Learn Freelancing

SUCCESSFUL COPY-EDITING and PROOFREADING with Learn Freelancing

See the latest testimonials on the 'Testimonials' page.

If you like the idea of working from home as a freelance proofreader, Learn Freelancing can show you how. (William Critchley originated his editorial/proofreading course in 1988, making it the first course of its kind not just in the UK but in the world.*)

All the essential information is right here. Beginners are welcome too!

Working in publishing is stimulating and rewarding but you need to acquire the right skills. Freelancing can offer you the real opportunity, after training, to be sent proofs (typescripts of books) through the post, direct from the publishing house to your home address or through the Internet.

This skill can pay you around £20 an hour, and more for editing. If you can find two or three publishers to send you work you’ll be kept busy all the time, and enjoy the freedom of earning extra income from home. Competition can make it tough to get started. 

Learn Freelancing gives you the best possible start.

You’ll receive free email support for any queries you may have, and you get the backing of a professional course to help you get started and find work, with lots of practical advice and tips thrown in! If you download the course, you will qualify for a free copy of Learn Freelancing's proofreading book – The Pocket Book of Proofreading – that’s 262 pages filled with essential information and tips.

Learn Freelancing is also the only course provider offering an instant download of a proven course, making the Learn Freelancing course really good value for money. There's no need to spend hundreds of pounds learning this skill. See what Mark says below.

Thanks to Mark for this, posted on Amazon.co.uk:

Good things do come in small packages!

From Mark T. (Gloucestershire, England), 2008 July 28

I have been "doing a bit" of proofreading and copy-editing over the years. I have paid over two hundred pounds for a correspondence course and bought several hallowed tomes on the subject.

William Critchley has done a fantastic job of writing this excellent book. It covers everything I did on my correspondence course and brought the material fully up to date. It is a much friendlier read than some of the other books I have read on the subject.

There really is everything you need to become or improve as a freelance proofreader or copy-editor. The online material is an excellent adjunct to the book (and is very reasonably priced). There is even email support should you require help.

There is a wealth of knowledge from someone who really has been there and done that! I highly recommend this fantastic resource and I shall refer to mine often.

 

Another five-star review, with thanks to A.E. Newton ('Bungle')

An excellent book, it has made me consider my written work more carefully and look at books from the perspective of a copy-editor/proofreader. I have learnt so much and I hope it will improve my written work.

 

A four-star review, with thanks to Nicholas R. Collard ('urbanspaceman') 21 November 2009

This is a very useful skip through the various elements of proofreading. It provides guidance and advice, suggested further reading and must have books for those with serious professional aspirations. The humour helps keep the pages turning. Well worth the money.*

 

Thanks also for this latest (edited) five-star review to Heidi Brand 18 December 2009

Excellent Practical Guide, 18 December 2009

I am studying proofreading and copy-editing via a correspondence course, which is fine, but I was searching for additional help and practical exercises without having to pay a fortune. I found it in this neat, concise and easy to read book. The writer's style is very positive and even some of the more complex areas are handled with ease. The exercises included are worth the price alone. If you are thinking about becoming a proofreader, already studying through a course and/or just want some information about the whole subject look no further. I looked at many alternatives and eventually chose this after reading the reviews. I hope you do the same. If like me you live outside of the UK try Amazon.fr for this book, in the English books section, it's cheaper because the price is already in Euros.

*When he writes about a 'skip through', I think he means a kind of sauntering, gambolling serendipity with a dash of humour here and there along the way, as opposed to a light 'skip through', implying just skimming over the surface of things! To write, edit and proofread all 262 pages was seriously hard work.

Please note: brochures (see left) currently out of print and will not be reprinted. 'Brochures' are unnecessary really, as all the information needed is here on the website and you can email for help with queries at any time.

For special discounts on current Learn Freelancing course fees, please email the editor for details: editor@learnfreelancing.com

The recommended minimum hourly rate for proofreading in 2008/9 was £19.25 (according to SfEP, the Society for Editors and Proofreaders). 

*PS: the original course was known as 'Freelance MS'. I sold the domain name but you can still see the original website (minus many of the images) online at www.freelancers.co.uk

This is me, 11 years ago: http://www.freelancers.co.uk/article.html

• Proofreading marks

  Easy to learn but still absolutely necessary if you want to master the subject of proofreading. Find out more, and see what they look like.

• Sample pages

  Check out these sample pages from The Pocket Book of Proofreading, the course and the extra exercises.

• Santorini

  The proofs of the story about the Greek island. Where is it? Why is it so famous? A few answers for you on this page, including a view over the bay (caldera) plus a wonderful fresco of two boxing boys.

• Why Learn Freelancing?

  You’ll be glad you did. For a quick overview read more here, find out how many pages you should read per hour, and how much would you get paid for proofreading 330+ pages?

• Recommended books

  These are essential – just two to read about here. The New Oxford Dictionary for Writers & Editors, and The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. The other essential book? You need The Pocket Book of Proofreading!

• Free extra exercises

  These are included in the course download – two extracts from a new novel for you to practise on. Try these two first before starting on the main set of proofs, where you need to find at least 250 errors!