Paul's Grammar Corner is now 12 lessons long...
Another heads-up. The grammar course has been extended by another four lessons. I think I've exhausted all requests so far, so either add something here or I'll move to some of the most prevalent punctuation mistakes tomorrow.
You've been warned.
https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/paul-s-grammar-corner
Recent Comments
8
The question is: is there any money to be made in proofreading and do you need a certificate? I believe that if you do it for publishers, you do.
Funny you should ask. I'm picking up a small job this afternoon from another writer. I seem to proofread a fair amount of other writers' work. I should really pay someone to proof-read mine, as I never find 100% of my mistakes.
That sounds like a get idea, so all the people out there that missed out at school (and there are so many) have a chance to learn.
Paul, why don't you make an authority site for grammer education? Give away an e-book or free lessons, so they'll register. Then, charge people for lessons,re-writing their web site, downloading a more detailed ebook, etc. Maybe there is a specific niche with low-hanging fruit in the grammer business.
This is spoken from the heart and as a potential customer. People tell me I've never met a coma I didn't like.
Purely because the most obvious solution is the one staring you in the face m'dear. If I can think it through I'll do it. I already offer proof-reading and editing services on my own website, along with blog writing etc. But I don't market them correctly. Real food for thought, and thank you for the inspiration!
(And I assume you meant comma? Lol.)
Get some good clients and get under the skin of a big grammar site, and they may even buy you out!
Below is a link to a WordPress Niche Theme for Video Memberships. (Look at the Responsive-type themes section.) It's a Wordpress theme, so it also has the usual Posting capabilities. Could be a more modern way to present your services. The software is $100 for unlimited sites.
http://www.premiumpress.com
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I have offered to proofread another's member writing from here- no charge. A lot of people here have guts to participate in WA when they don't speak English well. A lot of first language English speakers could also benefit from correction on their sites. I found one site yesterday which struck me as particularly good as far as the use of language, grammar and spelling was concerned. I must confess that it was the first one in a long time.
There are some good sites out there. It always pays to cross check them though. I saw one site which was discussing the American vs English way of using inverted commas (speech marks). The information on each was completely contradictory, and of course only one was right. I always confirm my advice with multiple site back up.
There is certainly a need to correct enough writing from people for whom English is a first language. I agree it takes guts to put yourself out there when English doesn't come naturally to you and I applaud anyone who tries. I'm aware, however, that in being helpful one mustn't neglect one's own paid work. It's a tough balance, which is why I thought the grammar course might be useful.
The proof-reading work I referred to is from outside of these circles.