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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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