FAQs

1. What’s the difference between editing, copyediting, proofreading, and similar terms?

There are no definitive definitions, but these are some generally accepted meanings, based on information in the Chicago Manual of Style, in order of degree of review:

Proofreading Checking the final text for errors before it is published. A proofreader looks for things like spelling, punctuation, missing text, as well as layout issues like page numbering, consistency with headings, placement of tables and images.

Copyediting The final editing stage on a manuscript before publication. Copyeditors pay attention to all the details, reading for style, grammar, consistency, and typos. Copyeditors may also check that your material follows the style guide appropriate for your genre.

Line Editing A close edit that focuses on word choice, phrasing, and other matters of writing style. It usually comes before copyediting. A line-by-line review should point out run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and clichés. It helps to clarify meaning and eliminate jargon and wordiness.

Developmental Editing It helps an author shape the content, structure, and substance of a work and how it should be organized. Developmental editing generally occurs before any other type of editing.