A proofreader searches the text for:

  • Typographical errors

  • Misspelled words (including incorrect word usage)

  • Grammatical problems (including verb tenses and syntax)

  • Punctuation mistakes (including proper abbreviations and capitalization)

  • Inconsistent format

  • Letter or sentence spacing errors

  • Specialized terms, character names, location references, etc.

  • Numerical and alphabetical sequences

  • Vertical and horizontal alignment of set-off text (including paragraph indents)

  • References to illustrations, tables, and figures within the text

 

Page proofing compares the latest version of a project to earlier stages to make sure all changes have been made correctly.

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Content editing is also commonly referred considered developmental or substantive editing.The content editor’s focus is on clarifying ambiguities, correcting conceptual problems, and maintaining the tone of the manuscript.

A content editor:

  • Identifies problems with overall clarity or accuracy

  • Evaluates the order in which the text is presented and recommends ways to          reorganize

  • Identifies gaps in content

  • Analyzes sentences for structure/syntax

  • Suggests or provides clearer explanations, anecdotes, analogies, or illustrations

  • Proposes additions or deletions of headings

  •  Seeks to achieve clarity of subject, logic, and consistency

 

The content editor checks for:

  • Readability and flow of information

  • Structural difficulties

  • Stylistic troubles

  • Sentence structure and rhythm

  • Vague explanations and/or assumptions

  • Faulty logic

  • Factual errors

  • Inconsistencies in information

  • Poor examples and analogies

  • Outdated content

  • Content that doesn’t adhere to the theme, tone, or marketing focus of the text

 

For a fiction manuscript, a content editor may also include indentifying problems in such areas as:

  • Pacing

  • Plot

  • Dialogue

  • Point of view

  • Character development

  • Setting

  • Lack of conflict/tension

  • Too much or too little description

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Copyediting is also know as “Line-by-Line Editing.” Copyediting can cover a broad range of corrections and suggestions.

A basic copyedit includes:

  • Making sure material is logical and understandable

  • Correcting continuity problems

  • Making sure sources are cited for all statistics and quotations

  • Flagging inaccuracies and inconsistencies

 

In a moderate copyedit, the editor may also review the text for such things as:

  • Redundancies

  • Sentence clarity

  • Word choice

  • Maintenance of tone/voice

 

An in-depth copyedit could also include:

  • Reviewing for consistency of style and mood or presentation of content

  • Analyzing the point of view

  • Cross-checking references, figures, tables, equations, etc.

  • Pointing out items that may require permission from the copyright holder

 

The copy editor points out errors/issues to the writer, but does not rework awkward or unclear sentences/paragraphs. The writer chooses what to revise based on the editor’s comments.

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Developmental Editing (aka Doctoring or Coaching). A developmental editor works closely with the writer on a specific project from the initial concept, outline, or draft (or some combination of the three) through any number of subsequent drafts. The editor makes suggestions about content, organization, and presentation. This type of edit includes all of the steps described above as well as minor rewriting, including:

  • Adjusting awkward sentences

  • Completing sentence fragments (where needed)

  • Reorganizing paragraphs and chapters for logical text flow

 

In addition, the developmental editor reviews an author’s manuscript for the following:

  • Content organization

  • Clarity and effectiveness of content

  • Sentence structure

  • Flow/transitions

  • Progress and pace

  • Readability

  • Presentation

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