Editing jobs from home are incredibly popular. And, for good reason. If you’re a bibliophile (like me), you can literally get paid to read. Of course this is a bit of an over simplification of the job at hand. But, there really is quite a bit of reading involved!
So, before we dive into editing jobs from home, let’s look at what it actually means to be an editor (and whether it’s the job for you).
Editing Jobs From Home: What An Editor Actually Does
A lot of times, the terms proofreading and editing are used interchangeably. In reality, they are two very different processes used at different times.
First up, let’s talk about proofreading.
Proofreaders Are Mistake Spotters
Proofreaders are used during the final stage of writing — after a document has been edited. A proofreader goes through text with a fine-tooth comb. They’re looking for spelling mistakes, grammar issues, and missing or incorrect punctuation.
Note: While I’m specifically discussing editing jobs from home in this post, keep in mind, there are tons of opportunities for proofreaders to work from home too. I
f it’s something you might be interested in, take this free 45-minute workshop. The information-packed session is an important first step to take if you truly think you have what it takes to earn a living as a proofreader.
A proofreader won’t suggest rewrites or point out structure issues. These are big-picture tasks that are reserved for editors.
Editors Look At The Big Picture
Where proofreaders are concerned with little details, editors tend to look at the big picture of a text. That is, they check to see that a document flows from one sentence to the next. An editor might suggest rewording a couple sentences or favor an entire chapter rewrite.
Editors will highlight any areas that might be confusing, wordy, or just tough to read. Their main goal is to ensure text is structured in a way that makes sense to the reader.
Typically, editors aren’t concerned with spelling or grammar — although they might certainly note these mistakes. However, proofreaders are usually asked to check for these details during the last step of the writing process, before a document is published.
Where To Find Editing Jobs From Home
As a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC), I often recommend a ton of networking for clients looking for a new job — for both career shifters and job changers.
Networking is a great way to get your name out there and often leads to work from home jobs you can’t find anywhere else.
But, sometimes it’s nice to see a list of companies that hire a particular type of remote worker. These lists can work great to get you inspired and can even help you kick-off your job search.
So, let’s look at 10 flexible companies with editing jobs from home.
1. Animalz
Simply put, Animalz is a content marketing agency. Their main mission is to create the best online content.
To do that, Animalz routinely hires editors to help their clients create content that educates and informs readers.
Most editing jobs at Animalz are full-time remote jobs with benefits. You are expected to work 40-hour weeks and edit a minimum number of documents in that time.
Employees at Animalz enjoy the freedom to work remotely (from almost anywhere) and additional benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and stipends.
2. Cactus Communications
Cactus Communications is an innovative, technology-based editing company. Primarily, they work with clients in the medical field.
As a result, many of the editing jobs from home here are — you guessed it — medical related.
Editing positions at Cactus range from part-time to full-time and even freelance. As a reminder, there’s a big difference between being a freelancer and an employee.
Employees are given benefits, like insurance and paid time off, and are guaranteed work. Freelancers, on the other hand, receive no benefits and will have changing workload at any given time.
There are pros and cons of freelancing vs employee positions. If you’re not sure which is right for you, I highly recommend you figure that out first as many editing jobs from home are freelance!
3. Cambridge Proofreading
Although they have the term proofreading in their name, Cambridge is always interested in hearing from editors who want to join their team!
Cambridge Proofreading primarily focuses on helping academic writers fine tune their work. Editors improve the language and structure of papers and even help coach writers to be more confident in their writing abilities.
At Cambridge, you get to work from anywhere and create a schedule that works best for you. Note, this is a freelance position!
To be considered, you should hold a bachelor’s degree and be able to edit at least 10,000 words a week.
Careers at Cambridge Proofreading
4. Checklist
Do you love checklists? I know I do. It’s one of the ways I clear my head, make sense of what needs to get done, and stay productive.
If you love to-do lists too, you might already know about Checklist — the simple yet powerful checklist tool built to help you get more done. If not, I highly recommend it! You can download it for free on the App Store or Google Play.
Checklist employs a team of writers, which means they also need editors to help them! Editing jobs from home at Checklist typically involve SEO. That means you’ll be tasked with making writing search-engine friendly.
On a side note, SEO is big business! It’s a skill you can learn quickly and use to launch a remote-friendly career. I highly recommend SEO Courses at Udemy for value-packed lessons that won’t break the bank.
Current Vacancies at Checklist
5. Edanz Editing
Edanz Editing is based in Japan. The company helps non-native English speakers write research papers for international publication.
To be considered, you must be a native English speaker. A degree is also key, and those with a PhD are preferred. However, Edanz is always interested in speaking with experts in fields like Earth Sciences, Economics, Engineering, Computing Sciences, and Health Sciences.
All editors at Edanz are freelance, which means you get to work from anywhere and pick your own schedule. But, remember, freelancing means no guaranteed work or benefits like paid time off or insurance.
Freelance Editing Positions At Edanz
6. Enago
Enago helps millions of writers from 125+ countries create perfectly polished content. Typically, Enago works with researchers in academia.
Editing jobs from home at Enago are all freelance. Many of their editors have been with the company for 10+ years!
Enago has very strict editor requirements. You must have at least a master’s degree to be considered. All candidates must also pass a rigorous test before invited to work!
7. SalesFolk
Email marketing is huge. It’s how many businesses — both online and in-store — gain leads and make sales.
But, being good at email marketing isn’t easy. That’s why many online marketers turn to SalesFolk for help.
At SalesFolk, they create outbound sales email templates that increase response rates by 300% or more!
As a bootstrapped and profitable company, SalesFolk is growing fast. To meet the demand for their outbound marketing services, SalesFolk readily adds talent to their editorial department!
8. Scribbr
Scribbr has editing jobs from home that you can jump into pretty quickly. In fact, you can start the application process right away by taking their Language Quiz.
If you pass, Scribbr will evaluate your resume and motivation statement (why you want the job) to see if you’re a good fit.
Keep in mind, Scribbr works primarily with academic clients. So, you will need a degree to be considered as an editor here.
Once you become an editor, you’re able to login and start working. Most editors can earn between $20-$30 an hour as a freelancer.
9. Scribendi
Scribendi has been in the editing business since 1997! Clients at Scribendi include students, professionals, teachers, and researchers (to name a few). That means Scribendi needs editors from a variety of backgrounds to join their team.
Like many of the other editing jobs from home, these are all freelance positions that require a university degree.
Candidates with higher degrees are strongly encouraged to apply!
10. Wordvice
Wordvice is in the business of editing and proofreading essays. Researchers, academics, and writers all turn to Wordvice to give their papers extra impact.
While editor jobs here are freelance, there is typically a steady flow of work to be found. Editors are able to work when and where they want (as long as they have steady internet).
You must be a native English speaker and have a keen eye for errors!
Freelance Opportunities at Wordvice
Help! I Want To Apply To Editing Jobs From Home But Don’t Have Experience
In the world of work from home, the more skills you have, the more opportunities to earn!
Editing is just one of the many skills that can lead to remote job offers. If you have the background (college degree and native English speaker), a simple online course can really help give you the professional edge needed to get your foot in the door as an editor.
Udemy is a great resource for fully online, comprehensive courses that are affordable.
Editing Mastery: How To Edit Writing To Perfection is a top-seller and highly rated. You can use it to develop editing skills that can help you find editing jobs from home!
Professional Career Coaching For Remote Job Seekers
Don’t forget, I’m a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches and Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC) specializing in remote work!
If you need help with your own work from home job search, I’m here to help! Send me an email at:
ashlee(at)workfromhomehappiness.com
I can guide you with editing jobs from home and more!
Happily,
Ashlee
P.S. This post contains affiliate links. Check out my disclosure statement to learn more.
Yes, editing is the best job which can anyone do from home. Great Information!