Proofread Anywhere reviews in 2023: Is it worth it?

Do you love spotting grammatical errors — on social media, in news articles, on billboards, and even in TV ads?

You can actually turn your love of clean writing into a flexible, high-paying work-at-home career — one where you set your own schedule and decide how much you work. You can work full time, part time, and also as a freelance proofreader.

If you don’t have a degree in journalism, English or a similar degree (and even if you do), there are a lot of online proofreading courses to choose from. My favorite is Proofread Anywhere.

Here's what you should know:

• What is Proofread Anywhere?
• Proofread Anywhere reviews
• Proofread Anywhere course details
• Is Proofread Anywhere legit?
• Pros and cons of Proofread Anywhere
• Is Proofread Anywhere worth it?

What is Proofread Anywhere?

Proofread Anywhere offers online training courses that teach people how to proofread from home (or anywhere they choose). It was started by proofreader Caitlin Pyle as a way to help more people break free from the self-doubt that plagues them by equipping them with skills they can use to generate their own income from anywhere.

Her General Proofreading: Theory and Practice course is a detailed training program where you’ll learn everything you need to know about proofreading general texts — think books, blogs, and the like. It’s got everything you need to help you on your proofreading journey from grammar lessons to practice essays to marketing tips. 

The General Proofreading course includes 40 lessons in 8 modules, including 10 grammar and punctuation worksheets and 40 practice essays so you can test and practice your skills. 

You also get membership to a private Facebook group for Proofread Anywhere students where you can ask questions if you get stuck or need an extra confidence boost. 

The course is available at two levels: Ignite and Ignite Plus. With Ignite, you get lifetime access to the course. 

With Ignite Plus, you get lifetime access to the course as well as: 

• The opportunity to take a hand-graded exam to verify your skills, 
• Access to an exclusive marketing mastermind group for graduates, and 
• A listing on Self-Publishing School’s Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex.

With Ignite Plus, you also get a certificate of completion if you pass the exam, which you can display on your website/LinkedIn profile to show prospective clients that your skills are verified and of a high standard.

Stay to the end of the free workshop, and get $100 off the course!

Get Proofread Anywhere’s FREE Intro to Proofreading Workshop >>

Proofread Anywhere reviews

Proofread Anywhere has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (not accredited) and 4.6/5 stars on Trustpilot. 

Positive reviews of Proofread Anywhere

Most Proofread Anywhere reviews are overwhelmingly positive:

Negative reviews of Proofread Anywhere

While most reviews of Proofread Anywhere are positive, there are a few negative ones that cite issues with other members of Proofread Anywhere’s Facebook community:

Here’s what’s included inside the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice course:

Module 1: Introduction to General Proofreading

This overview will cover who needs a proofreader, the skills you need to be successful, and the differences between proofreading and editing/copyediting.

Lessons include the following:

• Why Proofread?
• Skills Needed to Be an Excellent General Proofreader
• Who Needs a Proofreader?
• What a General Proofreader Does (and Doesn’t) Do
• Terms Commonly (but Incorrectly!) Used as Proofreading
• Editing at a Proofreading Rate

Module 2: Grammar Refresher

Before getting into the nitty gritty of the course, this module takes you back to basics with a grammar review.

Lessons include the following: 

• Types of Errors 
• Grammar Myths and Common Grammar Mistakes
• Parts of Speech
• Pronouns
• Contractions and Possessives
• Verb Forms

Module 3: Sentence Structure

Learn (or review) the basics of good writing and correct sentence structure.

Lessons include the following: 

• Subjects and Predicates
• Sentence Fragments + Run-On Sentences
• Subject/Verb Agreement
• Order of Adjectives
• Adverbial Clause vs. Participial Clause
• “Which” vs. “That” and Dangling Modifiers

Module 4: Spelling and Word Use for Proofreaders

Learn about commonly misspelled words and typos, differences between American and British word spellings, and commonly misused words.

Lessons include the following:

• Common Typos
• Commonly Misused Words
• Numbers
• American and British Spelling Variations
• Capitalization

Get Proofread Anywhere’s FREE Intro to Proofreading Workshop >>

Module 5: Punctuation Principles

Learn all about the different types of punctuation and when to use them — plus brush up on your vocabulary with a quiz.

Lessons include the following:

• Common Punctuation Mistakes
• Apostrophes
• Hyphenated and Compound Words
• En vs. Em Dash
• Commas and Semicolons
• Quotation Marks and Italics
• American and British Punctuation Differences
• Vocabulary Quiz

Module 6: Proofreading Methods

You’ll learn about different proofreading methods, with thorough lessons on how to make them work best for you.

Lessons include the following:

• Proofreading Methods: Pen and Paper
• Proofreading Methods: PDF
• Proofreading Methods: Microsoft Word
• Advanced Formatting in Microsoft Word
• Proofreading Methods: Google Docs
• Style in Proofreading
• Module Quiz

Module 7: Proofreading Practice

This is where you'll get to put your skills to the test based on everything you've learned thus far.

Module 8: Types of Proofreading

If you want to get a job as a proofreader, you need to know the types of proofreading you could be doing and what each one entails.

Lessons include the following:

• Academic Proofreading
• Blog/Podcast Show Notes Proofreading
• Business Writing Proofreading
• Creative Writing Proofreading

Module 9: Turning Proofreading into a Business

Learn how to create your website and résumé, set your rates, and what to do about self-employed taxes.

Lessons include the following:

• Setting Up Your Business Website (with BONUS Checklist)
• Writing Your Résumé
• Set Your Rates
• Taxes and Incorporating Your Proofreading Business
• Build Your Experience with Project Gutenberg
• Module Quiz

Module 10: Finding Clients

This module is GOLD. You’ll learn the different ways you can get proofreading clients.

Lessons include the following:

• Proofreading and Freelance Associations
• Social Media Basics
• Online Marketplaces to Find Proofreading Work
• Leveraging Online Profiles to Attract Ideal Clients

Module 11: Marketing Basics

Learn different methods to promote your business and appeal to potential clients.

Lessons include the following:

• Blogging Your Way to More Clients
• Effective Proposal Writing
• Avoiding Scammers
• Don’t Expect Clients to Just Come to You
• Active vs. Passive Marketing
• Module Quiz

Module 12: Your Workflow

Once you've started picking up clients, you need to stay on top of your business and develop a workflow to consistent deliver quality work.

Lessons include the following:

• Starting Off on the Right Foot
• Working with Client Preferences
• A Proofreader’s Relationship with Other Editors on the Project
• Billing with FreshBooks
• Developing Your Reputation
• Module Quiz

Module 13: Getting the Most out of the Freelancing Life

If you plan to run your own freelance business, this lesson is full of helpful tips to help you run it more smoothly.

Lessons include the following:

• Organizing Your Time to Avoid Burnout
• A Day in the Life of a Proofreader
• Gaining Confidence
• Client Case Studies
• Module Quiz
• BONUS: Money Mindset Transformation

Module 14: Ignite Plus Exam

Accessible to Ignite Plus students only, this hand-graded exam evaluates students for aptitude and competence in the practice of general proofreading.

Bonus Module: Introduction to Transcript Proofreading

This is a teaser into transcript proofreading, which Proofread Anywhere covers more fully in a separate course.

Here’s what’s included inside the Transcript Proofreading: Theory & Practice course:

This course is billed as a comprehensive guide to becoming a transcript proofreader and making money in the field of transcript proofreading.

You gain access to this course for free upon completion of General Proofreading with both Ignite and Ignite Plus memberships.

Here's a breakdown of the modules:

Introduction: Transcript Proofreading as a Career

Lessons include:

• The Perks (and Profits) of Proofreading Transcripts
• Skills You Need to Proofread Transcripts
• Understanding Your Future Clients
• Why Punctuation Matters More than Grammar in Transcripts
• Word Skills Pre-Test
• Joining the Student Community

Foundation: The Nuts & Bolts of Transcript Proofreading

Lessons include:

• Punctuation and Word Use Workbook
• The Most Violated Comma Rules in Transcripts
• Apostrophes: Do's and Don'ts
• Hyphens and Dashes
• Quotation Marks, Colons, and Ellipses
• Transcript-Relevant Capitalization

Spelling and Word Use

Lessons include:

• Common Word Use Errors (Part 1)
• Common Word Use Errors (Part 2)
• Number Use in Transcripts
• American vs. British Spelling
• Legal Terminology and Common Misspellings
• QUIZ: Legal Terminology

Mechanics: Transcript Formatting, Moving Parts, and Processes

Lessons include:

• Types of Speech in Transcripts
• Transcript Formatting: The Basics
• The Anatomy of a Transcript
• QUIZ: Anatomy of a Transcript
• How a Transcript Becomes a Transcript
• Types of Errors Found in Transcripts

Methods: How to Use Technology to Proofread Transcripts

Lessons include:

• Method 1: Paper/Hard-Copy Proofreading
• Methods 2 & 3: Errata Sheets and Laptop/Desktop Annotators
• Method 4: Proofreading Transcripts With an iPad
• Tutorial: Setting Up the Toolbar and Stamps in iAnnotate
• Method 5: Proofreading to Audio
• Method 6: Using CAT Software

Flow: Effective Client Communication and Accounting

Lessons include:

• Guidelines for Smooth Sailing
• Receiving Work: Intake Steps
• How to Set Your Rates
• Getting Paid: When & How to Bill Clients
• Tax Matters

Build: Creating Your Online Presence

Lessons include:

• Using Facebook and Instagram to Grow Your Business
• How to Set Up Your Website in Minutes
• LinkedIn: Key Elements of an Attractive Profile
• Assessment: Your LinkedIn Profile

Connect: Finding Clients in the Real World

Lessons include:

• LinkedIn Task Checklist & Message Templates
• Effective “Cold” Outreach
• Other Ways to Find Clients
• QUIZ: Marketing Techniques
• BONUS: A Proofreader's Day in Court

Mindset: Moving Confidently Toward Your Goals

Lessons include:

• Mindset Resources

Proofread Anywhere cost

Proofread Anywhere has two plans: 

Ignite – $397

• One-time payment
• One course
• Lifetime access
• Free access to Transcript Proofreading upon completion of General Proofreading

Ignite Plus – $497

• Everything included in Ignite
• Hand-graded exam
• Certificate of completion
• Listing in the Self-Publishing School (SPS) Preferred Outsourcer Rolodex, a list of editors, cover designers, formatters, proofreaders, and other publishing professionals recommended to people trying to publish their own books
• Membership in a Facebook group specifically for PA proofreaders
• Free access to Transcript Proofreading upon completion of General Proofreading

Is Proofread Anywhere legit?

Yes, Proofread Anywhere is a legit proofreading course with an A+ BBB rating and dozens of 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. The course is designed to help you fine-tune your proofreading skills and actually build a proofreading business from the ground up.

The Proofread Anywhere General Proofreading course isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. If you put the work into learning how to proofread properly, proactively market your business, and commit to providing an excellent proofreading service, you will be successful as a proofreader. 

Proofread Anywhere is the real deal, and it’s a great option for anyone who wants to work from home as a proofreader.

Pros of Proofread Anywhere

• Self-paced course you can complete online in your own time, with lifetime access
• Teaches how to ​​create a website, do your taxes, and bill your clients
• Includes lessons on how to get clients and market yourself, based on the premise that clients will come to you once you’ve started your business
• Ignite Plus includes Facebook community to offer support and advice from fellow proofreaders
• Course is continually updated

Cons of Proofread Anywhere

• Based on some negative reviews, things can get heated in the Facebook group 
• Reviewers say quizzes and practice tests can be difficult (but ultimately helped them learn)
• Course can be difficult to navigate for less tech savvy individuals (based on online testimonials)
• If you need deadlines to hold yourself accountable, the self-paced nature of the course might tempt you to procrastinate
• Some users said they wish the course focused even more on launching a business and less on the fundamentals of proofreading (the users admitted to being experienced editors)

Bottom line: Is Proofread Anywhere worth it?

In my opinion, Proofread Anywhere’s General Proofreading course is worth it. It’s an in-depth training course that will help you not only learn how to proofread but also how to start your proofreading business and how to find clients.

A word of warning though: Proofreading is not as easy as it may seem. It may not suit people who tend to skim when they read or who aren’t bothered by the little details. It also requires training in order to provide a high-quality service, which the Proofread Anywhere course provides.

If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, taking the General Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ course by Proofread Anywhere is a great way to learn how to be a successful proofreader.

Proofreading not for you? Learn more about these other work-at-home jobs:

• How to become a bookkeeper in less than a year
• How to learn graphic design and become a graphic designer without a degree
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• How to become a medical biller and coder
• How to become a coder (high-paying and work from home)