Looking for a professional proofreader?

1000+ of the most sought-after proofreaders in publishing are on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Meet the proofreaders behind bestsellers

The proofread is the last stage in the editing process. With the finish line in sight, a professional proofreader can step in and help ensure that your book is error-free. 

On Reedsy, meet proofreaders who help create bestselling and award-winning books. With years of experience as proofreaders for editors at Big Five publishing houses, they have keen eyes for spotting every mistake. 

Rob C.

Available to hire

I am an editor and project manager with 20 years' experience in illustrated non-fiction, specialising in popular science.

Robin R.

Available to hire

Experienced editor specializing in Christian fiction and nonfiction. Clients describe me as friendly, meticulous, and reliable.

Elizabeth S.

Available to hire

Twenty years as a copy editor and proofreader of Christian fiction, history, and other nonfiction. I look forward to working with you!

Kimberley L.

Available to hire

Editor of literary fiction and narrative nonfiction, with a focus in diverse/underrepresented voices that challenge the status quo.

Louise S.

Available to hire

Covering a range of subjects including entertainment, education, reference, media and the arts

What is proofreading?

Proofreading is the final stage in the book publishing process. You can think of it as a “safety net,” where a proofreader will help eliminate all remaining errors in your book before it hits the press. By the end of the proofread, you can expect your book to be free from spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and any other issues that might spoil a reader’s enjoyment of your writing. 

Note that this type of editing does not address “big picture” issues in your manuscript, voice, or prose. It focuses solely on catching the black-and-white technical missteps in your book, whether a missing comma or the wrong typeface in a chapter heading. Your manuscript is ready for publication only after it’s been proofread.

How to choose a proofreader

Reedsy proofreaders have worked with authors like Suzanne Collins, Danielle Steel, and Emily St. John Mandel. We handpick our editors based on their industry experience, accepting only the top 3% of applicants to ensure a high-quality collaboration.

Here are a few things to consider when searching for your editor.

  1. Shortlist editors based on their specialty genres. If you’re writing a fantasy book, for instance, you may need a proofreader who has experience reading unusual names of characters and places. 
  2. Browse their portfolio to get a sense of their experience. Have they worked with first-time authors before? Don’t forget to also check their reviews to get a better idea of their previous work.
  3. Be clear about your preferences. If you have a preferred style sheet in mind already, for instance, communicate it to your proofreader so that you’re both on the same page from the beginning. 

The clearer you are in communicating your needs, the more likely our proofreaders are to respond with accurate quotes. And remember, for the best chance at landing your first-choice proofreader, try to send your requests as early as possible.

FAQs

What does a proofreader do?

Is a proofreader the same thing as a line editor?

How much does a proofreader cost?

What is the range of proofreader rates I can expect?

Do I need a proofreader if I’ve already worked with an editor?

Get to know our editors

To get started on your search, meet some of our top-rated editors.

Elizabeth S.

South Bend, IN, USA

Twenty years as a copy editor and proofreader of Christian fiction, history, and other nonfiction. I look forward to working with you!

Specializes in:
Biographies & Memoirs
Christian Non-Fiction
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Poetry

Erik H.

Minneapolis, MN, United States

Editor with years of in-house experience. Founder of a literary agency. Writer. Host of Print Run Podcast.

Specializes in:
Fiction
Literary Fiction
Historical Fiction
Sports & Outdoors
Non-Fiction

Dawn F.

Twin Cities, MN

22+ year publishing professional providing editing and consulting on book proposals, nonfiction books, and query letters

Specializes in:
Writing & Publishing
Sociology
Mystery & Crime
Non-Fiction
Children's

Browse thousands of professionals on Reedsy. Search for editors near you

How it works

Browse profiles, request quotes, then collaborate.

Step 1

Apply filters

Reedsy is home to thousands of professionals. Select the specific editing services you need and narrow your search based on your book’s genre and requirements.

Step 2

Browse

Then, browse editors' profiles to find out more about their personalities and past projects.

Step 3

Request quotes

Request quotes from up to five editors at any time. They’ll look at your sample pages to give you a tailored quote as well as a sense of how they work.

Step 4

Collaborate

Once you agree on terms and a timeline, you’ll start collaborating using the many communication and editing tools available on Reedsy.

Reedsy in action

Watch how Reedsy can help you assemble your team in the video below:

Bring your publishing dreams to life

Professional proofreaders can polish your manuscript to perfection.