Emily
(Building on Existing Experience)
Before having children, Emily worked as a copywriter at a nonprofit in Washington, DC, where editing was already part of her role. But when she stepped away from full-time work and found herself at home in Maryland, she began thinking about how to keep using those skills in a way that would fit around family life.
Keen to build on her existing experience, Emily decided to train as a professional proofreader and editor. Read on to discover how she balanced her training with family life, completed her Proofed trial, and made the transition into flexible freelance work.
Hi, Emily! Can you tell us where you’re from and a bit about your background?
I’m based in Maryland, USA. When I started the training, I was staying at home.
Before my kids, I worked as a copywriter at a nonprofit in Washington, DC.
Had you done any proofreading or editing before starting your courses?
Yes. I proofread and edited all marketing and membership materials for the membership department of the nonprofit I worked for. I learned on the job, with no formal training.
What made you consider a career as a proofreader or editor?
I was thinking about the types of things I love to do, reading being one of them, and then wondered if there were opportunities to become a freelance proofreader in my spare time.
How did you decide Knowadays was right for you?
I read a review about Knowadays and took the free trial.
Can you tell us a bit about your learning process?
It took me roughly 2–4 months to complete my training. I worked in short bursts, fitting it in around my daily routine.
What was your favourite part of the learning experience?
Overall, I loved the courses. It was enjoyable from start to finish. I loved getting back into learning and taking notes, quizzes, and practice tests.
“Overall, I loved the courses. It was enjoyable from start to finish.“
Was there anything you found surprising or particularly tricky?
Some of the initial practice proofreading tests were tricky, just to get the hang of things. But all of Knowadays’ explanations were clear, and when I emailed with a question, the response was quick and very helpful.
How was your experience of the Proofed work trial?
I started the Proofed work trial in May 2025, and it took roughly 1–2 months to complete.
It was pretty smooth. The onboarding process felt a bit slow since I was eager to begin. But the support and feedback were exceptional.
What was your experience of Proofed after completing your trial period?
I joined a business team right from the start. I felt like it took me a little bit to gain my confidence, but I started joining new teams within about three months.
Are you still doing work at Proofed? If so, how much work do you take on?
Yes, I was generally accepting work Monday–Friday, and occasionally on the weekend. I recently joined the Service Delivery Specialist team, where I help manage a project and support the editors, so my freelance editing time has changed.
Do you have a preferred type of document or style of project to work on?
I’ve enjoyed everything from GDocs and Word docs to PDFs and Proofed’s own editing platform.
What do you enjoy most about working as a proofreader and editor?
The technicalities of applying a style guide to a document. It’s like a puzzle.
Is there anything you’ve found surprising or especially challenging about the job?
Fact-checking is a skill that started out more challenging than I thought (I never fully completed the Knowadays fact-checking course that I bought!), but as with everything at Proofed, the more I’ve worked through it, the easier it’s become.
How did you find the transition to freelance or remote work?
It was definitely an adjustment, and I’m still adjusting my expectations around freelancing time vs. the rest of my day, but it’s easy when you enjoy the work.
Can you tell us about your usual work routine?
I work on my laptop at my dining room table, and I fit my work into my day when the kids are at school.
What do you enjoy most about freelance work?
Doing something I enjoy, whenever I want.
Is there anything you’ve found surprising or challenging about freelance work?
Stepping away from the computer when I need to. It’s easy to become wholly focused on a document and forget the time.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
Be with my family, garden, and read.
How has life changed for you since becoming a freelance proofreader and editor?
I feel like I’ve become more confident. I scroll less aimlessly on my phone because I’d rather be reading style guides. I enjoy knowing there is always some work available.
Have the Knowadays courses helped you achieve your goals?
Absolutely! Without Knowadays, I would not be at Proofed.
What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about taking a Knowadays course?
Just try it. There’s nothing bad that could happen, and there are lots of good opportunities waiting for you if you complete it.
“Just try it. There’s nothing bad that could happen, and there are lots of good opportunities waiting for you if you complete it.“
Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor
Today, Emily fits proofreading and editing work around her family routine, taking on projects during the school day and occasionally at weekends. Working from home allows her to maintain her professional skills and enjoy the detail-focused work she’s always been drawn to.
Looking to develop your skills in a way that fits around existing commitments? Our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses are completely self-paced and come with lifetime access, so you never have to worry about falling behind or missing deadlines.
Plus, pass both courses with distinction scores (80% or above), and you’ll be eligible for guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed – allowing you to build experience (and earn an income!) straight away.
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