I get paid to read stuff. I wish I could shoot back through a portal in space and time and talk to my ten-year-old self – legs tucked up underneath her on the top bunk, nose buried in Matilda, not hearing the shouts that dinner’s ready from downstairs because she’s concentrating so hard. I would tell her that in a few years’ time she’ll be getting paid to read.

I love working with words – and also working with people who are passionate about words. It’s constantly challenging and interesting. And I know I’m not alone, as The Society for Editors and Proofreaders now boasts more than 2,000 members.

But one of my biggest challenges is finding people who are up to the job. Do you think that you’ve got what it takes to be a professional proofreader? I’d love to know.

Maybe you adore reading but how do you feel about reading for seven to eight hours at a time?

And could you read about insurance regulations, building specifications or traffic statistics, for example?

More than passion
Together with a passion for words, to work as an editor or proofreader you need to have excellent focus and concentration (even when the subject matter is not your favourite thing!), the ability to plan and think strategically about how to approach each project, and a thorough understanding of the technical skills and tools available, such as editing software.

Are you a ‘people person’?
Good communication skills are a must.

It’s also good for you to be able to build a rapport with your clients/authors, so that you can understand what they want to say with their communications, and what they expect from you.

Tell me more!
If this sounds like it’s up your street, I’d like to hear from you. Send your CV to rachel@accuracymatters.co.uk and I will send you our proofreading test.