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This question is about what a copy editor/proofreader does.
Copy editing vs. proofreading
The difference between copy editing and proofreading is that copy editing refers to the reviewing, correcting, and improving of written material with the goal of increasing readability, accuracy, tone, and style, while proofreading is a process that is used to detect typos, misspellings, proper punctuation, and correct grammar.
Copy editing is a task performed by copy editors. They spend much of their time proofreading and checking for typographical errors, such as invalid punctuation. Other duties include fact-checking information, such as dates and statistics, rewriting copying to enhance readability and clarity, and collaborating with copywriters, content writers, authors, and other writers.
Proofreading is a task that is performed by copy editors, but it is also used by just about anyone that wants to make sure their written work does not contain misspelled words, typos, improper punctuation, or other grammatical errors. There are professional proofreaders who do these tasks as a job. Proofreading is normally the last step in the editing of a written work.
Key Takeaways:
| Copy editing | Proofreading |
|---|---|
| Copy editing refers to the reviewing, correcting, and improving of written material with the goal of increasing readability, accuracy, tone, and style. | Proofreading is a process that is used to detect typos, misspellings, proper punctuation, and correct grammar. |
| Copy editing is a task performed by copy editors and it involves proofreading and checking for typographical errors, fact-checking information, such as dates and statistics, rewriting copying to enhance readability and clarity, and collaborating with copywriters, content writers, authors, and other writers. | There are professional proofreaders who do these tasks as a job. |
| Copy editing is normally the first step in the process of editing a written work, even if this step contains some proofreading by a copy editor. | Proofreading is normally the last step in the editing of a written work. |
| Copy editing tends to focus on large-scale changes to a written work, such as ones having to do with content, style, and tone. | Proofreading is less broad and highly specific because it only involves making sure a written work does not contain writing errors, like typos, and improper grammar. |
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