Proofreader Resume Example and Template
A proofreader's resume demonstrates error detection expertise, industry experience, and knowledge of style guides. Include error rates, document volume processed, and any specialized content areas.
Publishing and content companies hiring proofreaders look for accuracy records and speed. Lead with your lowest error rate and highest document throughput.
Also searched as
Senior Proofreader, Editorial Quality Assurance Specialist
Lisa Anderson: Proofreader
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Summary
Detail-oriented proofreader with 5 years ensuring editorial excellence across publishing, marketing, and corporate sectors. Proofread 1,000+ documents totaling 5M+ words. Maintained 99.8% accuracy rate. Expert in AP style, Chicago Manual of Style, and common style guides. Proficient in proofreading software and workflow systems.
Work Experience
Senior Proofreader, Boston Publishing Group
Feb 2022 – Present. Academic and professional publishing house, 50 staff
- Proofread 300+ documents annually including academic textbooks, journal articles, and professional manuals totaling 1.2M words
- Maintained 99.8% accuracy rate across all projects; achieved zero published errors on 95% of projects
- Implemented updated style guide and proofreading checklists; reduced missed errors by 45% across department
- Trained 3 junior proofreaders on style guides, proofreading techniques, and workflow systems; all achieved 99%+ accuracy within 6 months
Proofreader, Metropolitan Marketing Group
Jan 2020 – Jan 2022. Marketing agency and content producer
- Proofread 80+ marketing projects monthly including website copy, email campaigns, brochures, and video scripts
- Maintained 99.7% accuracy across all deliverables; zero client-reported errors on approved materials
- Managed proofreading workflow for 10 concurrent client accounts; ensured 3-day turnaround on all projects
- Assisted with style guide development for 5 major clients; created custom proofreading checklists specific to each brand voice
Editorial Quality Assurance Specialist, Northeast Publishing Services
Nov 2018 – Dec 2019. Self-publishing platform and printing services
- Reviewed 250+ self-published books for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors; provided authors with detailed correction reports
- Maintained 99.5% accuracy rate on all projects; achieved zero errors reported by authors post-publication
- Learned proofreading software including PerfectIt and Grammarly Professional; increased productivity by 30%
- Responded to author inquiries about grammar and style questions; provided consistent feedback using AP and Chicago style guidelines
Education
Boston University
Bachelor of Arts, English with Editing Minor. Sep 2014 – May 2018
Skills
Proofreading and copy editing, AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style, Grammar and syntax expertise, PerfectIt and Grammarly Professional, Track changes and version control, Fact-checking and verification, Formatting and visual consistency, Workflow management systems, Quality assurance reporting
Languages
English
Certificates and Awards
- Certified Copy Editor, American Copy Editors Society, 2019
Why this look works
Proofreaders should use a clean, refined template with precise typography and perfect alignment. Your resume is a writing sample itself; every detail matters. A timeless, professional design shows you understand quality standards.
Resume tips for this job
- Lead with your accuracy rate. 99.8% accuracy is measurable, concrete, and what employers care about most in this role.
- Quantify volume. Saying you've proofread 5M+ words is stronger than saying you've proofread thousands of documents.
- Show your style guide expertise. Knowing multiple style guides (AP, Chicago, APA, MLA) makes you adaptable across different industries.
Common questions
How do I calculate and report my accuracy rate?
Accuracy rate is typically calculated as errors found divided by total words or pages proofread, multiplied by 100. If you catch 5 errors in a 1,000-word document, that's 99.5%. Different employers may define accuracy differently, so be consistent and transparent about your methodology.
Should I mention typos or errors I find versus errors I miss?
Focus on errors you catch and prevent from being published. Your value is finding mistakes before they go live. If clients report zero post-publication errors, that's your best metric.
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The person, employers and numbers in this example are fictional, written to show what a strong resume for this job looks like.