Education and Backround Skills Needed to be a Proofreader or Copyeditor

Education and background needed to successfully pursue a career as a Proofreader or Copyeditor:

The education requirements are very similar for both proofreaders and copyeditors. Most employers look for a four year college degree in usually English or Journalism, however that being said, it is possible to pursue this career even if you don’t have a degree. If you have the skills to do the job well, and are capable of excellent communication and conducting yourself in a professional manner, you can gain employment in this field even if you’ve never been to college.

To have a chance at becoming a successful proofreader or copyeditor, you should have above average skills in the following disciplines:

• The English language (or whatever language is suitable to the job)
• Excellent spelling skills
• Grammar
• Punctuation
• Sentence Structure
• Research (learn your way around google)
• Typesetting and Page Layout for Proofreaders

There are websites attributed to obtaining freelance opportunities as a proofreader/copyeditor. Being curious and willing to dig deep on all kinds of topics that you may end up proofreading at some point is very important. Google or the library can certainly help you become very knowledgeable in many different areas.

You will also have to have the drive to follow through, because if you choose freelancing, you have to know where to find jobs, not the other way around. That is of course until you are well known for your work and have a lot of experience.