Writing and Editing

Editing, proofreading, and reference-checking are integral components in the process of creating a professional image.

Copy Editing

This involves editing and correcting errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. Consistency and cohesion are key: if one word is capitalised in one area and not in the other, copy editing would involve both finding such a discrepancy and correcting it. Writing for a specific audience is also part of copy editing: an American audience would require the use of American grammar, syntax, spelling, etc. Similarly, a scholarly article would require specific referencing. Copy editing would rectify such anomalies.

Proofreading

This involves analysing an existing proof with a fine-toothed comb. In the world of web design, this would likely best apply to editing documents that will be hosted on a client’s site (i.e.: .pdf), or editing previously-built websites. This type of editing involves marking errors that one would find when copy editing while also checking for inconsistencies and errors in all forms of design, including colours, page breaks, table of contents, etc. Proofreading would involve taking a document from the draft (proof) stage to the end-product.

References

In a bid to market its product or service, a company might make certain claims to differentiate itself from its competition. This service involves checking the veracity of such a claim before it is pointed out by a nit-picky customer, a vindictive competitor or the Better Business Bureau.

Rewriting

This service involves taking a rudimentary text and creating a manuscript from it; the content and (possible) bias is left entirely to the author. More often that not, the final text will have stemmed from a point-form list, or from notes taken during a meeting between the client and the (re)writer.

Stylistic Editing

Stylistic editing involves “prettying up” an existing text, while also copy editing the parts of it that are suitably comprehensible: sometimes, terms may be too technical in nature to appeal to a wide audience. Other times, a good point is lost in “bad” language. Slang and awkward terminology is eliminated in favour of a broader manner of speaking that is both professional and approachable.

Substantive Editing

Substantive editing is a thorough reorganization of a text: if an introduction states that points 1, 2 and 3 will be made in that numerical order, substantive editing involves making sure that 1 is followed by 2 which is, in turn, followed by 3. Similarly, a paragraph that sits under “Contact Us” but that belongs under an “About Us” banner is moved. In its purest form, substantive editing is concerned with the order of things.