Glossary

While Editor and Proofreader are two terms that are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. The following glossary is based on Editors Canada information.

Proofreading:  Examining material after layout or in its final format. It includes:

    • Focusing primarily on the words
    • Ensuring there are no grammar, spelling or punctuation errors
    • Checking line breaks
    • Reviewing the consistency and continuity of visible elements, such as cross-references and captions
    • Ensuring there is no deviation from provided style guides

Copy/Content Editing: Editing to ensure correctness, accuracy, consistency and completeness. It includes:

    • Editing for grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage
    • Checking for consistency and continuity of mechanics and facts, including anachronisms, character names and relationships
    • Editing tables, figures and lists
    • Developing a style sheet or following one that is provided
    • Correcting or querying general information that should be checked for accuracy

Stylistic Editing: Editing to clarify meaning, ensure coherence and flow and refine the language. It includes:

    • Eliminating jargon, clichés and euphemisms
    • Establishing or maintaining the language level appropriate for the intended audience, medium and purpose
    • Adjusting the length and structure of sentences and paragraphs as necessary
    • Establishing or maintaining tone, mood, style and voice or level of formality

Translation/Comparative Editing:  Basic comprehensive and stylistic editing, but also involves:

    • Editing and cross-proofing between original language and translated product
    • Ensuring content in both languages is grammatically correct and without errors
    • Ensuring the translated copy is faithful to the original and accurately reflects the intent and message of the original material
    • Ensuring the tone and voice are maintained throughout

Web Content Editing: Editing and updating the content of web pages, including text, images and links. It includes:

    • Checking links to ensure they point to the right places
    • Checking that link text accurately reflects where the link goes
    • Reorganizing or revising print copy for the web
    • Editing or rewriting web copy in accordance with web-writing best practices
    • Identifying potential copyright issues