If you are a proofreader looking to earn extra cash, there’s a site called Scribe Media that offers career opportunities. Now, the question is, is it legit or just a scam?
Well, before you sign up for it, it is important to know the answer to that question. And in this Scribe Media review, not only will I address that concern, but I will also reveal the full truth of what it offers so you will know exactly what to expect from it.
Then, you can find out if what it offers is the right opportunity for you or not. So, let’s dive in, shall we?
What is Scribe Media, and what does it offer?
Scribe Media is a publishing company that specializes in turning manuscripts into professionally published books. For you to earn, you’ll have to work as one of their proofreaders. And yes, it is legit because you can really get paid to proofread manuscripts.
However, it doesn’t automatically mean you should sign up for it. To find out if it is the right fit for you, you must first understand how it works. The best way to do that is to take a look at the earning opportunity it offers so you will have a clear idea of how much time you must invest in it and how well you can earn.
So, here’s how to earn from Scribe Media
The earning opportunity – Proofreading manuscripts
Once you become a Scribe Media proofreader, you’ll be assigned to proofread manuscripts from their clients. You’ll only be assigned one manuscript at a time so you can focus properly.
There’s not much information regarding the exact process, but the main thing you must remember is that you must follow the guidelines set by the author when you are proofreading their work.
You can work anytime and anywhere you want, so it will be convenient for you schedule-wise. You just need to make sure you submit your work before the deadline.
What you must remember here is that your goal is to turn a manuscript into a professionally written book, so it’s not just a run-of-the-mill proofreading job. It demands a certain kind of skill that not all proofreaders have, so make sure to think about that when you decide if it is for you or not.
After you submit your work, you’ll have to wait for confirmation from Scribe Media and the client. If there are revisions to be made, you must do them and submit them on time.
Proofreading projects can take months to finish because you must keep in mind that you are not just proofreading documents, you’re essentially editing a book. This also means that the proofreading work will be broken down into chapters.
For example, you’ll be given two weeks to finish proofreading the first two chapters of a manuscript. Once you are done with that, you’ll be given a new chapter to work on until you finish proofreading the entire manuscript.
As for the tools you’ll be using, it’s not exactly clear, but from what I can gather, you’ll be using different platforms for project assignments, time tracking, and internal communication (with Scribe Media staff). All of these will be discussed during the onboarding process so you will know what to do when you start working for them.
In the next section, I will discuss how you will get paid.
Recommended: Check Out the Best Online Proofreading Jobs
How do you get paid?
Again, let me reiterate that there isn’t a lot of information on the website regarding working as a Scribe Media Proofreader. All it says is that you will be paid via direct bank transfer, which is a convenient payment option, in my opinion.
Now, the question is, when will you get paid?
Well, that depends on your employment status as a Scribe Media proofreader. If you are working in a full-time capacity, you’ll be receiving a salary, which means you’ll earn regularly.
If you are in a part-time role, then, based on my experience, you’ll usually get paid when a project is completed. Whether working full-time or part-time, you need to know that you don’t have to earn a specific amount to withdraw your earnings.
You’ll receive your earnings when it is time to get paid, which is a convenient setup, in my opinion. Overall, I would say the payment system of Scribe Media is relatively straightforward. I like the fact that it offers a convenient payment method like direct bank transfer.
If you are interested in more sites that use a convenient payment method, I recommend you also check out the top sites that pay via direct bank transfer.
How much money can you make?
Considering the work that needs to be done, you can expect to get paid a good amount while working as a Scribe Media proofreader. As for the amount you will get paid, it will depend on the position you applied for.
You can expect to get paid within the market rate for proofreaders. You’ll also receive several benefits if you work full-time. You’ll get 5 weeks of paid time off a year, which includes 15 days of PTO (paid time off), 9 paid holidays, and the entire week between Christmas Eve and New Year.
Full-time positions are also eligible for 90% Scribe-paid health, dental, and vision insurance. So, it’s almost exactly like having a day job. Overall, I would say the earning potential of Scribe Media is quite decent. You can earn a good amount from it.
Can you use it on mobile?
Seeing as the work that needs to be done requires the use of a computer, then the answer to the question above is NO.
I also don’t see the need for you to be able to access the platforms you need on a mobile device. You’ll still have to sit in front of a computer when working.
Who can join Scribe Media?
Here’s the important part. In 2023, the company went through a sudden closure, ceasing operations. The CEO stepped down, and the company worked with a skeleton crew to finish all existing job orders.
But as of the time of writing this review, it seems the company is back with a new CEO. So, it looks like it is under new management and has resumed operations.
Now, to join, you must be a resident of the US, so if you live somewhere else, this is not for you. Take note that Scribe Media is not always accepting new proofreaders (refer to the photo below).
You will know if there are available proofreader positions for part-time and full-time roles when it is shown on the Careers page. If there are none available, you can sign up to be notified via email if there’s a new role available.
As for the application process, you’ll have to submit your application, and you’ll be asked to submit samples of your work. If Scribe Media is interested in hiring you, you’ll be asked to rewrite a sample chapter.
If you pass this stage, you’ll be scheduled for an interview (usually via Skype). If you pass this final stage, you’ll be asked to go through the onboarding process, where you will be trained on the exact workflow of working as a Scribe Media proofreader.
Just bear in mind that the whole application process can take several weeks to complete, so if you are looking for something immediate, this is not for you. From what I can see, Scribe Media is pretty selective with who they hire.
They are looking for skilled and experienced proofreaders because, as explained earlier, you’ll be tasked with converting manuscripts into professionally published books. That’s a big undertaking, which is why I would say this opportunity is not for everyone.
Can you get support?
Scribe Media doesn’t have a Help or FAQ section for proofreaders. However, as mentioned earlier, you’ll be in direct contact with Scribe Media staff, so if you have questions regarding your work, you can get in touch with a representative directly.
This is why I would say it does provide decent support to its proofreaders since it offers a convenient way for you to ask for assistance. I just wish it would at least provide a Help or FAQ page for people who are interested in working as one of their proofreaders. That way, they’ll know exactly what they are getting into.
Final Verdict
Scribe Media is a site where you can earn good money by proofreading manuscripts. It has a couple of decent features, but it has certain limitations you must consider.
Let me wrap up this review by summarizing its pros and cons so you will get a clear overview of what it offers. Then, you can decide if it is for you or not.
Pros:
- Offers several benefits for full-time positions
- Offers a convenient payment method
Cons:
- The application process is quite long
- Not always accepting new applications
In my opinion, Scribe Media is not for everyone. If you don’t have experience proofreading manuscripts, then this is not for you. That’s because they only accept proofreaders who are skilled and experienced enough to handle the workload, so if you are just starting as a proofreader, this is not for you.
You also need to allot a significant amount of time if you decide to work for them. If you are not prepared to do that, then you should find other ways to earn. You can check out the best online proofreading jobs instead.
Now, if you don’t want to rely on a third party to get proofreading jobs, I recommend you set up your own online business instead so you can work on your own terms and not rely on getting hired for projects. For that, I suggest you check out this guide on how to build your own online business so you can get leads for your online proofreading business even when you sleep.
If you have any comments, questions, or experience with Scribe Media, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.