“If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.” – George Orwell

Orwell is broadly speaking, here, about error. An error isn’t just a typo or some bad grammar; it can also be an error in style, tone, word choice, word count, etc. That’s why, when it comes to correcting the written word, two separate disciplines exist: copy-editing and proofreading.

It’s essential to cast a thorough and critical eye over any piece of writing intended for mass consumption. Checking text for absolute accuracy should always go above and beyond the correction of spelling mistakes and, depending on the medium used, will always involve either copy-editing or proofreading... and very often both.

Copy-editing

A copy editor will methodically read through any sort of text and pick out all errors or inconsistencies before it is published or “laid out” (see Proofreading below). Corrections will include spelling mistakes, errors in punctuation and grammar and any inconsistencies in tone or style. “Edit” is the key word here – the written text is being polished and refined.

Proofreading

Errors will always creep into your copy: it’s a given fact. Many written communications will eventually be given to a graphic designer, to be put into a particular typeset and “laid out” within artwork. It’s at this point that any existing mistakes will be carried over into the design and brand new errors will be born.

During the conversion from a Word document to a Photoshop design, absolutely anything can happen. Single words or whole sentences can go missing, uppercase letters can become lowercase letters, a crucial ® mark can corrupt into a smiley face symbol… the list goes on and on. Proofreading, therefore, is the correction of a piece of writing once it becomes a visual design (traditionally done on a hardcopy “proof”, although some companies now use online proofing applications to save on printing and paper costs).

I am a copy editor and a proofreader and I will perform both duties for you if required. I don’t have a separate price for each discipline: both are covered in my hourly rate.

Hit the About Me tab to learn more about my career and read my CV.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.