Proofread: Learn to Proofread from Anywhere for a Living

If You Can Proofread….

I met someone online the other day that earns a fabulous living from home (actually from anywhere – she is now traveling) – by proofreading. And she proofreads from an iPad no less! Seriously? Yes. I was fascinated and wondered how this could even be possible. Because, I'm not going to lie – she's earning over $3000 a month and that would be an incredible income as far as I'm concerned.

So how does she do it? Who is she?
Caitlin Pyle is a proofreader. A court proofreader. She has been for years and years. Well – she has since 2009. She hadn't always been a proofreader either. This wasn't something she went to school for, or college… she kind of fell into it. She initially wanted to be a personal trainer. So hey — that just goes to show you how career paths can change. And ultimately for the better in Caitlin's case. Maybe yours too after reading this!

Sharing the Proofreading Karma

Caitlin decided after figuring out how to make a full time income in proofreading, that maybe others might want to do the same. She was asked all the time about her job and if it was hard, etc. So why not? She decided to just take what she knew, what she'd learned and exactly how she was earning an amazing income as a proofreader and create a course that any of us can take. And I have to say – I was blown away.

I assumed that because I have proofreading errors on my website from time to time and I wasn't the most perfect writer with stellar grammar and punctuation, that I'd probably never be able to have a career as a proofreader – let alone make a full time living from literally anywhere. I live in NC – but I'd love to live in Costa Rica for a year. Could I? And support myself? Proofreading could make this possible.

Learning to Proofread

Caitlin has put together an incredible training course. I've included the syllabus here so that you can see exactly everything it offers and what you'd be learning. She has gotten incredible reviews and testimonials. She is always trying to improve the course and make it even better for her students. She recently added over 2,000 more practice pages for students!

Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™
Course Syllabus and Objectives — Instructor: Caitlin Pyle

Transcript Proofreading: Theory and Practice™ is an intensive training course that implements multimedia online learning tools to effectively prepare students
to master the art of proofreading transcripts for court reporting professionals. The course is separated into two sections: Section 1: Theory and Section 2:
Practice.

Media Used Within Course:
• Worksheets
• Video Presentations (with Audio)
• Screencast Demonstrations
• Downloadable Handouts
• PDF Simulation (Practice) Transcripts with Answer Keys (1,000+ pages)
• Online Support Forum

SECTION 1: Theory
Students focus on the theory of transcript proofreading, including the process of transcript production, the complex role of a court reporter in said process, and
thorough conditioning on transcript-specific punctuation using industry approved reference materials.

Module 1 — Introduction to Transcript Proofreading
• Gain a thorough understanding of the roles and functions of court reporters, scopists, and proofreaders
• Understand the skills needed to perform well as a transcript proofreader
• Learn the process of how a transcript becomes a transcript and the role an agency may play in the finished product

Module 2 — The Nuts and Bolts of Transcripts
• Anticipate and recognize the vast array of possible errors that can occur in transcripts
• Become familiar with the vocabulary found in multiple types of proceedings: depositions, EUOs, hearings, trials, interpreted proceedings, and testimony on a variety of topic areas including medical, insurance, product liability, general litigation, among others
• Become well versed in transcript-specific punctuation as laid out in Morson’s English Guide for Court Reporters and The Gregg Reference Manual. Includes individual lessons on transcript-relevant capitalization, punctuation usage, and commonly misused or misspelled words and phrases
• Understand general formatting rules in regard to BY: lines, colloquy, Q&A, marking exhibits, and use of parentheticals
• Fully differentiate between uses of American English spelling/punctuation and British English spelling/punctuation within transcripts

SECTION 2: Practice
Students focus on the four most widely used methods of transcript markup. After choosing a method, students perform extensive practice on simulation transcripts of varied intensity.

Modules 3 & 4 — Marking Up Transcripts (Four Methods)
• Learn four methods to properly correct transcripts: hard copy, errata, on a computer, and digitally (paperless) using iOS technology. Advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed at length
• Get comfortable using an iPad equipped with the powerful PDF annotation app iAnnotate

Module 5 — Simulation Transcripts (1,060 pages in 21 simulation transcripts)
• Learn to research proper spelling of people, things, and places within transcripts using a provided notice and other resources, online or otherwise
• Perform a thorough read on each simulation job according to exhaustive proofreading checklist (provided)
• Evaluate personal progress and areas in need of improvement

Module 6 — Corresponding Within the Court Reporting Profession
• Communicate effectively, promptly, and professionally with court reporters and agencies regarding issues such as turnaround time (regular and rush), invoicing, vacation time, et cetera
• Be fully prepared to meet court reporting professionals’ expectations of proofreaders with outstanding customer service
• Understand the importance of using a customized preference sheet with each reporter, and be able to interpret reporter preferences based on sheet input

Module 7 — Billing and Accounting Procedures
• Understand billing procedures for work completed, including setting rates, negotiating, and following up on outstanding balances
• Be comfortable operating as a freelancer during tax season

Module 8 — Connecting with Potential Clients
• Learn authentic, personalized marketing methods to connect with potential clients using social media and traditional techniques
• Acquire and polish the skill of overdelivery and exceeding expectations as a proofreader
• Compose a professional résumé to effectively display acquired knowledge and skill
• Know the dos and don’ts of professional marketing tailored to the court reporting industry

Module 9 — Final Exam and Concluding Lesson
• Be evaluated for aptitude and competence in both the theory and practice of transcript proofreading
• Learn to identify oneself as a transcript proofreader in order to build confidence in new skills.
• Understand the components of a successful freelance business

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Course Length and Required Commitment
-Students should expect to spend a period of one to three months on the course material. Taking longer to ensure full absorption of the material is highly recommended.

Postcourse Support and Curriculum Updates

Students receive lifetime access to support forum and updates to course curriculum.

I Want to Do This! Teach Me to Proofread!

I know… it is very exciting to think about making an actual income from home doing something so flexible. Caitlin's course is affordable and easy to sign up for. Use the following link and get started right now! Proofread Anywhere

I would love to hear from those that have taken the course already, or are taking the course right now – feel free to comment below. Thanks so much!

Want to read more about Caitlin? I interviewed her as well. Read her full interview here.