Proofreading vs. Editing: What’s the Difference?

Many people do not understand the different types of editing. They think editing is simply correcting grammatical mistakes and spelling errors. Understanding the three main types of editing and what type of editing your manuscript needs is important in having your manuscript reach its full potential.

• Proofreading—This type of editing covers the basics: spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Proofreading usually takes place after the work has been edited in some other way, mostly as the last run through to catch any missed errors and to fix any problems that were made during the design process. Proofreading is typically performed after the manuscript has been laid out to look like a book.

• Copyediting—Not only does this type of editing include the basic spelling and grammar, but it also includes looking for inconsistencies, finding and correcting errors, and omitting anything unnecessary. Sometimes it can even include checking the accuracy of facts in the work and correcting them.

• Developmental Editing—This kind of editing looks at the work as a whole, not searching for grammatical issues but looking for ways to improve the work in other ways, including improving the plot or setting, making sure the characters are not flat, researching any needed information, and creating vivid imagery.

Each of these types of editing has its own place and importance in improving the work and making it ready to publish. Recognizing and applying these three types can help one decide whether to self edit or send his work out for someone else to edit.