What is the difference between editing and proofreading?
Editing is done by a second professional translator whereby the translated text is compared to the original text and any necessary modifications are made to ensure accuracy and completeness. A: Proofreading is done by a professional translator who revises the final version of a translated text prior to publishing.
Good proofreading allows a writer to edit effectively. Some editing applies to small pieces of your composition, sometimes called “local editing.” Other editing applies to the overall structure of your composition and the way the small pieces contribute to the whole, sometimes called “global editing.” Your papers benefit from good editing and good proofreading.
It’s primarily a matter of degree, with editing the more intensive process of the two. When I proofread a document, I’m looking for spelling errors, punctuation issues, and other mechanical problems. Editing addresses proofreading, but also focuses on word usage, sentence structure, content logic, and other broad concepts that affect how the information gets across to the reader.
Proofreading and editing are two stages in a three-stage process: writing—editing—proofreading. After you’ve written your document, it needs to be edited – preferably by someone else. A good edit raises questions about the way the information in the document has been ordered and identifies any missing or unnecessary information. The editor also corrects any errors of grammar and suggests clearer ways an idea might be expressed. Proofreading is the last stage of the process. It occurs after all the problems identified in the editing stage have been corrected. A proofreader locates misspellings and other minor errors and inconsistencies that are still present in the text. A pair of ‘fresh eyes’ will find errors that the author, due to over-familiarity with the material, will be amazed that he or she hasn’t noticed. See our Editing page for more information.
