The Difference Between Editing and Proofreading
The writing process is technically made up of five different steps. Prewriting, writing, revising, editing and publishing is one version of those five different steps.
Prewriting, Writing, Proofreading, Editing and Submitting
That’s another variation. Of course, if you look through books and websites you’ll find quite a few other variations. But the bottom line is there is some confusion, the difference between Proofreading and Editing.
Why are there two different steps in the writing process that mean the same thing?
Well, they don’t really. A Supaproofreader will cover both steps. All you have to do is submit what you have written and we’ll take it the rest of the way to the Publish or Submit part.
But, proofreading and editing are different. They are actually two different sides of the same coin, but they have two different purposes. Let’s take a closer look.
Proofreading
Proofreading is actually the tougher of the two in my book. When you look your paper over after writing it, you should look for better ways of writing. You have awkward sentences that need some touching. You have words that don’t quite fit and you could make decisions about replacing them with more effective words.
You’re not just looking for errors in awkward sentences and weak words. You should look for places where you could be clearer. You should try to find places where you could make a stronger argument. Add sentences where explanations need to be. Proofreading is about tightening up your work and making your writing that much better.
Editing
Editing is where you look your work over for the actual grammar and spelling errors. That’s when you look through your document for all the “Red” squiggly lines – I can’t imagine anyone doing it with a typewriter anymore, but I do believe some old schoolers still exist. Just don’t consider every red squiggly line an error. “Supaproofreader” from a few paragraphs up and “schooler” in the last sentence technically are errors. But, I’m not changing them. I meant them just the way they are.
Don’t forget to look at grammar errors too. Subject and Verb agreement, Punctuation, Capitalization…those are the errors you catch when you are editing.
Yes, proofreading and editing can overlap. Let me put it this way, if I find a spelling error while I’m proofreading I’m not going to let it go. But, that’s the difference and now you know. Like the Justice League used to say all the time… “Knowing is half the battle.”
You got it backwards. Proofreading is looking for errors, editing is improving style and content.
Comment by Chris Bigelow — 23 January, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Depending on who you are talking to when you are discussing the writing process. Proofreading, Editing and Revising are all discussed as being a part of the writing process and to each is assigned a different purpose. While the University of Colorado Writing Guide would agree with you, Cleveland State University would agree with me. And does! I verified.
But, here’s how I look at it and why I call each as such. Proofreading is reading through your proof. It’s taking a broad look at the picture and fixing the awkward sentences, making meanings clearer and tightening your arguments. Then, you edit for spelling and grammar. You can look at it any way you want, but the bottom line is to make sure you do both.
Thanks for your comment Chris!
Comment by Michael Allen — 23 January, 2008 @ 5:59 pm