Copy editing
The purpose of copy editing is to remove mistakes, inconsistencies or other errors in a manuscript or draft which could confuse readers or embarass the author. At this stage, after drafting and prior to typesetting, the editor concentrates on the details of language, spelling and punctuation; acheiving consistency of style and layout; and on checking references, illustrations, tables, headings, and links.
The editor will also help to make the doument conform to the 'house style' of the publishing house or organisation. In multi-author works, house style is important to help establish a consistent and cohesive presentation. Liaison with authors is also part of the copy editing process to enable the style to be made consistent without unnecessarily impinging on the author's creative expression. Collaboration between the author and the editor becomes even more critical in the the process of substantive editing.
An editor will also check the document for completeness; make sure that all external sources have been acknowledged and that copyright violations have not unwittingly occurred; and warn the author of potential risk of libel.
Substantive editing
Substantive editing (also called 'structural' editing), examines the overall content, structure, language and style of a document, and may result in some restructuring and rewording in the interests of clarity and cohesion.
Proofreading
Proofreading occurs after the initial layout and typesetting, and is based on the approved master copy after final editing. It is basically a quality control exercise, since all the textual content should have been corrected and improved during the editing process.
The proofreader re-checks the document for new typographic errors which may have occurred in the typesetting process; that everything is included in the correct position; that layout and type specifications have been followed; and that line breaks, page and screen lengths and illustration placements are suitable. A second proof would be checked again after errors are corrected in the first proof.
editorial services
