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Freelance Proofreader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Editor : Serves as a deadline-oriented copy editor and proofreader, organizing and managing the ... Manages the workflow of multiple freelance copy editors and proofreaders, overseeing assignments ...

Manage production timelines, budgets, estimates, proofing, logistics, installation, and final ... Build and manage relationships with printers, installers, fulfillment partners, freelancers ...

$21 - $22/hr

... proofed. * Maintain organization of internal asset files and keep the archives accurate and up to ... Some professional, internship, volunteer, campus, freelance, or project-based experience supporting ...

Manage production timelines, budgets, estimates, proofing, logistics, installation, and final ... Build and manage relationships with printers, installers, fulfillment partners, freelancers ...

Manage production timelines, budgets, estimates, proofing, logistics, installation, and final ... Build and manage relationships with printers, installers, fulfillment partners, freelancers ...

Planner, Strategy

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$53K - $76K/yr

We also have specialist offerings, including content, commerce, multicultural and future-proofed ... Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan ...

Planner, Strategy

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

$53K - $76K/yr

We also have specialist offerings, including content, commerce, multicultural and future-proofed ... Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan ...

Freelance Proofreader information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$43

How much do freelance proofreader jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance proofreader in California is $27.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $33.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Proofreader vs Freelance Copyeditor?

AspectFreelance ProofreaderFreelance Copyeditor
CredentialsTypically requires strong language skills, proofreading certifications (optional)Requires editing skills, possibly editing certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentRemote, freelance basis, client projectsRemote, freelance basis, client projects
Industry UsageCommon in publishing, academic, corporate sectorsCommon in publishing, marketing, corporate communications
Search & ComparisonOften compared for editing and proofreading rolesRelated but involves more substantive editing

Freelance proofreaders focus on correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation, ensuring text accuracy. Freelance copyeditors go further by improving clarity, style, and overall flow. While both roles require strong language skills, copyeditors often handle more complex editing tasks. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right professional for their editing needs.

What are some common challenges freelance proofreaders face when working with multiple clients?

Freelance proofreaders often juggle projects from different clients at once, which can present challenges such as managing varying style guides, meeting overlapping deadlines, and adapting to distinct communication preferences. Staying organized and setting clear expectations with clients is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure timely delivery. Additionally, freelancers must remain proactive in seeking feedback and maintaining consistent quality across all assignments to build strong client relationships and secure repeat work.

What Do Freelance Proofreaders Do?

Freelance proofreaders review and find mistakes and awkward wording in printed or digital materials. Unlike proofreaders who are on staff at a publication or company, freelance proofreaders are hired on a temporary or contract basis. Freelance proofreaders are often employed by newspapers and book publishers to correct initial versions of writings before they printed final copies. Now with digital formats, many proofreaders are hired to read online reviews, blogs, social media updates, and news sites. Large blogs, news sites, and other online forums utilize proofreaders to correct errors and find inconsistencies in writing or content. Some organizations may have freelance proofreaders double as a copy editor, correcting grammar and spelling mistakes as they work and offering suggestions to improve the copy. Freelance proofreaders not only read the text, but they also make sure the layout of the page is readable, and that page elements do not hinder or cover any text.

What are freelance proofreaders?

Freelance proofreaders are independent professionals who review written content for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting before it is published or shared. They work on a contract basis for various clients, such as authors, businesses, publishers, or students, and may handle a range of documents including articles, manuscripts, websites, and marketing materials. Unlike full-time employees, freelance proofreaders manage their own schedules, source their own clients, and often work remotely. Their main goal is to ensure that the final content is clear, accurate, and professionally presented.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Proofreader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Proofreader, you need excellent command of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style, often supported by a degree in English or a related field. Familiarity with editing tools such as Microsoft Word's Track Changes, Adobe Acrobat, and style guides like APA or Chicago Manual of Style is typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication with clients are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure accuracy, maintain consistency, and foster reliable client relationships in a competitive freelance market.
What are the most commonly searched types of Proofreader jobs in California? The most popular types of Proofreader jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Proofreader jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Proofreader jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Proofreader jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Proofreader job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Proofreader job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 59% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,766 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Senior Editor

The Huntington

San Marino, CA โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Us

At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

The Huntington

Founded in 1919, The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.

The Culture

Here we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do - from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond. Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies.

At The Huntington, our organizational Culture is shaped by the following core values: Intellectual curiosity, Collaboration, Stewardship, Belonging, and Integrity.

  • Intellectual Curiosity:Knowledge, lifelong learning, and a spirit of inquiry are at the core of our mission and organizational culture.

  • Collaboration:Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are important at all levels of The Huntington. We foster relationships internally among our departments and externally with organizations throughout the community.

  • Stewardship:We are committed to the care and development of our collections, our financial and physical resources, our staff, and our community.

  • Belonging:We strive to attract and maintain a workforce of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our organizational culture promotes a sense of welcome, inclusion, and connection.

  • Integrity:We value respect and honesty, working to fulfill our mission with honor and ethical principles.

Job Description

About the Role

Working under the supervision of the Director of News and Media Relations, the Senior Editor energetically and creatively oversees copyediting and proofreading for the institution's Office of Communications and Marketing. The position requiresmeticulouseditorial sensibility, top-level writing skills, and excellent organizational skills. The Senior Editor copy edits and proofs institutional newsletters, news releases, announcements, feature stories, web content, marketing copy, and a variety of other materials on tight deadlines. The Senior Editor also serves as the project manager and editor for online content and print publications as assigned.


The Senior Editordemonstratesa background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach. In addition, the Senior Editor must be an excellent team player with a high degree of integrity and curiosity as well as a willingness to share knowledge and skills with colleagues.

This is a limited-term position, budgeted for one year.
Essential Duties:

  • Editor: Serves as a deadline-oriented copy editor and proofreader, organizing and managing the content flow of a variety of materials circulating through the Office of Communications and Marketing. Works collegially to coach writers. Collaborates closely with other members of the Communications and Marketing team as well as colleaguesacrossthe institution. Provides quality control of publications and products through editing, proofreading, andfact-checking.

  • Web and Digital Content Editing and Training:Leads the editorial review of institutional web and digital content, ensuring alignment with The Huntington's brand, editorial standards, and accessibility guidelines. Provides training and guidance for decentralized content contributors across the institution, with an emphasis on best practices for event listings and otherfrequentlyupdated sections. Develops andmaintainsa comprehensive digital content guide that incorporatesThe Huntington'seditorial style adapted for web use and accessibility standards. Serves as the final editorial reviewer andapproverfor web contentsubmittedfor publication.Assistsin editing digital and social media content, including captions and video transcripts, as needed.

  • Project Manager: Oversees editorial content, copy editing,and ensuringtimelypublication. Provides regular status updates. Works in collaboration with writers, graphic designers, freelancers, and others to produce high-quality copy on deadlines. Manages the workflow of multiple freelance copy editors and proofreaders, overseeing assignments and deadlines, and ensuring quality control. Contributes to project reports.

  • Style Guide Manager: Regularly updates the institution's style guide and informs key stakeholders of changes; oversees the proper use of Huntington style, ensuring continuity within and among the institution's online and printed materials; trains contributors to the institution's webpages on all aspects of Huntington style as well as guidance on how to produce clear and concise copy.

  • Writer: Serves as a backup writer for Communications and Marketing, drafting high-quality copy ondeadline.

  • Other duties as assigned.


Candidate Requirements and Experience
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Mustpossessa keen eye for detail, grammar, style, and clarity, ensuring that all content isaccurate, engaging, and aligned with the institution's brand, style, voice, and standards.

  • Must have extensive knowledge of Associated Press style. Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Stylea plus.

  • Must have an excellenttrack recordof producing high-quality editorial material on tight deadlines.

  • Must have well-honed interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with writers and collaborate successfully with other colleagues in Communications and Marketing and acrossThe Huntington.

  • Must have experience providing oversight to writers and content producers and the ability to provide constructive feedback.

  • Must have the organizational skills to manage the workflow of multiple freelance copy editors and proofreaders, overseeing their assignments and deadlines while ensuring quality control.

  • Must have a strong project management background with a proventrack recordfor publication management.

  • Mustpossessthe ability to efficiently manage time,navigatingcompetingdemandsand clearly communicating and properly prioritizing deadlines.

  • Must haveabilityto write and edit quickly with exemplary attention to detail while supporting brand integrity, voice, and mission.

  • Must have worked in a deadline-oriented capacity and be able to coordinate work on several projects at once.

  • Must haveproficiencyin Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and related copyediting software.Mustbe able to editpdfs anddirectly online.

Education and Experience:

  • Five to seven years' experience in editing and writing for cultural organizations, museums, universities, and/or news outlets.

  • These skills and abilities are usuallyacquiredthrough the completion of a B.A. degree, preferably in English, journalism, or equivalent coursework. Demonstrated ability and job experience may providean appropriate substitutefor the preferred degree.


Working Conditions

Normal office environment. The role requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Compensation & Benefits

We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:

  • Pay Range:$85,000.00- $95,000.00. Commensurate on experience.

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match

  • Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions

  • Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays

  • Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants

  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

  • Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

The Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment.

You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the "My Experience" section of the application.