Proofreading vs. Editing

A proofreader is a specialist whose main tasks include proofreading the author`s original to identify spelling and punctuation errors and making corrections to the text using the Track Changes tool.

Proofreading completes the editorial stage of working with the text. After the editing stage, where work is carried out on content, composition, logic and style, the text is sent to the proofreader for proofreading. The proofreader`s main tasks are to eliminate any remaining deficiencies, select the optimal editorial and technical form for each element, correct spelling and punctuation errors, achieve graphic uniformity, and prepare the author`s text for layout.

Before starting work, the proofreader must familiarize themselves with the content and purpose of the publication, as they determine the design of various text elements (e.g., spelling of numbers, abbreviation rules). First of all, the proofreader studies the document, which discloses general information about the manuscript: author, type of publication, target audience, subject matter. This data helps to establish the principles of text unification and editing. It is also important to take into account specific aspects of the manuscript, such as the terms used, units of measurement, list of abbreviations, and the author`s spelling features.