recognised throughout the publishing world.
www.train4publishing.co.uk/distance/basproof
6. Ten Tips for Proofreading
Essential advice from the Plain English Campaign – don’t start proofreading without it!
http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/files/proofreading.pdf
7. Proofreading Symbols (Interactive Training)
A list of commonly used proofreading symbols (British Standard BS 5261). It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with these as they are used as standard throughout the publishing industry.
www.interactivetraining.co.uk/proofreading-symbols.html
8. Proofreader Job Profile
The job profile of a proofreader, which highlights the nature of the work and the skills and knowledge needed, and provides links to further information.
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/proofreader.aspx
9. The Electric Editors
An internet community for editors, proofreaders, publishers and anyone with an interest in preparing the written word for publication. Here you’ll find a comprehensive collection of resources to help you in your work.
www.electriceditors.net
10. Publishing copy-editor/proofreader job profile
The Prospects job profile includes a job description, salary and conditions, entry requirements, training, career development, employers and vacancy sources, and three case studies.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/publishing_copy_editor_proofreader_job_description.htm
11. Internet Homeworking Directory
This site provides information on UK homeworking opportunities and has a section dedicated to proofreading.
http://www.homeworkinguk.com/proof-reading/
12. Freelancers in the UK
Is freelancing for me? How do I become a freelancer? This site will help you find answers to these questions.
www.freelancersintheuk.co.uk