-By Aparna Sharma, MPharm, Clinical Research, Uttarakhand Technical University
Both proofreading and copyediting services involve close and cautious reading of a document. Proofreading and copyediting are often assumed to be the same; but, they are not. Contrary to popular belief, a copyeditor is not a glorified spell checker. The copyeditor is your partner in publication. To “copyedit” a document is to proofread it with the added expectation of ensuring style consistency with other content from the company or publication. Copyediting is also known as “sub-editing” in the UK, Australia, and elsewhere.
Let’s take a closer look at what a copyediting service involves.
A copyeditor:
As you see, the copyeditor’s job is not just to check grammar and spelling. He/she must ensure that every element of your story is consistent, cohesive, and complete.
Hiring a proofreader is particularly helpful if English is not your first language. Your proofreader will be looking for language errors and formatting errors, missing words, typos, punctuation errors, spelling and formatting inconsistencies, and all the smaller things that have slipped through previous stages of editing.
However, proofreading is the process of examining the final draft of a document or text, after it has been edited, to ensure there are absolutely no errors. A proofreader will review for spelling errors, punctuation errors, typos or incorrect use of regional English (i.e. ensuring that you’re using American English or British English when necessary).
Thus, proofreading and copyediting services focus on different aspects of writing. The following points will clearly explain the differences between the two:
However, the copyediting service ensures that the raw text or document is correct in relation to the spelling and grammatical rules. In addition, it checks the readability of the document to ensure that readers can grasp the writer’s ideas. A copyeditor also attempts to prevent disconcerting errors relating to facts, alarms the author in the context of any possible legal implications, and makes sure that the typesetter can do a better job.
On the contrary, a proofreader is assigned with the task of checking reproduction as to what the final documented text will look like. The task is not about making revision but making a correction. Thus, it can be said that it is making sure of the total absence of any typographical mistakes from the manuscript and to proceed to the production stage. An element of correction may range from a letter to a paragraph or any accidentally omitted or repeated information or misplaced database.
Our promise to you… You must love every aspect of our quality and service or we insist on refunding you in full—cheerfully and without hesitation.
Look no further
All our editing plans come with 100% confidentiality and quality guarantee.