How to become a proofreader
Perform reviews and final checks on written work before it goes to print or becomes live on a website.
Pathways to this career
- Look into accredited certifications, short courses or an undergraduate arts degree. Majors like journalism, editing, creative writing and journalism are great starting points.
- Already have an undergraduate degree in a different area? Pursue proofreading with a postgraduate writing, editing or a communications course
- Get industry recognition by completing accredited proofreading programs to extend your experience.
What does a proofreader do?
Proofreaders do final checks on written work before it goes to print or becomes live on a website. Proofreaders work for newspapers, magazines, websites and publishing companies. They may specialise in specific fields or publications, such as business reports and academic works.
Duties and tasks
- Review, proof and edit content (written or digital) across a variety of media and industries to ensure correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, usage, consistency and brand voice in the final product.
- Ensure the accuracy of all referenced facts (e.g. dates, pages and values) and double-checks cross-referenced materials (e.g. websites and newspapers).
- Ensure correct usage of page numbers, captions and heading
- Check that all photos/illustrations are correctly captioned
- Mark corrections to be made and revise as necessary
Professional bodies
Related jobs
- Blogger
- Book editor
- Columnist
- Copywriter
- Journalist
- News reporter
- Technical writer
- Writer and editor
Discover related degrees
Undergraduate CUR-PWP-DEG
Postgraduate MAQ-EEP-GCE
Postgraduate GRF-CPW-GCE
Postgraduate CUR-APW-MAS
Discover related subjects
Undergraduate CUR-PWP121
Related degrees
- Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Writing and Publishing
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art) (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing)
- Bachelor of Arts (Professional Writing and Publishing) (Visual Culture)
- Bachelor of Arts (Japanese)
- Bachelor of Arts (Korean Studies)
- Bachelor of Arts (Digital and Social Media)
- Bachelor of Arts (Chinese)
Postgraduate MAQ-ENGX8015
Related degrees
Postgraduate SWI-PWR70001
Related degrees
Undergraduate USA-COMM3073
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