Debra
(Gaining Confidence)

Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and trying a new career can mean a change for the better. That’s exactly what Becoming A Proofreader graduate Debra found, as not only did she gain new skills, but she also gained lots more confidence as a freelancer.

We found out how taking the course has allowed her to devote more time to her family, while growing her confidence and her proofreading business at her own pace.

Hi, Debra! What made you consider Becoming A Proofreader?

I had recently left a high school education position and was weighing options for becoming a freelancer so I could work from home. The informative website and excellent reviews for Becoming A Proofreader were appealing to me. The cost for the course was also within my price range.

Was there anything surprising or particularly challenging in the course for you?

I was pleasantly surprised at the expansive instruction and examples within each of the modules. The course was easy to navigate and understand, and I always felt it was providing applicable information instead of excessive marketing or unnecessary narratives.

What has been the single best benefit of having done the course?

By far, the best benefit for me personally was the opportunity to work with Proofed. The support and valuable feedback I have received from Proofed have been truly integral in jump-starting my proofreading career.

As I grow my knowledge base in proofreading and editing, my confidence level has increased immensely, and I have learned something new with every assignment. This motivates me to accept assignments out of my comfort zone and develop new skills, furthering my options for future work.

How has life changed for you as a freelance proofreader?

Through this journey, I have learned to face many fears and insecurities head on, and now I seldom question my capability to tackle challenges as I did before.

The option of flexibility has allowed me to devote time to my family, and it has allowed me to continue my education and grow my business at my own pace. I prefer to work straight through an assignment, taking multiple short breaks as needed. The satisfaction of completed work allows me to enjoy the evening worry-free with my family and take care of any household needs.

This new freedom to make choices based on what will benefit my family, as well as being able to do something I enjoy, is liberating.

“This new freedom to make choices based on what will benefit my family, as well as being able to do something I enjoy, is liberating.“

Was the course good value for money?

Absolutely! I was honestly pleased with the price at purchase, but after completing the course, I realized it offered so much more than I was expecting.

I found the sections on copyediting and referencing particularly valuable, as these were areas that I was not as familiar or comfortable with. I was also delighted to dive deeper into formatting. This is now a bonus service that I can offer with confidence to clients.

Have you been self-employed before? How are you finding it?

This is my first venture into self-employment. As with anything, there are pros and cons, but as I mentioned before, the flexibility and freedom are liberating.

I have allowed myself some grace when it comes to making mistakes along the way, and I have applied the lessons I have learned moving forward. Staying positive and finding balance are key to making this work.

Are you proofreading elsewhere, in addition to your work at Proofed?

At this time, I am exclusively working with Proofed. As I gain experience and knowledge, I will eventually feel more confident in marketing myself to others locally.

It takes time to build a business and establish a client base, so I found it important to be confident in my performance before seeking clients on my own.

What do you do when you aren’t proofreading?

I live a simple life of appreciating the small things. I seize any gift of time with my husband and kids to watch our favorite TV shows, go to the movies, or enjoy a restaurant meal so I don’t have to deal with dinner.

I also occasionally make and sell some crafts. I enjoy creating decorative pieces using crystals, and I get an added therapeutic benefit while putting everything together.

Is there any advice you’d give to someone who is currently thinking about taking Becoming A Proofreader?

Take plenty of notes and organize them in a Microsoft Word document so that you can easily reference the vast amount of information you will get from the course.

Is there anything else you want to share?

I am truly grateful for taking the leap into this new chapter of my life. The Becoming A Proofreader course and Proofed have helped me to continue confidently on this path. I encourage anyone considering a lifestyle change to research options, step out of your comfort zone, and make it happen!

“I encourage anyone considering a lifestyle change to research options, step out of your comfort zone, and make it happen!“

Becoming A Proofreader

Whether you’re looking to make a change in your career or grow your confidence as a freelancer, our Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor courses are designed to provide you with all the tools you need.

Save 15% by buying both courses as a bundle, or try them out for free first!