Who should use editing and proofreading services?
Probably every one of us has found a mistake in an article or book, like a repeated word or a missing letter, or maybe a sentence that simply doesn’t make much sense. It can be somehow amusing, but then the reader becomes distracted and may lose interest in the text entirely. Such mistakes can undermine the impact of the content and the credibility of the author.
Thus, all written material should undergo a thorough review that checks the quality of the language, the grammar, the punctuation, etc., to ensure perfection before publication.
If a piece of writing is to deliver exactly the right message, then outstanding language skills are required. For this reason, pieces of text progress through two main review phases: editing and proofreading.
Now to answer the question: What is the difference between proofing and editing?
Editing comes first!
Editing is the first step in reviewing a draft text. The editor may make significant changes that will improve the overall quality of your writing in terms of language and expression. There are three main stages in editing:
Step 1: Content editing
The editor makes significant changes to the text, such as rewording, moving or deleting entire paragraphs.
Step 2: Line editing
In this stage, the editor revises the use of the language line by line so that the ideas and arguments have the most impact. Sometimes the content is too wordy, too breathless or just incoherent. To ensure a text flows smoothly, a line editor will make appropriate corrections to the language.
Step 3: Copy-editing
Copy editors do not change the content of the text as much, but instead polish sentences to ensure they have clear syntax and stylistic consistency.
The editing process often calls for back and forth communications between the editor and the author.
Then it is time for typesetting
Once the editing process is done, and the author has accepted or rejected the changes proposed by the editor, typesetting begins.
In this part of the process, the text is handed over to a typesetter who focuses on the visual presentation of the text. These days, typesetting takes place in software programs such as Adobe InDesign or by writing HTML code for websites.
Among other things, typesetting is about creating the best possible layout for the reader to make sense of the text. Hence, this part of the process may give rise to minor adjustments of the text, which is why it takes place before the final step when the actual proofreading takes place.
Proofreading is the last step!
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the last step before publishing or sharing the written materials you have prepared. A proofreader will ensure that the grammar is correct and the text is consistent and that there are no typos or misplaced commas, for example.
Ultimately, editing and proofreading are two different tasks. Editing ensures that the text has a good structure and that the language is correct It makes sure that the text properly communicates the author’s message and that the polished wording and stylistic consistency will make a significant impact.
Who should use editing and proofreading services?
Although both services have the ultimate goal of improving the quality of a text before publication, not everyone has to use both services. Here, we describe who would gain the most from each service.
It mainly depends on how confident you feel with your language skills and writing abilities. How important is the document? Are you an expert in the field? How persuasive are you trying to be with your message?
- Editing may be essential for a first-time book author or someone who is not writing in their native language.
- Editing is best for academic publications, media press releases and business documents, especially if a style guide needs to be followed.
Proofreading should never be skipped in revising material destined for an audience. From formal letters to social media posts and business propositions, content with exemplary grammar and structure will showcase the professionalism of the business, organisation or individual.
These days, many specialist companies offer editing and proofreading services in a vast selection of languages, at competitive and affordable prices, with speedy delivery. The reviewing process happens online in just a few hours, and the clients and experts can communicate back and forth with each other until the text is perfect.
