Myra
(Creating a Career That Travels)

Academic documents are a steady source of work for many freelance proofreaders and editors – and for Myra, they were the reason she first started exploring the profession. After years of teaching English abroad and proofreading for colleagues informally, the pandemic was the push she needed to turn a skill she enjoyed into paid, flexible work.

We caught up with Myra to see where her editorial journey has taken her since we last spoke in 2021. From academic proofreading to tutoring with Knowadays, she’s built a remote routine that supports the lifestyle she wants – one that includes plenty of travel.

Hi, Myra! It’s lovely to catch up again. Before we talk about how things have evolved, let’s rewind a little – what made you consider a career as a proofreader or editor?

I worked abroad as an English teacher for many years, and professors and other professionals often asked me to proofread documents for them. When the pandemic hit and my regular classes were cut, I decided it was time to take something I enjoyed and build the skills to make it earn money.

Are you working as a proofreader or editor full time, part time, or alongside other work?

Currently I work primarily as a part-time tutor for Knowadays, but occasionally I do a little proofreading and editing.

What does a typical working week look like for you?

I work 3–4 days a week for Knowadays on a set schedule. I guess I’m essentially semi-retired, so I travel a lot and take my work with me. And my work makes it possible for me to travel. My hours vary some when I move between time zones, but I try to keep them as close as possible to the hours on the team calendar. That means that sometimes I’m working in the middle of the day, sometimes early mornings, and sometimes in the evenings.

“I guess I’m essentially semi-retired, so I travel a lot and take my work with me. And my work makes it possible for me to travel.“

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

My home base is a large studio apartment where I have a desk set up to create an “office” in one corner. However, in the summer, I go to the mountains in a very small trailer where I set up a folding lap desk for a mini office, aided by satellite internet.

In the winter, I escape the cold and wet for warmer places. 

I usually stay in a rented apartment with WiFi included. I might have a view of rice paddies or the Mediterranean or find myself in a neighborhood full of endlessly barking dogs! Either way, I’m experiencing a life that is different from the expected, and being able to keep working allows me to be there.

What do you enjoy most about working in an editorial role?

I started out in pursuit of academic proofreading, which I really enjoy because I can read about a wide variety of topics from anthropology to historic architecture, agriculture, or language teaching. As those documents are often written by academics in various parts of the world, it’s fulfilling to think that I am helping them make their research and voices accessible to readers in other parts of the world. 

As a tutor at Knowadays, I don’t do this much anymore, but I think that I am helping other people build the skills to contribute to that same goal.

What’s your favorite type of document or project to work on and why?

I really like working with academic documents. I enjoy papers on teaching language, architecture, history, social sciences, and environmental science.

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

The biggest challenge might be meeting timelines, especially for large jobs. As I get older, I also find it challenging to sit or look at the computer for extended periods of time.

Are there any tools, processes, or habits you rely on daily?

I feel it’s very important to have the right tools for the job. I keep my computer and software up-to-date. It can be annoying to have to invest in a new computer or a subscription for word-processing software, but it’s worth it to be able to get my work done without struggling with the tools. I make sure my work is in well-marked folders and separate from my personal documents. 

I also “get ready for work” much as I would for any job. Even though I’m not going to an office, I fix my hair, make sure my clothes are decent, and put on earrings to feel ready.

What are you most proud of since starting your proofreading and editing career?

I have a friend who marvels at the fact that one day I decided I wanted to become a proofreader and in just a few months, I made it a reality. Being a tutor has really helped me gain confidence. I didn’t think I knew enough when they offered me the opportunity. I’m still sure that my team members know more than I do, but it’s been the best work team I’ve ever had! And I love that I’m always learning something new.

Where do you see your career heading next, or what would you like to develop further?

Most of my friends retired some time ago, but I like having some regular work, working with younger people, learning new things, and encountering new ideas. I’d like to be doing a little more work with academic documents, since that was my original goal, but I’m also pretty content with my work as a tutor, and I get by without having to work full time.

Can you tell us about your experience of working with Proofed?

I started in 2020 as a proofreader, but it’s been a while since I took on a job from Proofed, so I’m a little out of date on the processes. But I’m hoping to pick it up again on a limited basis.

Compared to now, how confident did you feel when you started out? Was there anything in particular that helped you build confidence?

When I started, I was terrified! As I did more jobs, I began to feel more confident, and as a tutor at Knowadays, I’ve learned a lot that I might never have. It helps seeing other people struggle with some of the same questions that I have.

“As I did more jobs, I began to feel more confident, and as a tutor at Knowadays, I’ve learned a lot that I might never have.“

Would you recommend working with Proofed to other aspiring proofreaders and editors? 

Yes! It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and gain confidence without the burden of promoting your own business. On the surface, the pay seems low, but I like that you can just focus on the work without worrying about marketing, payments, etc.

In what ways did your Knowadays course help prepare you for your proofreading or editing career?

I thought I knew a lot about language (I was an English teacher for many years, after all!), but I learned a lot! It especially helped me see what kinds of issues I needed to look for and how to deal with them. It made me feel like I had the foundation for being a professional rather than just someone who had good language skills. I’ve also expanded my confidence and awareness of a lot of other skills with the other Knowadays courses.

Looking back, which parts of the course have been most useful in your day-to-day work?

I think the advice on workflow has been most useful. It helps me know how to approach a document. Using a checklist to avoid missing details has also been very helpful.

Is there anything you’ve learned since starting work that you wish you’d known earlier?

It was hard to know how much more comfortable I would become. But it’s also humbling to realize that I will likely always miss something even as I get better. Learners sometimes express disappointment because their work isn’t perfect. I try to encourage them by looking at processes that will help them catch more issues and how to keep learning through the resources available to them.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering a Knowadays course?

I think it’s helpful to be aware that there is much more to proofreading than just finding mistakes, and editing isn’t about rewriting something in your own words. That’s a big part of what a Knowadays course can really help with. It can help you look at writing with a professional eye.

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

It allows me to keep an income while enjoying travel and other activities.

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

For me, one of the most challenging things can be balancing time with other people in my life who are not working. I’ve worked independently at other times in my life, so that’s something I enjoy.

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

I like hiking and camping. And I’ve been able to travel more than I expected to. Wherever I go, I try to keep a little bit of yoga in my life. I also enjoy reading – although I don’t do as much as I’d like!

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey, your work, or your experience with Knowadays or Proofed?

The Knowadays team is great! I think it’s a huge selling point that there are real people available to help learners along. Of course it has grown since I graduated, but I didn’t realize that I could really reach out to tutors with questions when I took the course.

Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor

From proofreading academic work to tutoring with Knowadays, Myra’s path shows how an editorial skill set can open up more than one kind of opportunity. Whether she’s working from her studio at home or a tiny “office” set up on the road, she enjoys a flexible routine that fits around the life she wants – not the other way round.

If you’re curious about starting a similar journey, our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses are designed to give you the practical skills you need to get started. Pass both courses with distinction scores of 80% or above, and you’ll be eligible for guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed!