Christina
(Setting Up a Freelance Business)

Becoming a proofreader opens you up to a world of opportunity. And getting a distinction in our Becoming A Proofreader course guarantees you work with Proofed. But with the skills you gain, you could even begin setting up your own freelance business. Introducing Christina: since completing the course, Christina proofreads off her own back, polishing the work of clients that she finds independently. Check out Christina’s story below!

Hi, Christina! What made you consider the Knowadays course?

Proofreading and grammar always came easily to me, but I found that there were gaps in my knowledge.

I was already part of an amazing writing community, and I found that I really enjoyed taking someone else’s words and making them shine with a bit of editing and proofreading. Plus I liked that Knowadays promised paid work upon passing.

Was there anything particularly challenging in the course for you?

No matter how much you thought you knew coming into this course, you will learn something new. But don’t let that scare you away. Take good notes during the course and you will have all you need to succeed.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

I started my own freelance business! Since I completed the course, I set up a website for myself and, without doing any advertising, jobs have started coming in little by little. I primarily find work through my writing groups and from word of mouth.

It’s wonderful being paid to do something that I enjoy doing on my own terms and hours. I am so glad that I pursued this path.

What is your day-to-day routine like now?

I start the day with journaling, then some yoga, and perhaps some writing. Then I put in a couple of hours of editing in the afternoons.

And since it is all online, I can do this from anywhere in the world.

“It’s wonderful being paid to do something that I enjoy doing on my own terms and hours. I am so glad that I pursued this path.“

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

I have had a freelance web design business for many years, but I never enjoyed it and never brought in much money from it. I have found setting up a freelance proofreading business is more rewarding, emotionally and financially.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I love to proofread creative writing but have discovered a surprising amount of joy proofreading obscure academic topics and expanding my knowledge of the world around me.

Most of all, I enjoy taking someone else’s ideas and words and treating them as a sculpture, polishing the rough edges to make their ideas clear and vibrant.

“I enjoy taking someone else’s ideas and words and treating them as a sculpture, polishing the rough edges to make their ideas clear and vibrant.“

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

I write, lead writing productivity sessions, lead writing and editing workshops, lead a book club, read, travel, ride my bike, and explore Munich’s many beer gardens.

Becoming A Proofreader

Start our Becoming A Proofreader course today to begin your own freelance journey! Alternatively,  you can sign up for our free trial to try out our course with no strings attached.