What are the differences between copyediting and proofreading?

Answer 1

Copy editing is editing where proofreading is proofing.

Editing is the act of reading an article or story or book with the intent of changing it to be more accurate, easier to read or more interesting. It potentially involves striking out whole sentences or paragraphs or chapters and leaving them out of the work or substituting something better suited to the premise of the piece. Copy editing also involves making the piece fall within the guidelines of a "style guide" or other set of rules established by the publisher. (A right brain function)

Proofing is the act of reviewing a final product (blueline, galley proof or printed page) and correcting any errors that might have crept into the production (typos). (A left brain function)

Editors seldom make good proofreaders and vice versa.

Copy editor checks the flow of language so that the text seems complete in all ways. Smooth flow is one of the prime requisites of writing. opy editors review finished copy for spelling, grammar, consistency, and format. "In many ways, being a copy editor is like taking an English exam that never ends: one's knowledge of spelling, grammar, punctuation, word usage, and syntax is continuously. Proofreading services by Polished Paper is the most meticulous of all such services. The professionally trained proofreaders at this company find and fix all sorts of typos and syntax and mechanics errors and eliminate wordiness and redundancy.