Copy Editing vs Proofreading: What’s the Difference?

Both copy editing and proofreading services have the same end goal: to make a piece of written text as coherent and free of mistakes as possible. Copy editing and proofreading services are not interchangeable, they are both as important as each other.

 

The role of a copy editor is to improve the writing of the author. This is mostly understood to be correcting spelling and grammar, but copy editing involves much more than that. In professional publishing, copy editors ensure that the text is in line with the chosen style guide, and is suitable for the correct audience.

 

Copy editors will also suggest changes to a piece of text, to improve its accuracy and readability. This can involve editing sentences to improve clarity and conciseness, suggesting alternative word choices to improve meaning, and ensuring the text adheres to the same tone of voice. The role of a copy editor is not to remove or edit the author writing style, but to improve it.

 

The role of a proofreader, on the other hand, is to check the writing of both the author and copy editor for any errors that may have been previously missed. In traditional publishing, a proofreader is the last person to read the complete manuscript before it is sent to print, and after it has been through the hands of a copy editor.

 

The proofreader will then carefully read the manuscript, checking for any errors that may have arisen after edits were made and checking how the manuscript reads in print. Proofreaders will also look out for incorrect page numbering, misaligned text, additional spaces between words, incorrect indexes and incorrect paragraphing. The role of the proofreader is not limited to those listed above, and often there can be much more involved at this stage, depending on the type of text that is being proofread. For example, if it was an article for a newspaper or magazine, the proofreader may also be responsible for fact-checking the text.

 

So, when should you hire a copy editing or proofreading service?

 

A copy editor should always review the manuscript or document before a proofreader. But before you send your manuscript off to a copy editing service, you should ensure that you are happy with the structure of the text. A copy editor will check for flow and clarity, and are likely to alter individual sentences and paragraphs. If there is a possibility that an extra chapter will need to be added, so don’t send your manuscript to a copy editor just yet!

 

Once your manuscript has been reviewed by a copy editor, hire a separate proofreader. This is best practice, as there is always a risk that a copy editor may not pick up on their own mistakes as similar to the original author, they know what the text means and should say. When the proofreading stage is complete, your manuscript is ready to be published and presented to your audience.

Editor-author communication in book editing

When students use editing and proofreading services, long-winded discussions and communications are rarely needed.

By contrast, when editors and book authors collaborate on book proofreading services UK, it is vital to have clear, sharp, and effective communication between authors, editors, and proofreaders.

This article highlights three reasons why sustained and long-term editor-author communication in book editing is essential.

 

Length of books

Compared to student essays, most books are incredibly long.

This is the same for research papers from academics, press releases from commercial organisations, and other types of content. They are almost all considerably shorter than most fiction or non-fiction books.

The long length of books means that proofreading and editing them also takes longer.

For this reason, it is usually important for the editors, proofreaders, and authors of the book to get to know each other better. As the project they are working on is long term in nature, it is worth developing a closer collaborative relationship.

 

Author-specific details

Mostly for the editor’s sake, knowing the author is hugely worthwhile. Understanding the author’s writing style, for example, and their idiosyncrasies can save substantial time and guide the editing process.

It can also lead to the avoidance of misunderstandings, such as when an editor overwrites too much of a writer’s authorial voice.

Consider how today’s editors and proofreaders – usingchecklists and modern techniques – would find it difficult to work with authors like Cormac McCarthy, who wrote No Country For Old Men (2005), without communicating beforehand.

In the following sentence, McCarthy shows an example of polysyndeton.This is when an author deliberately inserts conjunctions into a sentence in order to slow the rhythm of the writing, create a stream of action, or convey a solemn tone.

The deputy left [a person] standing in the corner of the office with his hands cuffed behind him while he sat in the swivelchair and took off his hat and put his feet up and called Lamar on the mobile.

Cormac McCarthy – award-winning author and screenplay writer –has technically written an incorrect sentence that all trained proofreaders would change and correct. They would write these sentences with polysyndeton (Ancient Greek: meaning many bound together) out in proper, grammatical sentences!

However, in book proofreading services UK, as well as in good editing and proofreading services, there should be “synergy” and knowledge between the author and editor, which depends on precise communication.

 

Developmental editing

For books, especially works of fiction, editing is usually a developmental process.

For this reason, if the author and editor are to work together more closely than they would in a smaller-scale project (e.g., a thesis, corporate press release, or other short files), it is important for them to develop a more robust editor-author relationship.

This assists the openness and productivity of the developmental editing process, enabling each party – the editor and the author – to bring their ideas to the table.

 

Should you self-edit your book manuscript?

Learning how to edit your manuscript isn’t always needed if you’re trying to persuade your publisher to turn it into a book. Self-editing is indeed an attractive option due to its affordability, but experts are also available who provide book proofreading services UK, as well as editing and proofreading services.

Using editing and proofreading services, as well as other services (such as ghostwriting), is an easy way to impress readers, even if your manuscript contains typos. Also, even if you haven’t paid attention to formatting rules, structure, or grammar as an author, you can find writing professionals to assist you with all of these tasks.  

Altogether, the question of whether to self-edit your book depends on a number of factors.

This article discusses each of these factors, each of which is phrased as a question. Considering how you, as an author, would answer these questions will help you decide whether you should opt for self-editing or, alternatively, you should work with a professional editor or book proofreading services UK.

Do you like editing?

If you don’t like editing, don’t feel alone. It’s understandable that most book authors, especially fiction writers, would rather spend their time being creative writing new work than editing, optimising, and continually refining their old work.

As a result, using something like a book proofreading service UK, can play a key role in saving you – as a writer – from a fairly time-consuming, analytical, and formulaic task you dislike. What’s more, with the time you save, you might even be able to write a second book!

Do you have any editing training or qualifications?

Formal and informal training is available for aspiring editors. If you lack either formal or informal training in editing, attempting to edit your own book manuscript is likely to end badly.

For example, are you familiar with the value of any of the following?

·         Using a style guide

·         Line editing

·         Consistency

·         Avoiding passive voice

·         Developmental editing

If most of these terms are unfamiliar to you now, looking them up on Google still may not help you to edit your book manuscript with confidence. In such cases, it is usually the best option to decide to work with a trained professional.

How much time is available?

This one is fairly clear-cut. If you lack time, the value and return on investment from editing and proofreading services increases dramatically.

Does your publisher require an editor?

Most book publishers today require a professional editor to review your manuscript before publication – even if they believe it’s gold. In this case, self-editing is still an option, but it just means you can also collaborate with a trained professional.

If you’re committed to self-editing and would rather not work with a publisher-allocated proofreader, self-publishing is always an option. However, self-publishing comes with its own disadvantages, and many of these (e.g., money spent) can counteract, for example, the money saved by self-editing.

How to Find a Proofreader-Fast

Do you need a proofreadingservice as soon as possible?

For example, do you have to submit your writing – in a finished and polished state to your college, journal, or boss – within 12 hours, 24 hours, or even sooner?

Thanks to the Internet, you can find high-quality editing and proofreading services very rapidly today. Therefore, the short answer to the question of How can I find a proofreader, fast? is simply to follow these steps:

·         Step 1: Google your question

·         Step 2: Consider the first few search results (probably ads)

·         Step 3: Double-check the service provider can meet your deadline

·         Step 4: Order a service

·         Step 5: Ideally, review the work before submitting it

·         Step 6: Check-out their service reviews

Following the above steps will ensure you find a quick proofreading service. However, importantly, it may leave a lot to be desired in terms of quality.

The reason for this is that in today’s market for proofreading services and other writing services, there are two broad problems: first, the problem of overpriced services; and second, the problem of guaranteeing the quality of the work you receive. It’s typically easy to solve one or the other of these problems; however, solving them both together (i.e., finding a high-quality and cost-effective proofreading service) is not as simple.

Therefore, to give the long answer to the question of How can I find a proofreader, fast? let’s consider how to ensure that you receive a service that is both high-quality and cost-effective. To do so, let’s add the following steps to the process shown above:

·         Step 1: Check offline word of mouth

o   For example, recommendations from family and friends or your university/journal

·         Step 2: Check online word of mouth

o   For example, online reviews, press releases, and media reports

·         Step 3: Decide on several possible service providers

o   Try to gain a sense of the available prices and find a competitive price

o   Also, choose between a freelancer and a dedicated online proofreading company

·         Step 4: Double-check your deadline with service providers and receive free samples

o   Ensure the service provider can meet your deadline

o   Receive and evaluate free proofreading samples from your chosen providers

·         Step 5: Order a service 

o   Remember to ensure that the proofreader is a good fit for your project (in terms of experience, expertise, etc.)

·         Step 6: Review the work before submitting it

o   Similar to the shorter version of this process (shown above), you should vet the proofreader’s work after they have provided it

o   If you aren’t satisfied with the work, you should request revisions until you are

The six-step process of finding a high-quality, cost-effective proofreading service is – of course – longer and requires more effort than the earlier five-step process.

Therefore, the shorter approach may be preferable if you’re extremely short on time, but you may have to compromise on both quality and price.

How to Deliver Your Manuscript to a Publisher

Once you’ve edited your book, you can be sure that it is fit for publication – whether that’s self-publishing or through a traditional publisher.

That’s not to say that your work will be an instant success, but editing and proofreading services, as well as other editorial services such as book proofreading services UK, play a vital role in polishing and preparing a final published work.

After your book is finished and edited, first-time authors may still be unsure about how to deliver their manuscripts to publishers. Also, if you’ve only ever self-published, it can be difficult to know what steps to take before sending your manuscript to a traditional publisher.

This article describes the main steps to follow to ensure that you deliver your manuscript to your publisher in the best possible way.

 

Step 1: Ensure your work is free from error or omission

The first thing to do before even considering sending your manuscript to a publisher is to ensure it is as free from error or omission as you can possibly make it.

Making additions and changes after the publication stage (e.g., after physical books have been printed) can be costly. In many cases, publishers will pass these costs onto the author.

 

Step 2: Follow your publisher’s house style

Most traditional publishers have house styles that you are required to follow in order to publish with them. Other publishers may ask you to use popular style guides to format and layout your manuscript, such as the Chicago Manual of Style.

For this reason, before sending your manuscript to your publisher, it is important to dedicate time to formatting and laying out the file and its pages according to the publisher’s specifications.

 

Step 3: Follow publisher-specific guidance

The last important step to take before delivering your manuscript is to check for any publisher-specific guidance.

All publishers have different approaches to working with book authors, and what you’ll need to do is strongly dependent on the publisher.

For example, to publish with Bloomsbury, authors need to apply the following checklist:

·         Include a table of contents

·         Use double line spacing

·         Separate chapters into different files

·         Include notes about any special fonts and the referencing style used

·         Complete an author questionnaire

·         Explain how the book’s index will be completed

 

Step 4: Manuscript review

After delivering your manuscript to the publisher, it’s important to remember that the process is not over.

Post-delivery, the publisher’s commissioning editor will review your manuscript, and after this, your book will likely be sent for external peer review. The process typically takes 6-10 weeks, but it can be significantly longer than this, especially for complex or technical material.

Any revisions that are needed for the book will need to be discussed with the publisher’s commissioning editor, and you will be expected to adjust and re-deliver the book.

How Do Proofreading and Editing Services Differ?

The terms “editing” and “proofreading” are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct tasks. Knowing about how these tasks differ is essential before using a proofreading service or an editing service.

Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing editing or proofreading services, this article will help you to decide between each service. A description of editing and proofreading is given, and the main tasks associated with each service are explained.

 

Definition of editing

Editing is an umbrella term that can encompass rewriting a text, restructuring a text, or refining the phrasing and syntax of specific sentences. As such, there are many different types of editing.

Depending on the level and nature of the editing service you require, both the total price and time needed to complete the service will be greater.

An overview of the four major types is given below:

• Developmental editing: In this type of editing, the editor works directly with the author to plan, organise, and draft the document.
  
  
• Line editing: In line editing, the editor proceeds systematically through the text (i.e., line by line), where their aim is to enhance the overall quality and flow of the writing.
  
  
• Copy editing: The job of a copy editor is to apply a specific style consistently throughout the manuscript (e.g., copy edit the document to APA requirements).
  
  
• Comprehensive editing: A comprehensive editor makes substantial alterations to the document, covering structure, content, style, and tone.

 

Definition of proofreading

In contrast to editing, proofreading happens when the document has been prepared to an almost-finished state.

By the time a proofreader steps in, the author may already have worked with a develop amental editor, copy editor, or line editor. 

This means that the task of the proofreader is usually quite simple: namely, to correct typographical errors, punctuation mistakes, and incorrect grammar.

 

Main tasks in editing and proofreading

The main tasks that an editor is expected to complete are:

·         Ensure the document’s structural integrity

·         Ensure that all paragraphs flow effectively

·         Alter sentence structures and wording to enhance clarity

·         Collaborate with the author closely to introduce substantive changes

By contrast, a proofreader generally completes the following tasks:

·         Correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation

·         Ensure consistency throughout the document (e.g., in terms of capitalisation, spelling, and typeface)

·         Ensure the document conforms to the required style guide

 

Ensuring you receive the right service

Users of editing and proofreading services do not always know the difference between editing (including its various types) and proofreading. However, it’s crucial not to forget that these terms are not interchangeable.

If you are considering using either one of these services, it is important to communicate clearly with your chosen service provider, ensuring that you receive the service that your manuscript needs.

For an accurate quote, it is always worth discussing this with your editor. You can also safeguard against paying an excessively high price by conducting some Internet research, or asking for recommendations, about which editor to work with.

How to Find the Right Book Editor

Whether you are working as a researcher, businessperson, or book author, you are likely to need a book editor at some point in your personal or professional life.

It’s worthwhile to note, therefore, that book proofreading services UK, along with editing and proofreading services, are available to make the process of preparing a book for publication much easier and significantly less time-consuming. 

Before you send your manuscript to the editor (or proofreader, depending on what stage in the writing process you are at), it’s important to use Grammarly to perform an initial spelling, grammar, and punctuation check. This will allow you to:

·         Optimise the editor’s first impression of you and your manuscript

·         Reduce the cost of the editing service

·         Gain the interest of editors with greater experience

Similarly, before sending your manuscript to an editor, it is worthwhile to decide on – and tell the editor when you contact them – what kind of editing you are interested in. There are many types of editing available, where the type you need will usually depend on what stage of the writing process you are at. For example:

·         Developmental editing: Performed to plan the structure and contents of a book

·         Evaluation editing: Performed to assess whether a written manuscript stuck, to the initial plan

·         Line editing: Performed to improve the writing line by line

·         Proofreading: Proofreaders are used to perform a final check on key aspects of the document

Once you’ve used Grammarly to perform an initial check on your work, and also decided on the type of editing you need, you should conduct a search for experienced and interested book editors. You can make your search much easier by working with a trusted editing company, or you can collaborate with an experienced freelancer.

When evaluating which editing company or freelancer you will work with, you can consider the following:

·         Customer reviews

·         Years of experience

·         Samples of work

·         Subject-matter expertise

·         Experienced editor

When you find an editor or editing company you are satisfied with, the next critical step for finding the best book editor is to ask for a price on the service and their availability. It is worth knowing that for most editing and proofreading services, they are charged per word rather than per hour.

After you’ve received price information, you can ask for free samples (approx. 250 words) from two or three of your top choices, after which you can compare their results and make a final decision.

Altogether, it’s worth remembering that editing is not only a science but also an art. Finding the right book editor for you is not straightforward and you may need to put some work into it, but it can be very rewarding and have a good impact on your book and its publication.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Self-Publishing

Book proofreading services UK, as well as editing and proofreading services, can play an essential role in helping you to get your book published. As is well-known, many of the world’s most notable fiction and non-fiction authors, including the author of the famous Harry Potter series, routinely make use of professional editing and proofreading services.

Once you have your edited and proofread book in your hands, however, the process of becoming a book author is not yet finished. In particular, you need to decide how to publish your book and make it available for the general public to purchase, read, and enjoy. Here, there are two choices:

·         Self-publishing

·         Traditional publishing

Traditional publishing is well-known to be a difficult area to enter, and this is especially true for unpublished authors. That’s to say, if you haven’t yet secured a book agent, and if you’ve never published a book before (whether with a traditional publishing house or via the self-publishing route), traditional publishing is not always the best option.

This article is aimed at new authors who are debating which route to take: self-publishing or traditional publishing. Assuming that you’re now in a position to publish your professionally edited and enhanced by book proofreading services, this article presents the strengths and weaknesses of self-publishing to help you decide whether it’s a good route of choice, for you.

 

Strengths of self-publishing

1. Independence

When authors work with traditional publishing houses, they invariably lose creative control over their work. For example, publishers typically reserve the right to choose a title for the book, the marketing angle, and the cover art, as well as to have their in-house editors chop it up and rearrange it in any way they see fit.

Of course, these are all highly significant aspects of your book that you yourself may want to control. For this reason, the independence that comes with self-publishing your book through, for example, Amazon may be much-welcomed. It can empower you to take control of these key aspects of your book, ensuring that your work is not manhandled by a publisher.

 

2. Higher royalties

After a traditional publishing house has invested a sizeable sum of money in editing services and, marketing, in selling your book, they need to make that money somehow. This is usually done in the form of renting authors only between 5% and 25% of the funds earned from the sales of the book.

However, if you opt for the self-publishing route, you can fetch royalties as high as 70%. As a case in point, if you sell your book on Amazon between 2.99 USD or 9.99 USD, you can receive a royalty of 70%, with Amazon taking a cut of 30%. This is significantly lower than the 80% cut your publisher might end up taking.

 

Weaknesses of self-publishing

1. You have to do everything

When publishers sign you onto a contract, they give you access to professional editors, marketers, cover designers, and typesetters. However, if you opt for self-publishing, you’ll have to do all of this yourself or hire freelancers to work with. The learning curve can be steep, as with any new skill.

 

2. Print distribution difficulties

If you decide to self-publish your book, especially as a brand-new author with no track record, you’re likely to have a difficult time getting the print versions of your book into bookstores. By contrast, the sales teams within traditional publishing houses usually have strong links with bookstores, and so that serves as a much more direct path into print distribution.

Proofreading Tips for Self-Publishing

Self-publishing a book is a really difficult task, even with the availability of book proofreading services UK. No matter how many times you check over your manuscript, you’ll be amazed at the number of errors that can sneak in. This makes editing and proofreading services vital for efficient and high-quality work as an author.

If you can’t use editing and proofreading services for your next book, you can still ease the process of self-publishing by considering a few tips. This article focuses on proofreading tips you can apply to ensure that everything you’ve written – from the cover to the copyright and title pages – is presented in the best possible way.   

 

1. Know your strengths

If you know what you’re good at as a writer, you’ll also have a clear sense of your weaknesses. If you repeatedly make the same errors, being aware of them can help you to avoid them in the future.

 

2. Read your writing out loud

Reading aloud gives your ears a chance to catch the mistakes that your eyes may miss. Using freely available text-to-speech programs can also help in this area.

 

Image: Reading aloud is an important proofreading tip for self-publishing

3. Start with a style guide

You should always begin your writing journey by choosing a style guide and sticking close to it. Whenever you come across a word or phrase that you’re not sure how to write, you can consult your style guide for a clear solution.

 

4. Use a spellchecker

You can’t rely on a spellchecker alone to ensure you have high-quality writing. However, as a tool to use alongside other tools (such as text-to-speech software or book proofreading services UK), spellcheckers are invaluable.

 

5. Devote special attention to punctuation

Punctuation is a pivotal aspect of writing that deserves careful attention during proofreading, but it is often overlooked today. Before you begin proofreading, open up a grammar book and review for yourself the fundamental rules of punctuation.

 

Image: You should carefully check semi-colons and other punctuation marks

6. Vary your sentence lengths

This is more of an editing point than a proofreading point, but when you’re self-publishing, you can also focus on revising your sentence lengths for greater impact and emphasis while proofreading.

 

7. Don’t proofread forever

It’s important to remember that proofreading is just a phase in the self-publishing process. At some point, it needs to come to an end, and if possible, you can use professional services to get through the phase reasonably quickly.

 

Image: Try to proofread well but also efficiently!

8. Work your muscles

Just as professional athletes and musicians practice every day to keep up their fitness, you should also seek out opportunities to maintain your muscles for editing and proofreading. One way to do this is to read excellent writing, which will expose you to new and potentially inspiring ways to recast your old sentences.