Are you looking for a proofreading course that will build your career? If yes, you’ve probably come across Proofread Anywhere by Caitlyn Pyle. I’m not looking to become the next best proofreader, but I can see how this course would also benefit writers and authors who prefer to self-edit or proof before sending it off to an editor.
The website offers two proofreading courses for general texts and transcripts.
Keep reading more about Proofread Anywhere’s online courses and what I think about them. This review will help you choose the suitable course for you.
About Proofread Anywhere
There’s a wide range of courses out there in the proofreading industry, and it can be hard to pin down a good one. I’ve taken some and checked out a bunch over the years, and Proofread Anywhere is definitely one of the better ones, especially for those just getting a start in the industry.
Proofread Anywhere is the brainchild of Caitlin Pyle, a successful proofreader turned blogger who wants to share her success with others. No, her online courses do not focus on her life. But they will teach you the necessary information to proofread different texts.
She started her blog with one mission: to show anyone and everyone that they can grow a proofreading business from scratch. Now, she offers free workshops, paid courses, and ebooks on different topics.
Her two current courses are General Proofreading: Theory and Practice and Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice. Caitlyn also has books on work-at-home survival, commonly misused words, guides on freelancer tax, and more.
Proofread Anywhere considers constant improvement as one of its core values. It wants students to be surprised at their own potential as they enhance their careers in the ever-changing content industry.
Collaboration is also at the heart of Proofread Anywhere. 90% of its team members are also graduates of their courses. They happily work together to provide the best courses for aspiring proofreaders and anyone wanting to expand their online proofreading business.
How Many Modules are in Proofread Anywhere: A Proofreading Course Review
Both General Proofreading Course and Transcript Proofreading are made of nine modules which I thought was a great number to offer. It’s not too many, but also enough that you get jam-packed info. Find out what each online course covers and see which one you want to take to help build your freelance proofreading business.
The General Proofreading Course
The General Proofreading Course is divided up into two levels. The first one is Ignite, which involves lifetime access to the program. Ignite Plus is the second level, which includes lifetime access plus the following:
- Graded tests.
- Certificate.
- Membership in a private Facebook group.
- Listing on the Self-Publishing School (SPS) Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex.
It’s also divided into nine modules and individual lessons.
Module 1: Introduction to General Proofreading
The first module of the General Proofreading Course is an overview of the benefits of proofreading. It will also discuss the skills you need to be an excellent proofreader while discussing general industry terminology. If you’re considering a proofreading career, this is a good place to start.
Module 2: Get Into the Proofreading Mindset
The second lesson includes two sub-topics: proofreading niches and proofreading lingo. This part of the course should help you decide which market to specialize in. You’ll also learn more terms commonly used in proofreading.
Module 3: Proofreading Basics
Module 3 talks about the most common errors in writing, such as capitalization, hyphens, and subject-verb agreement. Understand which mistakes to look out for and how to spot them.
Other common writing errors this proofreading lesson will cover include American and British spelling variations, noun and pronoun agreement, and apostrophes.
Module 4: Proofreading Methods and Practice
The fourth lesson of the General Proofreading course introduces four methods for proofreading. You’ll learn when to use each and how to use them to your advantage.
Module 5: Turning Proofreading Into a Business
It’s not enough to learn how to proofread. You also need to make a living out of it. The module will teach you how to build a freelance business by developing your website. Create a resume, set your rates, pay your taxes, and reach out to several clients.
Many clients look for work experience and skills over your educational background. This lesson will give you a glimpse of how to build your proofreading experience.
Module 6: Looking for Jobs
Now, it’s time to look for a job. The sixth module will show you where to find proofreading clients in social media, blogging, and online marketplaces. Discover how to write a proposal, avoid scammers, and market yourself to potential clients.
Module 7: Once You Get the Job
The topics on the General Proofreading Course don’t end when you get the job. The online course will also assist you with forming a relationship with your client and communicating with editors.
Start on the right foot and cater to your client’s preferences. It will also show the correct practices for billing your clients and asking for a review.
Module 8: Getting the Most out of the Freelancing Life
Even the mental health concerns of a freelance proofreader are part of this course! Maximize your freelancing life by learning how to avoid burnout. Gain more confidence in your job and imagine what a proofreader’s day looks like.
Module 9: Ignite Plus Exam
The ninth module of the course is only open for Ignite Plus users. It’s a graded examination that will determine your competence in general proofreading. You can display your score on your online profile to let clients know you’re qualified for the job.
What I Liked About Proofread Anywhere
- It’s super straightforward to navigate the interface. I’m not a super techie, and I immediately loved the ease with which I could move to different modules.
- They take the time to explain many industry terms, even when it’s unrelated to the module, just so you understand the context.
- At the end of each lesson and module, you just click a button that says ‘mark as complete’. Then, when you back out to the main page, you can easily see what you’ve done and what’s left to do.
- You can skip ahead. Don’t like the module you’re working on? Skip ahead to another one if you want.
What I Disliked About Proofread Anywhere
- A lot of the course material is formatted in large walls of text. Yes, parts are broken up with a few bullet lists and bolded words. But I was immediately put off by it.
- If I’m learning something, I want short, concise lessons and details that are straight to the point.
- It’s a great course to hone your skills or get a feel for proofreading. However, it’s not a course that will teach you how to build a career or get a job.
Books
The General Proofreading Course includes four bonus books that will help you become a better freelancer. This is best for more experienced proofreaders who already have a grasp on certain aspects of the basics of proofreading:
- Look Better in Writing Handbook of Commonly Misused (and Abused!) Words.
- The Ultimate Freelancer Tax Guide.
- The Mindset Mastery Guide.
- 5 Mindset Shifts for Goal-Crushing Confidence.
Super Bonuses
Aside from the modules and books, Proofread Anywhere also offers extra gifts to improve your skills and build a profitable proofreading business:
- Access to the Transcript Proofreading course (free access to level 1).
- Money Mindset Transformation workshop and workbook (free access).
Transcript Proofreading
Transcript Proofreading is an online course on the theory and practice of transcript proofreading. Learn how to produce a transcript, be a court reporter, and proofread a transcribed work.
Module 1: Introduction to Transcript Proofreading
The first lesson focuses on the differences between scopists, reporters, and proofreaders. It will help you gain foundational knowledge of the steno language and skills for becoming a transcript proofreader.
The introductory module also talks about the difference between a transcript and other forms of writing. Find out what an agency does in the outcome.
Module 2: The Nuts and Bolts of Transcripts
Sub-topics under this lesson include the types of proceedings, common errors in transcripts, and transcript-specific punctuations. You’ll learn the Morson’s English Guide for Court Reporters, the formatting guidelines for a transcript, and more.
Module 3 and 4: Marking Up Transcripts
The third and fourth modules of the Transcript Proofreading course concentrate on the four methods for transcribing. These include digital transcribing, hard copy, errata, and on a computer.
Module 5: Simulation Transcripts
This module is about researching proper spelling for proper nouns within transcripts using the correct resources. Thoroughly analyze each simulation job using a checklist provided for proofreading, then check your personal progress.
This module also includes a short quiz at the end. Test your knowledge in this short transcript examination.
Module 6: Corresponding Within the Court Reporting Profession
The sixth module will teach you how to communicate professionally with reporters and agencies. Doing so will let you know when to submit the proofread transcript and how to invoice. Find out how to talk about issues like vacation time and rush work.
Module 7: Billing and Accounting Procedures
This module will show you the procedure if you don’t know how to set rates as a transcript proofreader. Learn how to negotiate, follow up on balances, and settle your taxes.
Module 8: Marketing
The eighth module will teach you appropriate marketing strategies when pitching to clients. Tap into social media’s power while using traditional techniques to get more customers. Marketing oneself also involves composing the best resume that displays all your skills.
This lesson also has a 25-item quiz about marketing concepts. Answer each question honestly to measure your learning.
Module 9: Conclusion
The last module will ensure you are confident with all the skills you acquired from the course. Understand the elements of a thriving freelance profession.
Pros of Proofread Anywhere
Proofread Anywhere’s courses offer tons of benefits for aspiring proofreaders worldwide. Here are some of them.
Lets You Maximize Your Resources
I am impressed with the number of resources included in each course, especially the books on the General Proofreading course. But I like how they are all embedded in the appropriate modules to show alignment and logical flow.
The General Proofreading Course introduced the best references for every newbie. My favorite so far is 5 Mindset Shifts for Goal-Crushing Confidence, which is in Module 1 of the General Proofreading Course.
Every freelancer needs to read this book to live a successful life, not just in terms of career. If you are not enrolled in the course, you can buy the book separately for only $5.
Includes an Active Student Facebook Group
Many online courses are offered using distance learning principles, where the student is entirely independent. But we all know the importance of peer interaction. That’s why Proofread Anywhere’s courses include a Facebook group for resources, assistance, etc.
Give and receive tips from other students on how to spot common writing errors or how to develop your freelancing website. Many students also discuss rates in the group to help newbie freelancers skyrocket their careers.
Includes Lifetime Access to the Material
Let’s face it. In a few months, you won’t remember 100% of the course content. You must go back into the resources to understand some concepts, such as marketing techniques and courtside reporter communication.
Fortunately, all of Proofread Anywhere’s online courses give you unrestricted access for a lifetime. Feel free to go back into each module if you forget them.
Includes Lots of Bonuses
Some online courses guarantee valuable work after completing the program. Proofread Anywhere’s bonus is different. Once you pass the final examination on the Ignite Plus subscription, you may be listed on the Self-Publishing School’s Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex.
Many users have already shared their success stories with the Rolodex. Like them, you can get many fantastic jobs from the platform.
Study at Your Own Pace
Several online courses are time-limited to give the instructor enough time to check activities. But Proofread Anywhere understands that most of its students have other responsibilities. Some are in college, while others have part-time jobs.
You can finish the online course as slowly or as fast as you want. What matters is you earn a certificate and land an excellent job in the end.
Cons of Proofread Anywhere
Upon exploring proofread Anywhere’s website and trying the General Proofreading Course, I only found three downsides.
Upfront Cost
Proofread Anywhere’s courses range from $600 to $1200, which can be huge for students on a budget or newbie proofreaders. Even though it’s worth the price, I think there has to be some sort of payment plan for other learners.
Monthly or quarterly payments would bring in more enrollees, especially if they are guaranteed a high-paying job upon completion.
A free trial would also be helpful as it would give users free access to some parts of the course. Then, it will help them decide whether to purchase the entire program or not.
Course Material Errors
It isn’t easy to trust a company that teaches proofreading when the materials themselves look like they weren’t proofread. The essays are free from mechanical errors like misspellings and grammatical mistakes. But I found some language inconsistencies in them.
The materials seem like several writers and proofreaders managed them. It’s a good thing Proofread Anywhere has responsive admins. Voice your concerns to the team so they can work on these errors as soon as possible.
Few Media on the Course Material
Are you a visual or auditory learner? If you like watching videos or listening to audio when studying, Proofreading Anywhere might not be for you. You’ll have a lot of reading to do, especially with the free books included in the General Proofreading course.
The only videos on the online courses are the motivational-type ones. You won’t find a video of an instructor talking about proofreading methods and practices.
How Much Does Proofread Anywhere Course Cost?
Proofread Anywhere’s online course costs $497 for the Ignite version and $597 for the Ignite Plus. That means you must pay an extra hundred bucks to access graded tests and earn a certificate. The additional cost also goes to your listing on SPS.
You might find the course expensive, but $497 and $597 have been the official prices since their launch in 2017. Despite improving materials and activities, Proofread Anywhere doesn’t plan to increase its costs.
The company has a payment plan on PayPal if you can’t pay the total amount. Contact the company for more information.
What are Students Saying About Proofread Anywhere?
Proofread Anywhere has earned 56 reviews on Trustpilot over the years, most of which are positive. 85% have given the score a 5-star rating, stating that it has encouraged them to start their own proofreading business.
You’ll find many success stories on the website. One US-based student says they completed the course while working full-time. After taking the exam and passing, many landed high-paying clients immediately.
The Transcript Proofreading course is also a fan favorite. One user says they recommend it to seasoned transcriptionists who want a “real career.”
The only negative review about Proofread Anywhere is the lack of low-tech alternatives for people who are not good with technology. Another user reports they still experience difficulty finding a proofreading job despite the certification.
Is Proofread Anywhere Legit?
The organization is a legitimate online course provider. In fact, it’s one of the most detailed course providers for learning proofreading skills. From spotting common writing mistakes to starting a freelance business, Proofread Anywhere is there to help.
It’s understandable why many aspiring learners are scared of investing in this expensive course. So many “experts” claim to know a lot about different topics, then offer poorly structured courses. But based on my experience, Proofread Anywhere is the opposite.
Proofread Anywhere also develops comprehensive books you can buy separately. Some talk about the freelancing business, while others are more motivational.
Which Course Should You Choose?
Proofread Anywhere offers several courses, depending on your curiosity and desired career path. All classes start with the basics, then discuss how to kickstart your freelancing business.
If legal documents and records are your thing, I recommend going for the Transcription Proofreading Course. But the General Proofreading Course is better if you will be editing general papers like blog posts and academic articles.
Do I Need Qualifications to Become a Proofreader?
Yes. No matter the types of proofreading in question, proofreaders need to be equipped with a foundational knowledge of English mechanics and proofreading different types of writing for grammar and punctuation errors. They should also have superb communication skills with clients, editors, courtside reporters, and other professionals.
A good proofreader pays attention to every detail of the text, both surface-level and in-depth. They know how to manage time to meet deadlines. Knowledge of different word processors and online grammar checkers may also be essential.
Master the art of precision writing!
Embark on our proofreading and editing course.
Final Thoughts On Proofread Anywhere Courses
If you want an online course that will help you learn proofreading skills and build a freelancing business as a professional proofreader, Proofread Anywhere is for you. It currently offers two courses: one for general proofreading and another for transcript proofreading. Both are perfect to help you build a successful freelance proofreading business.
Choose the General Proofreading course if you want to edit blog posts, academic works, and other general texts. But if you want to proofread legal records and transcriptions, the Transcript Proofreading course is for you. If this doesn’t seem like a course for you, check out our list of other great proofreading and editing courses.