If you are from Australia or have spent any time living here, chances are you'll know how difficult it can be to find a job that requires proofreading. There is always someone who has a better way of doing things. One example would be lawyers. Another would be accountants.
So, how to become a proofreader? This is not as easy as typing the words into an online form. You have to have a certain set of skills and knowledge before you can start working as a proofreader. Proofreaders are required to read documents from all different sectors.
If your dream is to own your own business, it's important to know that this is a very competitive industry. Proofreaders must be able to do their job quickly. The biggest clients in the book industry are mainly publishers and editors. When a client sends their e-book to a proofreader, it needs to be read within a short space of time. To be a successful proofreader, you need to be fast and accurate.
A good place to start thinking about how to become a proofreader in Australia is to look at the US. Many of the largest publishing houses in the US employ proofreaders from Australia. If your dream is to work in the business, there are two options to consider - part time, or full time. It's important to keep in mind, in either case, that no matter how well you do, if you're not getting any work, your dream will never materialise. Part time will give you experience and could help you gain employment somewhere in the US, but full time will give you the stability of a regular job.
If you have the time and self-control to devote eight hours a day, you can become a professional proofreader from home. There are many online training courses to choose from. Some are for very little cost, while others require that you pay a subscription fee. The training courses that I used to learn how to become a proofreader in Australia were very easy to follow, and gave me the confidence to step out into the real world and sell my own products.
If you're not the self-starters sort, or don't want to commit to long hours, or are not good at taking notes, then you can get training from professionals. How to become a proofreader in Australia isn't difficult to find, but it does take a bit of dedication, and the ability to work in a team environment. With the internet, email and instant messaging, most people are bound to meet someone at some point. So it would be a good idea to set up a meeting point with potential clients, or to set up a booth at a trade show or online business expo.
You can also be part of a team of proofreaders from another country. Australian businesses have a lot to offer international customers. Products sold in Australia are of high quality, and their customer service levels are very good. Working with international clients can also give you a unique opportunity to travel around the world, and you'll meet people from all over the world who are looking to do business with you.
Many people just think that you can be a proofreader from home. That may be true, but there is so much more to the business than meets the eye. Once you start learning how to become a proofreader in Australia, you'll realize that there is a lot more to the job than meets the eye. Once you're in business, though, it's hard work and only gets easier. You can become a proofreader from home or even go out on your own when you feel that you're ready for more.