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Many individuals now freelance as content editors or content writers. But did you know that you can actually earn money through proofreading? Yes, you do so when you are freelancing. But I am talking about more money than that. You can start a proofreading business at home. All you need is a laptop and a good Internet connection. If you happen to be an ATT customer, all you need is a laptop, and you are good to go. This, of course, is if you have a well thought out plan.
If not, keep reading…
Here is all that you need to know about the proofreading business and how you can start one.
Types of Editing
Proofreading is a form of editing. While this may be obvious from the name, but there are many other types of editing options as well. So, proofreading is not the only type. Whatever the type may be, the editors have to clean up all the mess caused by the writers. An editor does not need to have a specific degree to qualify as one. But he must have a strong command on grammar, punctuation, language, style, and spelling. Here are the various types that the editors fall under:
- Developmental editing
- Copyediting
- Proofreading
The focus of this blog is on proofreading, so we will talk about how you can start your own proofreading business.
Decide the Type of Editing
In your case, it is decided that you are thinking of starting a proofreading business. However, the first step before you start the business is to pick up the type of editing. If you have made it through this step successfully, congrats! You are now on to the next step.
Decide the Structure
After deciding the type, you need to decide the structure of your business. A better option is to operate as a sole proprietor. Because then you operate on your own and carry out the business according to your own terms and conditions. No one dictates you. However, this also means that you invest all the money by yourself as well. This brings us to the next step.
Evaluate Your Financial Situation
Before you decide the structure of your business, you need to be sure about your financial position. In case you do not have enough finances to operate as a sole proprietor, you will have to partner with a friend or anyone you trust. This is very important for you to evaluate your financial situation because you will have to support yourself for some time. You will have to make a couple of investments at the beginning that will include purchasing the professional tools and paying salaries to your employees. Because you will not start earning profits the very first month. You will have to keep that margin in mind.
Decide What You will Charge
Once you have decided upon the above things, you will have to assign a fee that you will charge for your services. This is when you will have to carry out a lot of research. You will need to talk to different people who are already operating this business to get an idea regarding the fee that you should charge. You will have to make a lot of decisions when it comes to this. You will have to decide if you want to charge anan hourly basis or you want to charge according to the work you get. Many writers request a sample of the writing before they quote a price for their service. Which means that your service charges will vary for every client. The model may vary from client to client as well.
Get the Required Permits
You need to obtain a business license or permit before you start your practice. Every business needs these. You will have to check with your local city office for this purpose. You might also have to check with your zoning office.
Mark Your Presence
Once you have decided a name for your business and are done with all the above-mentioned steps, you will need to mark your presence. How will people know that you exist? For this purpose, you will create a website. Apart from that, you can also promote yourself using various social media platforms. The major components of your website or your Instagram page should include:
- About Me page
- The menu of all the services you offer
- Testimonials
- Your portfolio
Hunt for Clients
You are ready to launch. Now it’s time for you to look for clients as well. For this, you will have to up your marketing game. You will have to come up with very effective marketing campaigns. Be loud when promoting yourself. Someone will definitely be in need of your service.
Hope this helps you to start your own proofreading business. You can look for AT&T plans if you are planning to start anytime soon. The company offers affordable deals. For beginners, you will need to save money from wherever you can. Hope you prosper in this new endeavor of yours.
