Khadijah
(The Creative Writing Student)

Becoming a freelance proofreader can be a great way for students to gain skills for a career in editing. Khadijah took our Becoming A Proofreader course while obtaining her degree in creative writing and English. We caught up with her to find out about how she’s getting on at her new job with Proofed, as well as her future plans for becoming an editor.

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

I’m getting my degree in creative writing and English, with plans to study a master’s degree in publishing and then become an editor. After I lost my job due to COVID, I was looking for ways to earn money. I was considering freelance proofreading but I thought it would be hard to get into without formal experience.

Then, while exploring my options for training, I came across Knowadays and loved the work guarantee. The course also offered a lot of information I didn’t know, especially in terms of different dialects, formatting, and working with ESL documents.

How has your transition to working as a freelance proofreader with Proofed been?

It was really easy actually! Proofed does a great job of making sure you have all the skills and information necessary to be successful, and their trial period really helped make me comfortable as their team gave me valuable feedback throughout.

Since I started working with Proofed, I have joined one editing team, have the potential to join another, and have received emails about various other editing opportunities. I enjoy the different types of work available as it allows me to gain a broad range of experience and skills.

The admin team is always available to help with any questions you might have, though several helpful resources are also available. Knowing that I had a helpful team behind me took some of the pressure off when I was starting out.

What has been the single best benefit of having done the course?

I learned so much more from the course than I have during high school and college, and I’ve been able to put it to use both personally and professionally. My own writing has improved, and I love that I can always go back to the content if I need a refresher on something.

I feel so much more confident in my writing and ability to help others, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is what I want to do with my life.

“I feel so much more confident in my writing and ability to help others, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that this is what I want to do with my life.“

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

I’ve been able to work from home, doing something I enjoy and staying safe during the pandemic. Getting a job with Proofed helped solve my money worries after I was laid off. Plus, I now have the ability to work, go to school, and occasionally go on trips without having to juggle a typical 9–5.

Becoming a proofreader has also given me valuable work experience, which will open up more opportunities for me after I graduate from my creative writing degree.

Was the course good value for money?

Yes, it was! This course covers everything you need to know, has a lot of valuable information, and is constantly being added to.

For example, since I graduated, Knowadays has added two more modules to the course (on proofreading business and creative writing), which I have access to.

What do you enjoy most about proofreading?

I love helping others with their writing and knowing that I’m having a positive effect on their work. I get great satisfaction in turning in polished work and letting the customers know not only what was improved, but also what they excelled in.

In my opinion, every time I return work to a customer, I’m helping them become a better and more confident writer, which we can always use more of.

Is there anything else you want to share?

This course and subsequent job have really changed my life for the better. I know that my decision to pursue a career as an editor was the right one. And for the first time in my life, I’m doing something I truly want to do, and I’m loving every minute of it!

“For the first time in my life, I’m doing something I truly want to do, and I’m loving every minute of it! “

Becoming A Proofreader

If, like Khadijah, you think freelance proofreading could be the next move in your career, the Becoming A Proofreader course contains everything you need to start proofreading professionally. Check out our free lessons to find out more!