What is the difference between proofreading and copyediting?

More often than not, Karen Tait Services is approached by clients saying they need their work ‘edited’.  After discussion and considering their project, it turns out that it actually needs ‘proofreading’.

A proofread = to read copy for purposes of error detection and correction. Normally the last stage of the editing process.

A copyedit = to prepare copy for typesetting  by correcting and revising. Click here for more information.

Proofreading

: to read the proofs of a text and mark corrections to be made

I love doing the final ‘sweep’, which sounds like I am cleaning your document. In fact, that’s what I am doing!

I double-check and look for consistency in spelling, grammar, formatting, omissions and repetitions – in just about anything, really. This includes ensuring any author amendments/additions have been incorporated, checking the illustrations and pedagogical information (graphs, figures, tables etc), any financial documentation cross-checking citations/footnotes and references, end matter, and ensuring the formatting is consistent and correct.

For example:

• annual reports and corporate communications

• fiction and non-fiction

• children’s and YA books

• academic and educational texts

• policy documents and council newsletters

• postgraduate theses

• advertising and press materials

• plays, film scripts and memoirs

The process is very simple, here's how it works.

Contact me for my rates. I’ve been told that they are reasonable.