As an author, blogger, or business professional, the clarity of your words matters. Therefore, your content is vital to your success. To make the best impression and impact, you must publish clear, compelling, and concise messaging, but how?
Before you hit publish on your website, screenplay, manuscript, blog posts, or other digital content, you need professional copy editing and proofreading. However, before you invest, you’ll want to understand the difference between copy editing vs. proofreading.
What’s the difference between copy editing vs. proofreading?
Proofreading:
Proofreading is… Reviewing a final draft to fix missed capitalization, punctuation, and spelling errors and highlighting inconsistencies and formatting errors (like ensuring the Table of Contents matches the chapters and page numbers.) Proofreading is reading and catching mistakes in the final copy draft and the last step of the editorial process before hitting Publish.
Proofreading isn’t… Moving paragraphs around, rewriting sentences, line-by-line editing, or commenting on plot, characters, setting, etc. (if working on a book).
Copy Editing:
Copy editing is… Reviewing a first or later draft (not the final!) and providing feedback on sentence structure, fixing capitalization, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensuring the project is consistent with the client’s preferred style guide and fact-checking historical and other specific details.
Copy editing may include line editing to ensure that your writing is consistent and compelling with smooth transitions so that your message flows and your reader moves effortlessly through your material. A professional copy editor works with you to weed out inconsistencies while maintaining your creative voice and style.
Copy editing isn’t… Reviewing a final draft or the final set of eyes on a project (that’s the proofreader’s job!)
What are the top 10 benefits of working with a professional copy editor AND proofreader:
- Saves time
- Provides expert oversight
- Produces precise communication that helps you avoid confusion
- Finds and fixes typos and inconsistencies
- Helps you publish flawless content that builds trust and authority
- Teaches you how to become a better writer
- Suggests edits that elevate content or rewrites your copy for clarity while maintaining your creative style
- Adds an invaluable team player to your business
- Helps you avoid embarrassing and costly errors
- Polishes your words to perfection to help hone in on your target audience’s needs and desires–precise messaging influences behavior.
Compelling words + clear communication = emotional connection, relationship building & trust. People buy from brands they trust.
What is copy editing vs. proofreading? Here’s your cheat sheet:
- Copy editing ensures that your content is clear, concise, and error-free. A copy editor reviews your copy thoroughly for proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure.
- Proofreading is the last stage of the editing process to catch missed typos, grammar, or design and formatting issues.
Before you publish your next article, research paper, blog post, screenplay, website, sales copy, or book, let us review it for missed errors and design hiccups. We’ll give your project an eagle’s eye review and deliver an impeccable final draft.
Why trust your editorial projects with Boss Copy Editing:
Thank you for reading my tips on copywriting vs. proofreading. As a copy editor, I can help you:
- Gain peace of mind by confidently publishing error-free stories, promotional content, and business communications.
- We’ll sharpen your message so you can publish compelling and engaging content that attracts your ideal audience stress-free.
- Save time and brainpower and gain back some precious me-time.
- Deliver clear and concise copy that will elevate your brand expertise, engage your audience, and convert readers into fans, clients, and customers.
To learn more about saving time and money by outsourcing your copy editing project with Boss Copy Editing, click [here].
