Editing vs Proofreading
Editing and proofreading are procedures that are both integral to revision or rectification process of a written text. Many people think of both procedures as same or interchangeable though, in reality, the two are quite different and require different techniques to be employed. Though careful reading and inspection is required in both proofreading and editing, there are differences that will be highlighted in this article.
Editing
Editing is a task that someone who writes a piece almost instantly starts doing. The task involves ensuring the prose is well organized; the transition from one paragraph to another is smooth and doesn’t look or feel abrupt, structural editing, and in short, doing everything to make sure that the text is perfect before it is finally published. Editing means rewriting sentences and even paragraphs if need. Editor has to look at the choice of words, in addition to clarity of thought and expression. He also has to ensure the integrity and consistency in the text. Editing essentially checks on the terminology used which means that research is done on words that raise doubts.
Proofreading
This is a part of the bigger editing process and essentially involves removing all syntax, grammar, and spelling errors from the text. Proofreading is only concerned with the correctness of the text or the content; it is not concerned with the form or structure of the content. Dictionary is often the best friend of a proofreader as it contains all that a proofreader would ever require (the spellings as well as meanings of all the words). Proofreading is becoming less important these days as there is software that have inbuilt proofreader and correct the mistakes on their own.
What is the difference between Editing and Proofreading?
• Editing is much more than proof reading as it involves improving the flow and structure of the work to create a bigger impact
• Proofreading simply removes syntax, grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors fro a work
• Proofreading is just a small part of the bigger process of editing
• Proofreading is done at the final stage when the text is ready to be published