Earn money reading books - is it a con?

Can you earn money reading books? It sounds like a dream come true, doesn't it? Relaxing, while someone pays you to do something you love.

You have no doubt seen the adverts promising an income in the thousands, once you have completed their training or read their book. The advert probably has many exclamation points in it!!!!!!!

And a weekly potential income which you used to earn in a year.

They will promise a list of employers and publishers that are looking for people just like you to proofread books for them and point out their mistakes. All you need to do is send in $30 + for this chance of a lifetime.

Stop!

What you would receive for your money is a guide to the proofreading symbols that are used, and some proofreading exercises for you to complete and send back to them for marking. They will then send you a certificate, if you pass. The certificates we have seen are not worth much.

Very few publishers will be looking to hire inexperienced proofreaders.

So how do you become a proofreader

All the information you need is readily available online, or in your local library. Both the symbols that are used for marking errors and lists of potential employers.

Most publishers are looking for qualifications in English or the language that you wish to proofread in.

You need to get as much experience as possible, contact publishers, newspapers, magazines and Websites - anywhere there is the printed word you could be a proofreader. You may have to offer your services for free to start with. Maybe you could proofread your local magazine or charity leaflets?

A growing area of opportunity for proofreaders, is the internet. More and more websites are published every day, and for techie types and those that are writing in a second language, using a proofreader is vital for their website’s success.

You can find a number of online freelance proofreading jobs at Get A Freelancer.com. The beauty of using Get A freelancer is that they handle your payments, which allows you to just get on with earning the money. They will then transfer your wages into your account.

In summary

It is possible to earn money reading books, but please do not send away your existing money in order to learn how.

More cons to be aware of

We are always looking out for cons and scams that will try to take your hard earned money away from you. Forearmed is fore warned, so be careful of the following...

Internet Business Scam - Don't get sucked in.

Home based business scams to be aware of

Email Scams to steer clear of.