Proofread VS Editing
Proofread VS Editing
When adjusting any piece of content, it is important to proofread the entire document from the first word until the last. This allows for the correction of minor errors, such as typos, whilst improving grammar, punctuation, and syntax. However, if you wish to go for a more comprehensive adjustment process, you will typically look to carry out a round of editing. Normally, editing comes first, followed by proofreading.
There is a big difference in being able to proofread vs editing, and it is important to note the differences. Typically, editing comes first – you will look to edit the ideas and the actual writing itself. You carry this out in a thorough, multi-stage process that looks to:
- Revise the first draft of the text, adding/removing content as needed and changing the structure and format of the content to fit your intended needs.
- Adjust the language that is being used, ensuring that your ideas and your themes come across as consistently as possible with little or no contradiction.
- Restructuring the flow of the article, going through each line, and ensuring that it reads as intended and makes the point that you wish to put across.
- Reading through the entire document, ensuring that all of the writing contains consistent grammar, syntax, and style so that it can read as one whole piece.
Once the above editing phase is over with, it is now time to proofread the article. To proofread, you need to carefully look through the entire text for spelling errors, incorrect punctuation, and inconsistency with the style of writing i.e. changing from first to third person without clear intention.
Proofreading will also look to adjust the format, making sure that things like page numbers are correct, line spacing is correct, and all headings and titles follow the same sizing and spacing. In essence, then, most articles will go through a multi-stage editing process. Once that is complete, the editing will move to a proofread process whereby the final, complete text is double-checked for errors.
Many choose to bring in a specialist to manage their proofreading for them, whilst others will look to hire an individual editor and proofreader separately. It is essential to first get the tone and the content of the writing correct via editing before moving on to a proofreading process afterward.
