Editing vs. Proofreading: What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between editing and proofreading? I’m here to shine a little light on the subject!

What is Editing?

Merriam-Webster defines the word edit as “to correct, revise, and prepare for publication.” While proofreading technically falls under this definition, the publishing world treats editing and proofreading as distinctly different.

Editors work with the text of the manuscript. They help shape the story structure, choose the best sentences and phrases, and correct grammatical errors. Editors help rewrite the story.

Proofreaders check for errors that may have been missed in previous rounds of editing as well as for mistakes that happen in the editing process. We also check for errors that occur during formatting, such as off spacing.

How Do Editors and Proofreaders Work With Authors?

Editors work with the author. There can be several rounds of the editor and author passing the story back and forth, checking one another’s notes.

Proofreaders do not offer suggestions about the story. We don’t even make suggestions about word choice unless the writer has used an incorrect word. We simply mark the errors in the manuscript, then we return the manuscript to the author.

While proofreading and editing may seem similar on the surface, they are actually very different services. Both, however, are essential to making your book shine!