How to start proofreading from home in the UK (no degree needed)
How to get into proofreading as a side hustle in the UK: the skills you need, whether training is worth it, where to find clients, what to charge and how tax works.
By SimonIn this guideShowHide
What a proofreader actually does
Proofreading is the last check before something is published. You are looking for:
- Spelling and typing mistakes
- Grammar and punctuation errors
- Inconsistencies, such as "e-mail" in one place and "email" in another
- Formatting problems, like wrong heading styles or broken numbering
It is different from copyediting, which goes deeper into how the text is written. Clients often mix the two up, so agree exactly what you will do before you start.
Do you need qualifications?
No qualification is legally required. But a recognised course helps you learn the standard marks and conventions, and gives clients confidence. The Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) runs courses and publishes suggested minimum rates.
Where to find proofreading work
- Students: dissertations and personal statements. Check each university's rules on what help is allowed.
- Small businesses: websites, brochures and reports.
- Self-published authors: novels and non-fiction, often bigger jobs.
- Freelance sites: Upwork, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour, which are competitive but good for building reviews.
- People you know: tell friends and your network you are offering it. Early work often comes through word of mouth.
What to charge
Proofreaders charge by the hour, by the word or by the project. Check the CIEP's suggested minimum rates for a professional benchmark, and what others with your experience charge on freelance sites.
New proofreaders often start lower to win reviews, then raise rates. Do not undercharge for long. Use the freelance rate calculator to see the rate you need for the income you want.
Free toolFreelance hourly rate calculatorWork out the hourly and day rate you need to charge to take home the income you want.Tips for getting started
- Do a test piece. Offer a short free sample, a page or two, so clients can see your work.
- Learn tracked changes in Word and comments in Google Docs. Most clients will expect them.
- Use a style sheet for each job to keep spellings and choices consistent.
- Read it more than once. Read once for meaning, then again slowly for errors. Reading aloud helps.
- Agree the scope in writing: word count, deadline, price and whether it is proofreading or editing.
Tax on proofreading income
Proofreading for clients is self-employment. If your income is over £1,000 in 2026/27 (£3,000 from April 2027), register for Self Assessment and pay tax on your profit. You can claim costs like training, software and a share of your home broadband.
Common questions
How much do proofreaders earn in the UK?
It varies widely with experience and niche. Part-time proofreaders often earn a few hundred pounds a month. Specialists in legal, medical or academic work can charge more.
Can I proofread with no experience?
Yes, if your English is strong. Start with smaller jobs, a short course and test pieces to build a portfolio and reviews.
Is proofreading being replaced by AI?
Spelling and grammar tools catch many simple errors, so clients increasingly want a human for consistency, context and final checks. Focus on what tools miss, and on niches where accuracy matters most.
This is general information, not personal tax or financial advice. Tax rules change and depend on your circumstances, so check GOV.UK or speak to an accountant before acting.