Is Proofreading Different From Copyediting?

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:25:56 GMT

And why are they both so important?

What is Proofreading?

Proofreading is the final round of editing in a manuscript’s life. By the time a manuscript makes it to its proofreader, all major editing should already be finished. Proofreaders only look for any typos or formatting issues that previous editors may have missed ( even the best editors miss some errors , which is why manuscripts often go through a few rounds of editing).

What is Copyediting?

Copyediting is the kind of editing that comes right before proofreading. It’s probably what you imagine when you think of book editing. Most copyeditors check for spelling, punctuation, number style, formatting, usage, consistency, and pronouns. More thorough copyeditors will also check for parallelism, jargon, cliches, and biased language; do some rewriting; rearrange sentences; and fact check.

When is a Manuscript Ready for Proofreading?

In a perfect world, developmental editing, beta reading, and copyediting will already have been performed on a manuscript before it’s sent to a proofreader.

There should already be a table of contents, chapter titles, and endnotes or footnotes, if applicable. Proofreaders look at the format of a manuscript exactly as it’s going to be published. Sometimes, proofreaders may request an advanced reader copy (ARC) of a book to make their notes in. This ensures that they are proofreading what will be the final version of a manuscript and lowers the odds they’ll miss formatting errors that wouldn’t show up the same in a digital format.

Authors may opt to hire a proofreader to check the digital format of a book if it’s going to be published as an e-book. In cases like this, proofreaders may request to download manuscripts to their e-reader. Once again, this would ensure they proofread the final version of a manuscript as it will look when it’s published.

When is a Manuscript Ready for Copyediting?

Ideally, a manuscript will have been through a developmental editor and beta readers before landing on a copyeditor’s desk. However, most copyeditors understand that this doesn’t always happen due to time or financial constraints; many will happily take you on as a client even if you haven’t had these edits done.

At the very least, authors should self-edit their book at least once before submitting it to a copyeditor. While copyeditors do often query authors about issues with flow or do some rewriting, this is not their primary responsibility. At this stage in the publishing process, it’s unusual to do major rewrites; authors should do their best to ensure the flow and storyline are marketable to their target audience.

Differences Between Copyediting and Proofreading

For easier understanding, here’s a visual that shows the differences between copyediting and proofreading. I regularly refer back to this while editing to make sure I’m remembering everything that needs to be done.

TLDR

Both copyediting and proofreading are important in the making of a manuscript for different reasons. Copyediting is a comprehensive edit that focuses on much more than just spelling and formatting, and proofreading is meant to catch any errors that previous editors may have missed.

Are you looking for a copyeditor? Learn more about our services here .

What Exactly Is Copyediting, Anyway?

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 01:12:25 GMT

Learn more about this crucial step in the publishing process.

Copyediting is the kind of editing you probably imagine when you think of book editing—think spelling and grammar checks (although it usually extends far beyond that). Also known by some as "copy editing," copyediting is done after developmental editing is completed and before proofreading begins.

What Do Copyeditors Do?

Copyeditors get into the nitty gritty of a manuscript. They do exactly what you’d probably expect an editor to do by taking a close look at spelling and grammar, but they may also work with authors to improve flow and sentence structure.

Some things most editors look for in a copyedit include:

- Spelling

- Punctuation

- Number style

- Capitalization

- Formatting

- Abbreviations

- Usage

- Consistency

- Pronouns

- Style

- Tone

A particularly attentive copyeditor might query authors they work with about any discrepancies with plot, structure, and/or characters, but this is not their primary job.

Some copyeditors may also include:

- Rewrites of awkward, wordy, and/or confusing sentences

- Some rearranging

- Checking for facts

- Editing for jargon and biased language

Copyediting versus Developmental Editing

Developmental editing requires a much broader look at a manuscript than copyediting does. Developmental editors don’t focus on things like grammar, punctuation, or spelling; they take a step back to see the big picture to ensure that the story makes sense and will be understood by the target audience.

Some things developmental editors look at may include:

- Plot

- Structure

- Characters

Some authors opt not to hire a developmental editor in the interest of saving money, but I wouldn’t recommend skipping this step. While the focus of developmental editing is the big picture of a manuscript, copyediting is a closer inspection of the minor (yet oh, so important!) details.

Copyediting versus Proofreading

Proofreading is one of the final steps before publication. By the time a proofreader gets their hands on a manuscript, all major edits should already have been completed.

While copyediting typically requires substantial changes to a text, proofreading does not. Proofreaders primarily look at formatting and double-check for typos. They don’t give any feedback on the flow or readability of a manuscript.

Most in the publishing wheelhouse would recommend using different editors for copyediting and proofreading. While many editors may provide both of these services, it’s important to get a fresh set of eyes to do each kind of editing.

Ask Editors Questions!

It’s important for authors to know what they can expect their editors to be checking for. If you can’t determine everything that’s included in an editor’s services, reach out! Most copyeditors are happy to answer any questions authors have for them.

Do you want to know what’s included in a standard copyediting service with Arcane Raven Editorial? Check here for more information.

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