Although proofreading and copyediting intertwine, the two differ in skill sets, as well as depth and sophistication of error correction. Proofreaders generally engage in light editing of surface errors that does not include rewriting. Copy editors check for the same errors as proofreaders in addition to sentence structure, phrasing, and word choice, which involves some degree of rewriting. Basically, when hiring a proofreader, you already have a good grasp of grammar, language usage and organization. Your document has a solid structure and does not need major revisions.
On the other hand, if you have trouble expressing your thoughts or organizing your paragraphs, and your writing exhibits numerous errors, then copyediting will require more extensive correction and revision. In the freelance world, copy editors generally charge more than proofreaders, because editing requires more effort. The following lists are not exhaustive, but offer a good idea of the differences between proofreading and copyediting.
What Do Proofreaders Check?
Capitalization
Formatting
Grammar
Mechanics
Numbers
Punctuation
Spelling and usage
Visual images
What Do Copy Editors Check?
Everything that proofreaders check
Adherence to guidelines
Capitalization
Clarity of writing
Coherence of organization
Concise language usage
Economy/Efficiency of words
Formatting: (e.g. spacing, font size, captions, headers, footers)
Grammar
Mechanics
Numbers
Punctuation
Sentence structure
Spelling and usage
Structure of writing
Visual images
Word count
For more detailed information and exercises on how to become a proofreader, get the book, “Proofreading Power: Skills & Drills,” by Ashan R. Hampton.
Enroll in the online proofreading training courses by Onyx Online Education & Training to sharpen your proofreading and editing skills.
Ashan R. Hampton is a long-time English instructor turned entrepreneur. Through her company, Onyx Online Education & Training, she offers digital courses and print books on grammar, proofreading, business writing and communication for personal and professional development to individuals and corporations. To find out more about Ashan's work, visit www.arhampton.com.
COPYRIGHT & PERMISSION TERMS FOR SHARING THIS CONTENT
© 2015-2020 by Ashan R. Hampton, Onyx Online Education & Training. All rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons BY 4.0 license.
When sharing this content you must agree to:
1. Give credit to the creator: Ashan R. Hampton at www.arhampton.com.
2. Only use this work for noncommercial purposes.
3. Not use this work to adapt, remix, embed, or derive another work based on the material on this website.