Clients usually used the terms ‘proofreading’ and ‘editing’ interchangeably, while there are essential differences between the two.
Proofreading involves rectifying spelling, grammar, syntax, punctuation, and formatting errors. Therefore, it normally occurs at the end of the writing process as a final step before submitting a paper that is otherwise ready to be published.
On the other hand, editing deals with how information and ideas are presented. While editing includes all the steps involved in proofreading, the focus is on making changes that make an article easier to understand, better organized, and more suitable for the reader. Because editing is an integral part of formulating a research argument, it is performed multiple times throughout the writing process.
Proofreading or editing: which service do I need?
Researchers often believe that they only need proofreading to finalize their articles before submission. However, our experience indicates that proofreading is often not enough, and authors usually receive comments from journal reviewers on how to better structure and present the content of their articles.
Submitting a paper that is not only error-free but also clear and understandable is essential to get published. With proofreading alone, you miss out on the kind of constructive criticism that could make the difference between your manuscript getting accepted or not.
You might think that spotting mistakes and inconsistencies in a document is not particularly difficult, and that a friend or colleague, or even a computer program, could do it. However, a professional editor is a far more accomplished proofreader than a typical friend or computer program. A professional editor understands the conventions of English writing and the nuances of the language. An expert editor is trained to be methodical, and through experience can identify and rule out the common errors. As well as catching mistakes, they can also identify inconsistent terminology, spelling, and formatting.
Since we have found that there is always room for enhancement, we are convinced that before submitting authors should have their papers edited and proofread. That is why we provide both editing and proofreading services for our clients to make their writing shine.