What are the different types of editing?

‘Editing’ and ‘proofreading’ are terms often used interchangeably, perhaps it’s helpful to clarify that they’re different tasks.

I’ve produced a free quick and easy guide outlining the difference between all the different types, from manuscript assessment right through to proofreading, and how they can support your publishing journey.

In short, editing is done to raw copy (i.e. your original manuscript – usually in Word) and is more detailed work than proofreading.

Proofreading is traditionally done after the text is typeset by a designer or typesetter, and pages (‘proofs’) have been produced. Its focus is much less interventionist: proofreaders generally expect the finer detail to have been covered during the copy-editing stage.

As a proofreader I always pick up any residual issues around language, sense and style, but at this stage I also read through the proofs to check headings, pagination, contents page and any references, and examine the layout to ensure all’s well.

For more information and to discuss your project, contact me.