Like any job, proofreading requires a set of tools. You must have a reliable computer and internet connection, for example, and there are certain software programs you will need to help you do your job effectively and efficiently.
There are also a number of books that will be extremely valuable tools for you. And while there is no need to immediately purchase all of the ones listed below, over time it is good to accumulate a personal library of them and any other books you find helpful.
This article will introduce to you a set of proofreading recommended resources—both proofreading-specific and general freelancing books—that are among the best to consider purchasing in order to add critical skills and knowledge to your toolset.
Proofreading-specific books
The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th Edition (CMOS)
The Chicago Manual of Style is the bible of the English language when it comes to proper usage and grammar. This book is indispensable, and as a proofreader, it is the first purchase you will want to make.
CMOS has the final say with regard to grammar, style, and usage. Punctuation, using numbers in writing, headline-style capitalization, the difference between en-dashes and em-dashes—it’s all covered in CMOS.
You can purchase either a hardcover copy or an online subscription. There is no right or wrong answer as to which version you should choose, but there are pros and cons for each.
| Hardcover Chicago Manual of Style | Online CMOS Subscription |
|---|---|
| Pros One-time cost of ~$68 Easy to highlight and bookmark for future reference Doesn’t interrupt what you were doing on your computer or take up screen space | Pros Will always be the most current edition Can be open in another tab on your browser at all times Easy to search by keyword or location number |
| Cons Will eventually be superseded by a new edition (which you will need to buy) Can be difficult to find the exact information you are looking for Not immune to water, coffee, pets | Cons Annual recurring cost of ~$46 to maintain subscription Harder to get a general understanding of the contents (i.e., unlike a physical copy, you can’t flip through it to familiarize yourself with the contents) You don’t own the contents—if your subscription lapses, you no longer have access to the book or your notes |
A good strategy is to sign up for the 30-day free trial subscription online and get a feel for that version. After the free trial is up, you can decide to continue with a subscription or buy your own hardcover copy.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition (MW)
A quality dictionary is the second purchase you will want to make as a new freelance proofreader.
If you are looking into becoming a proofreader, the chances are you are a good speller. But no one knows how to spell every word. And especially if you get into niche clients, there will be technical or other obscure words whose spelling you will have to look up to verify.
MW is a great choice for your primary dictionary. It is a well-regarded dictionary and costs about $20. It also comes in both paper and electronic versions. The Kindle version makes looking up words easy—you just have to type them into the search bar. If no results come up, you know that something is misspelled.
American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, 2nd Revised Edition
This resource is less necessary than CMOS and MW, but it is useful when a text or document uses idiomatic expressions that you need to verify are correct. And coming in at a price of about $11, it’s worthwhile to pick up a copy when you are able to do so. Like MW, it is available in both Kindle and paper form.
Other style guides as determined by the client
Some clients want their content to be formatted to specific requirements. This could mean working with additional style guides, such as:
- The Associated Press Stylebook, 55th Edition (used in journalism)
- AMA Manual of Style, 11th Edition (used in medical, health, and scientific publishing)
- MLA Handbook, 9th Edition (often used in education)
At the time of this writing, each of these style guides costs between $15 and $85. There’s no need to purchase any of them until you begin working with clients who require you to adhere to a specific guide.
Helpful books for freelancers in general
Being a successful proofreader requires more than just knowing about grammar and spelling. As a freelancer, there are a number of challenges you will face that are different than those you might have experienced as an employee. There are many books and resources to guide you through these obstacles but below are just a few that should be at the top of your reading list.
Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jiang
When you are a freelance proofreader—and especially when you are first starting out—you will face a lot of rejection. Rejection comes in many forms, from potential leads who ignore your attempts at reaching out, to jobs you don’t win on platforms like Upwork, and even to friends and family who may not understand why you want to start freelancing at all. Rejection Proof is an excellent resource to read to come to grips with what rejection really is and how to deal with it in a healthy way. Of all the non-proofreading-specific books out there, this is arguably the best and most important one to read when first starting out as a proofreader—or with any other endeavor.
Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science (A Guide for Sinners, Quitters, and Procrastinators) by Drew Dyck
This book serves as a good introduction to the concepts and practices of self-control and self-discipline, which you will need in spades as a freelancer. It is written from a Christian point of view, but anyone can take and apply the concepts in this book to become better at self-management.
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
This book explains what might be called “delegation on steroids.” The authors lay out how teamwork and collaboration can help you achieve your vision—and indeed, much more than your vision—by finding the right people to work with. As your freelance proofreading career grows, you will seriously need to consider forming a team of people to help you with your business. This book tells you how to do it.
Summing it up: Proofreading recommended resources
In many ways, books are a proofreader’s best friend. Not only do they offer the opportunity to find clients and work (every book needs proofreading, after all), but they are also invaluable tools to help you learn and grow in your craft. Establishing a small library of books, centered both on proofreading and general freelancing aids, is something you should focus on as you begin and continue your journey of becoming a freelance proofreader.