How did I transition from being a full-time stay-at-home mom to becoming a successful proofreader and copyeditor?
A decade ago, I left my medical research and development career behind to become a stay-at-home mom to my two amazing children. I never intended to stay home long-term. I always thought I’d return to work when my kiddos started kindergarten.
Life had other plans. Being a military family means we move frequently. Usually, every two years, we move to a new location, but a few one-year assignments have snuck in there, too. Throw in an overseas move, and the pandemic, and my timeline for returning to work grew longer and longer.
Once we were stationed back in the US and the pandemic was over, I thought it was time to go back to a job in the lab. Only to find that my commute to any laboratory job would be 45 min to an hour…in good traffic. With my husband’s demanding job and my kid’s need for stability, I realized that returning to work outside of the home just wasn’t practical for us.
While researching online jobs, there was only one that jumped out. Proofreading and copyediting. It fits every qualification that I wanted. Flexible hours, completely remote, no commutes, no sales calls, and good pay. Plus, it just sounded completely like something I’d enjoy. I get to read and catch errors (which I do anyway while I read).
But how would I get started? I have a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, which seemed miles away from being an editor. But I know I had the attention to detail, the general grammar knowledge, and the interest and enthusiasm to learn something new.
So, I started researching courses to get started on my new journey. I researched…for MONTHS. A good, quality course is not inexpensive, and I wanted to make sure that I was putting my money towards the right place. So many times, I’d get a click away from purchasing a course only to stop and second-guess it all.
Finally, I decided to buy Edit Republic’s High-Level Proofreading And Copyediting Pro course, now renamed The Editorial Business Bundle. The course has been the absolute best way to learn the business of proofreading and copyediting to help me start my new career!
The course is very easy to follow, is interactive, and has a good mix of videos, material to read, and quizzes to evaluate you along the way. It is a self-paced course, and there is no limit to the course access. I purchased the course several years ago and still have access to the dashboard.
It took me several weeks to finish the course, with it taking me one to two days to go through each module. I still return to certain modules for a refresher on certain topics.
The modules begin with common errors and how to fix them. You’ll learn how to correct punctuation, US vs. UK spelling, word use, numbers, and grammar. It is a great reminder and review of correct word and number usage.
The course covers the differences in proofreading and the levels of copyediting. You’ll also learn about style guides, how to handle plagiarism, and editing with AI programs. Throughout the course, there are editing exercises to test your skills and knowledge.
After you’ve brushed up your proofreading skills, the course has modules on how to get your proofreading and copyediting business started. For me, this was the most overwhelming part of the process. I know how to proofread and know I can do it well, but how do I become credible and find clients?
The course steps you through what you need to set your pricing, create invoices and contracts, gain experience, and receive client testimonials. There are sections on how to start a website, lists of job sites, and how to get your business social media up and running to optimize your marketing.
What I love about the course is that it’s not just an overview of how to proofread. What was most valuable to me was how to start my own business. Before starting my editing business, I had never created a website, never written a single blog post, and mostly stayed off social media. The course is what I needed to get started, gain confidence, and make it all less overwhelming!
At the end of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. The course also includes live monthly group coaching calls with Edit Republic’s owner and course creator Phon Baillie, with access to replays available if you’re not able to watch the call live.
You will have lifetime access to the lessons through your dashboard. The dashboard also has chat groups with a supportive community of other people who have completed the course and are also starting their own editing businesses.
Starting my own editing business has been the best thing I’ve done for myself and my family. The flexibility enables me to be there every day when my kids come home from school. I can help them with homework and shuttle them to after-school activities without the worry of having to commute from my job.
I don’t have to find a new job every few years when we move to another state. I don’t have to worry about taking sick days or vacation days or stress that my job is taking too much time away from my kids. Plus, my dog LOVES that I’m home with him all day!
Within a month of finishing the course, I found my first copyediting job. Even better, it was in the field of science! I was able to use my microbiology degree (yes, I actually found a job editing academic content for a microbiology course!) and my new copyediting knowledge.
It was a dream come true! I am able to work from home while my kids are home for summer vacation. I edit for a few hours in the morning, then have the rest of the day to spend with them, either going to the pool or whatever fun outing they want. No daycares, no babysitters, and no stress! It is everything I had hoped for in a career.
Since then, I have continued to find regular editing jobs in the field of science. I have also edited history articles, content for a health class, and many blog articles covering many different topics.
The freedom and flexibility of having a remote job has allowed me to work while moving halfway across the country without the stress of finding and starting a new job. It really has been the best for maintaining stability with my family in the craziness and instability of military life.
So, if you’re looking to add a side income or even a full-time income, a job with the ultimate flexibility, and you love to read, then proofreading may be a great fit for you! Edit Republic’s comprehensive course is exactly what you need to get started!
Edit Republic’s course will give you:
- A comprehensive coaching and training program that teaches proofreading, copyediting, marketing, editorial business management, publishing knowledge, and business startup. It is the only course of its kind in the market!
- You will also learn how to start and run an editorial business with these skills
- Marketing & client acquisition strategies
- How to work with fiction and nonfiction content
- How to set rates
- How to hold consultation calls
- Project management
- Client communications
- While most programs are proofreading only, Phon’s courses also teach copyediting, so you have more skills and knowledge and can work with a broader range of clients and content.
- Knowing copyediting also future-proofs a business against AI; proofreading is not enough if you want a sustainable business!
- Perfect if you want to start a side hustle, career, or a flexible online business.
- Proofreading and copyediting are skills that can be done in small chunks of time (20 minutes), giving you a flexible schedule.
What’s included:
- Includes live monthly group coaching calls with Phon Baillie. Access to replays that are available to watch in student accounts.
- Supportive student community with alums
- Certificate of Completion in proofreading and copyediting
- Lifetime access to the lessons and future course upgrades and bonuses
- 7-day refund policy!
Get started on your new career today! You can build your own business, spend more time with your family, and have the flexibility to schedule your day to fit your lifestyle.
Check out the course here!
