Want to earn money online using your language and writing skills? You’re in the right place. If you enjoy editing and helping students or researchers improve their academic writing, there are a bunch of secret websites that will pay you for it. The best part? You can do this from anywhere — beach chair or bedroom!
Today, we’re going to reveal some lesser-known (but amazing) platforms where you can get paid for academic editing. We’ll keep it fun, simple, and straight to the point.
Why Academic Editing?
Academic papers need to be perfect. Professors and researchers want their writing to be top-quality. But English might not be their first language. Or they just don’t have time. That’s where you step in!
As an academic editor, you fix grammar, make ideas clearer, and sometimes improve formatting. You help papers shine — and get published!
What You’ll Need
- Strong grammar skills
- Eye for detail
- A computer and internet
- Maybe a degree (some websites require it)
Now let’s jump into our list of secret websites to make money with academic editing. 🚀
1. Enago
Enago is well-known in academic circles, but not talked about much in freelance communities. That’s why it’s a bit of a secret for side hustlers.
You edit papers from researchers all over the globe. They get published; you get paid.
- Requires a Master’s or PhD
- Specializes in science, engineering, and medical papers
- Good pay per assignment
Check it out at: enago.com
2. Wordvice
Wordvice connects editors with students and scholars. You might be editing anything from a journal article to a college admissions essay. There’s a little bit of everything!
They prefer native English speakers and reward experience.
- Flexible hours
- Scientific and academic content
- Online dashboard keeps things organized
Application tip: Take your time on their editing test. They pay based on how accurate and detailed you are.
3. Cactus Communications
You might not have heard of Cactus – but they are huge in Asia. They work with researchers in Japan, Korea, China, and India. English editing is in high demand here.
- Papers mostly in life sciences, medicine, and engineering
- Most editors work part-time from home
- See payments every two weeks
Apply at: cactusglobal.com
4. Scribendi
Scribendi edits everything — books, business documents, resumes, and of course, academic papers. But the academic side of their business is strong.
They require a degree and, ideally, some editing experience.
- Fast turnarounds — work is fast-paced!
- Friendly platform for beginners
- You can apply for freelance or full-time roles
5. EditFast
EditFast sounds like a race, and sometimes it feels like one! Jobs go to the fastest fingers. But the pay? Worth it.
You sign up, complete a profile, pass a test, and start receiving jobs.
- They act as a middleman between editors and clients
- 60% of job pay goes to you (they keep 40%)
- Lots of repeat customers if you do a good job
6. Cambridge Proofreading & Editing
If you like royalty, this one has “Cambridge” in the name — classy, huh? They offer academic proofreading services to students and professors worldwide.
Don’t worry, you don’t need a British accent to apply 😄
- Excellent for PhD holders and postgrads
- Very organized system with fair deadlines
- Pay ranges from $20–30 an hour
7. ProofreadingPal
If you can multitask like a boss, apply here. ProofreadingPal uses a two-proofreader system. That means you and someone else both edit the same document to ensure perfection.
It’s great for collaboration — and learning new tricks from other editors.
- Need at least a 3.5 GPA, or 5 years of editing experience
- Good pay and respectful deadlines
- You work as an independent contractor
8. Polished Paper
Want to test your skills? You’ll need to pass an editing quiz before getting inside. But if you do, you’ll earn with every paper you touch.
They work with academic clients, authors, and even businesses, so there’s great variety here.
- Pay per project (varies by word count)
- Flexible hours, choose your workload
Website: polishedpaper.com
9. Editage
Editage is a big name in academic editing. They work with researchers in over 100 countries. Lots of work = lots of opportunity.
You’ll likely edit research papers from non-native English authors. Your job? Help their ideas shine clearly.
- Medical and life sciences content is common
- Training modules when you join
- Earn based on word count and turnaround
It’s one of the best places for steady editing gigs.
10. Freelancer Secrets
Okay, so this one isn’t one site — but hear us out. There are secret groups on Upwork and Fiverr focusing ONLY on academic work. You’ll have to niche down your profile to show you’re an academic editing rockstar.
Tip: Add specific keywords like “APA editing” or “dissertation formatting” to your services.
Some clients even message you directly for long-term gigs. Win!
How Much Can You Make?
It varies. Some platforms pay $15–$20 per hour, while others pay $0.03–$0.07 per word. If you’re fast and experienced, that adds up to over $50 per hour!
Not bad for working in your slippers, right?
Want to Succeed? Do This:
- Take editing tests seriously — they’re how you get in
- Keep improving your grammar and citation skills
- Deliver early and do good work to get repeat clients
Final Thought
Academic editing is a great hidden gem of online work. It’s flexible, rewarding, and perfect for detail lovers. Whether you’re a recent grad, a language nerd, or just someone looking for legit side income — these websites can help you turn your editing skills into serious cash.
So don’t wait. Try one (or several) of these secret websites today and start editing your way to a smarter paycheck!
