Editing is one of the most sought after online jobs today. So, if you have excellent communication skills, follows a certain style guide, or are willing to adapt according to your client’s writing style preference, then, online job editing is perfect for you.
Have you ever wondered or maybe even dreamed of becoming a copy editor? Well, if you ever did and you still have that interest to get into copy editing, then, here’s some good news! Nowadays, online job editing is everywhere! All you have to do is Google it, and you will find a lot of selections to choose from.
I once was a writer for our college paper, and to be honest, I have always dreamed of eventually getting the editor’s post. However, it did not happen the whole time I was in college. I tried working as one instead, but fate led me to a different path after graduation.
However, as years go by, I just knew that deep within, that dream resides.
One day, I gave birth to a lovely baby and decided to be a fulltime mom. But you know, like any other career women who decided to leave work, I just couldn’t seem to last a day without working. So, I asked my husband if I can work from home. Ever the supportive husband, he pushed me to do so.
I initially thought of working in the same business field. But I guess destiny thought it’s time to pursue something I always wanted since I was younger. So, I Googled for an online job editing, and guess what!? I was surprised that there’s actually a lot! I honestly got overwhelmed and excited at the same time.
To cut the long story short, I applied to a few copy editing job opportunities and landed on one of those. And yes, I was extremely delighted! It may not be in a prestigious magazine or news entity, but it does not matter to me at all. I just wanted, after all, to experience working as an editor.
Do you find something common between us? Well, if you do, then great! You are in the right place, because today, I am sharing with you how to be an editor, and at the same time, where and how to land an online job editing!
So, brace yourself and get excited knowing that you can actually make your childhood dreams happen in just a click of a finger!
What is editing?
Editing refers to the stage of the writing process wherein an editor is tasked to improve a draft by finding and correcting grammatical errors, as well as making sure that words and sentences are clear, precise, and effective.
In my personal opinion though, editing is a process of making a write-up more beautifully written, and more understandable and relatable based on the target readers. Editing is key to developing a perfect copy.
Editing, however, is not something generic, which means it differs from one person to another. If you take a deeper look at it, editing is largely subjective. How you edit a term paper, for instance, is totally different from the way you edit an article. How you edit a fiction story is vastly different from editing a memoir.
Although there are a couple of fundamentals in editing that do not change, you must also be aware that the grammar rules you learned when you were a 6th grader are not really the definite law of grammar – rather, they are just one set of rules. The thing is, different writers, editors, publishers, and publishers follow different sets of editing rules.
When it comes to editing there really is no right or wrong. At the end of the day, it depends on the editor or the organization he or she is working for.
What makes online job editing successful?
If you want to succeed in your online job editing venture, as an editor, you have to familiarize yourself with the, particularly grammar rules that the organization or individual that you are working for follows. Now, if in case you are working for an organization or individual who happens to not have a preferred style guide, being the editor you must have – at least – your own style guide.
Furthermore, to be a successful editor, you must possess the following traits and/or characteristics:
– Have a deep understanding of business etiquette.
– Organized and meets deadlines set by the client.
– Have a deep understanding of the publication.
– Have excellent communication skill.
– Have exceptional attention to detail.
– Possess a specific style guide or are willing to adapt to his or her client’s preferred style guide.
What makes editing different from proofreading?
A lot of times, editing and proofreading are interchanged. While at first thought it may seem the same, the truth is, these two are totally different from one another.
An editor, on one hand, is someone who works with a draft or a manuscript. His or her job is to recommend revisions and changes plus correct things like word choices and syntax to ensure that the copy meets the client’s preference.
A proofreader, on the other hand, is someone who acts like the “last eyes” on any manuscript or draft. It’s like the last process before a draft becomes final. In particular, a proofreader’s job includes catching errors (from page numbers to word choices, as well as missing or inappropriate use of punctuation marks). Unlike editors, proofreaders do not make recommendations to improve a copy in any way. Their job is to simply look for typo errors in the copy.
So, do you get it now?
It is important that as you try to find an editing job, you know the difference between the two, so you’d also know what the client expects from you. Otherwise, you might do proofreading when in fact, what the client needs is editing, right?
How much one can make from an online job editing?
Just like any other online jobs, how much you make as an editor depends on your years of experience, and your expertise. Where you work is also another factor that you need to take into consideration, plus the kind of editing job and the load of work.
But on average, online copy editors can make between $15 and $25 per hour. There are companies that are generous enough to even pay as much as $30 per hour to their copy editors!
According to Glassdoor.com, online copy editors can make $46,700 a year on an average. The least could be earning $32,000 or you can earn as much as $69,000 annually. There is indeed money in online job editing – particularly, copy editing.
Where to find online job editing opportunities?
There are so many online sites that offer online job editing opportunities. However, as you know, the online world can be a home to bogus job sites too! So, you better be careful!
With that said, I listed down some of the most sought after and trusted websites that offer online copy editing jobs, and these are as follows:
- Polished Paper
Polished Paper may be relatively new, but, it has already developed its reputation. What is nice about this company is that they do not require any specific level of education to be considered for an online job editing. So, if you are new to this, and you want to gain some experience, then you better check out Polished Paper.
Their application process is simple. All you have to do is fill out your profile, attach your resume, and then complete a 35-question editing test. Once you pass the test, you are ready to get started!
- Scribe Media
Scribe Media is one of the most popular sites when it comes to finding online job editing opportunities. Scribe Media is known as a ghostwriting company that hires freelancers working remotely. Apart from copy editing jobs, the company also offers writing posts like co-writing client books.
Currently, Scribe pays their freelance copy editors a range of $60 to $70 per hour. Definitely, competitive enough!
- Editor World
If you have a science background or if you are a post-doctorate degree holder, and you enjoy editing copies, then Editor World is the perfect work from home job for you! Unlike other sites, you would not need to bid on job opportunities or pitch to clients. Another plus is that they pay their editors right away – you do not need to wait for a month to get paid.
- Domainite
Domainite is known to be always on the lookout for work from home writers and copy editors. The company offers a variety of editing work. In fact, their freelance copy editor post requires editing different kinds of copies and tests. Mostly, however, are blog posts and articles.
So, if you love editing either blogs or articles, Domainite could be your perfect match! To apply, all you have to do is send over your resume, as well as your sample work! You better choose the best ones to make an impression!
- Scribendi
Scribendi is one of those sites that are very particular in choosing who they hire as editors. To get hired as a copy editor, you have to have a university degree, as well as professional experience. Although the requirements may be a little overwhelming, what’s nice about Scribendi is that they let their freelance editors choose assignments that interest them. Yes, you get to choose what you want to work on, and then complete the work at your own time and pace – of course, the sooner the better.
Unlike other companies, Scribendi lets you know upfront how much money you make in one assignment. Also, you do not need to bid or pitch! You just select which one to work on. It’s safe to say that they trust you are good enough that you can handle any work assignment you choose to work on.
Do note though that Scribendi does not hire applicants from these places: New York, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Colorado, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Wyoming. If you are living in these places, sorry but Scribendi won’t hire you.
- Proofreading Pal
Do you want to earn as much as $500 to $3,000 a month!? Well, you might just get that by working as a copy editor for Proofreading Pal. This may take a lot of work though, but if you really love the job, it sure would not matter, right?
To get hired, you need to have a college degree though, with at least five years of proofreading and editing experience. Yes, you are right! They are hiring pros – precisely why the price is big!
- Proofreading Services
If you are looking for a flexible part-time or fulltime work from home editing job, then Proofreading Services is one perfect company for you. The company offers a very competitive pay rate that ranges from $19 to $46 per hour depending on the urgency of the job. You got to be quick in editing if you want to earn more. The faster turnaround, definitely the better! It allows you not only to make the most of your time, but to earn huge!
- Cactus Communications
If you have medical or science background or are knowledgeable about these fields, then you may want to consider working for Cactus Communications. Cactus Communications is — as the names suggest – a communication solutions provider. The company specializes in “pharmaceutical and device companies, and the academia”. The company specifically offers editing positions in environmental science, energy, and sustainability, materials science, as well as programming languages and operating systems.
- Scribbr
Scribbr is a popular writing and editing company that particularly provide assistance to students. The company offers editing services for student theses in different languages like English, Spanish, German, French, Dutch, Norwegian, as well as Finnish.
Apart from editing, Scribbr also offers content assistance like writing samples, style guides, tips and tricks, and so much more.
Scribbr specifically looks for academic editors and freelance editors to work for them. So, if you think you have what it takes to be one, then go and apply today!
- Enago
Enago has been providing editing services to English as a second language (ESL) authors since 2005. The company, in fact, employs over 850 copy editors from all over the world! Since the company was launched, it boasts to have had edited more than 600,000 manuscripts already, and have helped more than 2 million authors to date.
Enago hires editors who work remotely to work on several topics relate to different fields like engineering, science, chemistry, physicals, and a lot more. If you are good at these topics, no need to waste time, go to their website, and click the apply button.
- Cambridge Proofreading Worldwide
If you are particularly interested in social science, medical science, business and economics, engineering, physical sciences, and life sciences, then Cambridge Proofreading Worldwide is perfect for you! They specifically are looking for editors and proofreaders who focuses on those five subject areas.
As an editor for Cambridge Proofreading Worldwide, expect to be working on research proposals, dissertations, admission papers, as well as resumes, and more!
- Wordvice
Wordvice was founded in 2014, and the company offers writing and editing services to researches, students, writers, scholars, and other professionals. As an editor for Wordvice, you will most likely be working on journal manuscripts, admission and scholarship essays, etc. If you think you have what it takes to work for Wordvice, just go and visit their websites today!
- Edanz Group
Edanz Group is an editing company that specializes in research and international journal publication. The company hires certified and skilled editors with relevant job experience, as well as academic background.
Edanz Group was founded in 1995. It specifically supports clients from various scientific disciplines like medical, health, environmental science, as well as engineering and economics.
- American Journal Experts
American Journal Experts hires editors regardless of your field of interest. Depending on your years of experience and expertise, the company pays at least $11 per hour and $25 per hour on the high end. So, if you have what it takes to work for American Journal Experts, head on to their site and hit the apply button.
- SmartBrief
Although they only offer work from home editing jobs occasionally, I just had to include the company on this least because working for them as an editor allows you to earn $15 per hour or you can earn as much as $50,000 a year! Compared to other editing companies, SmartBrief’s pay range is definitely competitive. To be considered for the job though, they only hire editors who have at least three years of freelance work experience.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Those were just fifteen of the so many sites that offer online job editing opportunities! Please note though that each site or company has its own set of requirements, as well as their respective field of interest or expertise – you have to make sure you are exactly the person they are looking for so as not to waste both your time and theirs as well.
To end, online job editing is definitely one of those remote jobs that you may want to consider especially if you have the skills. The pay range, depending on the company, is definitely compelling. Like any other job, it is certainly just finding the right one for you.
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