If you’re patient and detail-oriented, then proofreading could be a good side gig for you. Schraepfer Harvey is a writer and editor in Somerville, Mass., who earned a certificate in editing from the University of Washington Extension program. He’s carved out a niche proofing catalogues and other marketing materials for clients including REI, EF Tours, Joslin Diabetes Center, and Northeastern University.
Most of Harvey’s gigs are on-site and involve looking at page proofs, which are then passed on to the graphic designers. “If a writer decides to pick up a proofreading gig [it helps if the person] has a basic knowledge of the software,” he says. “You don’t know have to know all of the commands, but you should know what limitations or possibilities there are with the software. It’ll help you get along with designers if everyone [speaks] the same language” Usually this means having a familiarity with desktop publishing programs such as Quark or InDesign.
Often, Harvey points out, a gig that’s advertised as copyediting or proofreading will involve both skills. (The Chicago Manual of Style details the differences between proofreading and copyediting.) Either way, he says you have to “stay on track and keep an eye on the prize” so you don’t get too wrapped up in modifiers or syntax and the client gets their piece printed on time.
I encourage using writing’s related skills to boost income. However, it does disservice to professionals in the field if you’ve not cultivated the skill set first. Here’s seven tips:
1. Take a professional editing or proofreading class
2. Be prepared to work on-site
3. Know the appropriate styleguide and use it
4. Designers are your friends
5. Don’t ever re-write material
6. Don’t do more than what you’re paid for
7. Don’t fight over punctuation marks. Make deadline your focus instead
Eye on the prize, did I really? Oh my.
Your thoughts, in comments.
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