Mallory (Building a Varied Working Life)

Before training as a proofreader and editor, Mallory’s career already had editing woven through it – proofreading tax forms as an administrative assistant at a CPA firm and checking legal documents at a county attorney’s office. She’d also picked up early experience during two college internships by writing book reviews and editing submissions for a sci-fi and horror magazine and creating marketing copy for an agency.

With a BA in English and creative writing and a lifelong love of books, Mallory decided to build on that experience and train formally as a proofreader and editor with Knowadays.

Read on to find out how Mallory balanced her training and Proofed trial around a full-time job and how she now combines library work, transcript proofreading, and freelance editing while working toward her dream of a career in book publishing.

Hi, Mallory! Can you tell us where you’re from and a bit about your background?

I’m from Huntsville, Alabama, in the US.

I was working as a legal secretary at a county attorney’s office when I started the proofreading and editing courses. I had also worked in a CPA firm as an administrative assistant.

I have a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University, and I have a transcribing certification as well as my proofreading and editing certifications. 

Had you done any proofreading or editing before starting your courses?

I had a couple of internships in college where I was editing and writing. One of them was with a marketing agency, so I worked on social media posts, websites, flyers, and that sort of thing. The other was for a sci-fi and horror writing magazine based in Australia called Andromeda Spaceways. I wrote book reviews as well as selecting and editing submissions. 

I also had proofreading experience in my administrative roles. At the CPA firm, I proofread completed tax forms. At the attorney’s office, I proofread indictments and legal correspondence.

What made you consider a career as a proofreader or editor?

I love books, and I wanted a career where I could read for a living. I also enjoy the nuances and particulars of grammar and the English language. I find it fascinating that simple punctuation can entirely change the meaning or the tone of a sentence.

How did you decide Knowadays was right for you?

I looked at a review of many different courses. Knowadays was ranked high on the list, as it provides a perfect balance of affordability and good content. I was also interested in Proofed and the access that I might receive to a job board afterward for experience.

Can you tell us a bit about your learning process?

I worked full-time, so it took me a good couple of years to finish the two courses. I’m a lazy person at heart, so while it could have taken me a number of months, I dragged it out quite a bit. I took many breaks, but when I was actively studying, I tried to complete a lesson a day.

Did you enjoy taking the courses? What was your favorite part of the learning experience? 

My favorite was the fiction and publishing section. I’ve always loved fiction and that’s what I want to work in, so studying how publishing works and the process that goes along with that was exciting for me. I’m not a fan of schooling, but, overall, I genuinely enjoyed the work.

Was there anything you found surprising or particularly tricky? How did you overcome any challenges?

I found that I missed many things on the practice documents, and I introduced errors occasionally. I discovered that this work takes practice, and likely not everyone is going to be good at it initially. It’s also incredibly difficult to remember the different style guides and the differences in rules across various styles and different dialects. It’s particularly tricky to recall a specific style guide in addition to any in-house style guides.

I overcame these challenges with study and practice and the knowledge that I can always refer to a style guide at any time without needing to memorize everything.

Was your course experience what you hoped for? Do you feel your investment was good value?

I do feel like it was a great investment. I’m proud of the work I did and the certifications I received. They make my resume look good, and I feel more confident in my ability to edit. If I had to go back, I would do it all again.

What was your experience of the Proofed work trial like?

I began my Proofed trial period shortly after I received my certifications. I think maybe around 2024. It took me less than a month to complete.

It was difficult, but not terribly so. I enjoyed the fact that I could work on practice documents that counted toward my trial, so I could practice without feeling nervous that I would mess it up. It was also nice that I could use those practice documents because the work coming in at the time was a bit slow, and there wasn’t always something to work on. I very much appreciated the feedback and how thorough it was.

What was your experience of Proofed after completing your trial period?

I did gain a lot more confidence. There was not a lot of work available, and although I reached out to join a business client team, I didn’t hear back for almost a year. Now, though, I am part of multiple teams and my confidence is growing even more. 

One thing I’ve always had trouble with is catching passive voice. Working with a particular client team that doesn’t allow any passive voice has helped me train my brain to notice it better.

During or after your Proofed trial, did you look for proofreading work elsewhere as well? 

I currently work at eScribers, where I proofread legal transcripts. It’s a bit different because I can’t change any of the wording, so the focus is on the punctuation. 

Recently, I also added another internship at a book publishing company, where I edited historical fiction. Unfortunately, it was a temporary position, and I haven’t been able to find anywhere similar that will hire me so far. 

I plan to stay with Proofed and keep practicing. I may freelance sometime in the future, but I hope to one day find a place at a book publishing company.

How did you find the transition to freelance or remote work?

It’s difficult to make your own schedule and actually stick to it. There can be a lot of distractions at home as well. But there are similar pros and cons to working at a physical location, so it just takes practice and some self-discipline. I enjoy it quite a bit.

Where do you usually work from? What’s your setup like?

I have a desk in my bedroom next to my husband’s desk. My dog sleeps on my bed behind me most of the time.

Can you tell us about your usual work routine?

I work a wacky schedule at the local library, and I get assigned work from eScribers very irregularly. I take on Proofed work in between all of it when I find myself with a couple of hours free in the mornings. After 5 pm, I usually check out of all work and relax. I occasionally work on Saturdays, but Sundays are for me.

What do you enjoy most about working as a proofreader and editor?

I enjoy reading most of all. I also enjoy the flexibility that comes with contract work.

Do you have a favorite type of document or project to work on?

I favor US English because I know it better. I do better with short texts, as I have ADHD and a limited attention span. I love anything fiction, but I also enjoy any topic related to mental health, psychology, or sociology. I have an easier time focusing on my work if it’s something I find interesting. I like to stay away from the academic or medical fields.

Is there anything you’ve found surprising or challenging about the job?

Just that it requires so much practice. I’ve been at it for years, and I still don’t feel confident enough.

What do you enjoy most about working freelance or working remotely?

Not having to leave my home is a big plus. I also enjoy being able to take care of my senior dog and watch over her.

Is there anything you’ve found surprising or challenging about freelance life?

Not taking naps when I need to work is something I struggle with on the daily. I need some more self-discipline.

Do you do any other work alongside proofreading and editing? If so, how do you balance your workload and schedule?

I have my regular job at the library, which I prioritize. Everything else comes second. I also try to take everything day by day, and that helps a lot.

What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

I love to read, obviously. I also love hiking and yoga, video games, board games, movies, and TV. I love painting and scrapbooking and any sort of craft really. And I love spending time with my family and my dog and cat.

How has life changed for you since becoming a freelance proofreader and editor?

Stability in the sense that I know my resume looks good, and if my publishing plan doesn’t work out, I can use my abilities, experience, and schooling to find a good-paying job regardless of what it is.

Do you feel you’ve benefited from taking the Knowadays courses? Have they helped you achieve your goals?

I believe so. I don’t think I could have gotten this far without them.

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about taking a Knowadays course?

Don’t stress if you’re not naturally good at it right away. Keep practicing and don’t give up!

Do you have a website or LinkedIn profile you’d be happy for us to share?

I’d be happy for you to share my LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-thomas-622806309/. 

Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor 

Today, Mallory fits proofreading and editing work around a job at her local library and occasional transcript work for eScribers, taking on Proofed projects whenever she has a spare morning. She’s still working toward her dream of a role in book publishing, but in the meantime her certifications give her the confidence to take on new opportunities as they come up.

Fancy building a varied working life of your own? Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses are self-paced with lifetime access, so you can fit your studies around any schedule, however busy or unpredictable it may be. 

You can buy both courses as a bundle to get everything you need to unlock guaranteed work opportunities with Proofed, plus you’ll save 15%