The Importance of Proofreading and Copyediting
By: Edie Tuck
Tags: Writers On Writing, Writing, Proofreading, Editorials, Copy Editing

It’s one o’clock in the morning, you’re wired on caffeine, and you’ve just finished writing an amazing article; one that’s taken you hours to put together, filled with research and quotes. Something really close to your heart; it means a lot to you and you’re ready to share it with the world. Your finger is hovering over that ‘publish’ button.

WAIT, STOP!!

I know, you’re anxious to see it published, but you’ve forgotten the most important part! Do not — ever — send your beautiful piece of art into the world without editing it first. That’s one of the biggest mistakes a writer can make, and one that can make your article tank before it even has a chance to fly.

Writing is an art, and it’s up to us as artists to make sure that our creations are the best that they can be. It’s our job to ensure the i’s are dotted, and the t’s are crossed before we allow the rest of the world to lay their extremely critical and judgemental eyes upon our carefully crafted writing. Don’t do yourself the disservice of allowing impatience to sabotage you. Proofread and edit your work each and every time.

The Difference Between Proofreading and Copyediting

Proofreading and editing are quite often, and mistakenly, used interchangeably. Both unique in application and execution, they are equally important to your success as a writer.

Whether you’re serious about writing, or even if it’s just a hobby you dabble in once in a while, you should take advantage of programs like Grammarly, or something similar. I don’t, however, recommend that you put all of your trust into these services because as I’ve learned from personal experience, they are not infallible. Technology can be a great tool, but when it comes down to it, nothing beats the human touch.

Proofreading

verb: read (printer’s proofs or other written or printed material) and mark any errors. “they must revise and proofread their work”

Proofreading is a simplified editing process. This is when a piece is read for the sole purpose of finding spelling and grammatical errors, as well as checking the formatting, punctuation, and syntax.

Now, if you’re thinking you did a really great job writing your article, and just a quick proofing will be enough, I strongly urge you to reconsider. Although it will clean up your work considerably, it’s really important to go the extra step.

Copyediting

verb: edit (text to be printed) by checking its consistency and accuracy. “experienced freelancer offers copyediting, typesetting, proofreading, indexing, page markup”

Copyediting is a full-spectrum review of your work. Yes, you’re still looking at everything covered in proofreading, but you’re looking at the story with much more attention to detail.

When copyediting, you’re examining the sentence and paragraph structuring. You’re scrutinizing clarity and flow; making sure your ideas are properly organized so that any reader will be able to effortlessly follow your thought process. You’re essentially polishing your work until it shines.

There is, however, something else you should be taking into consideration. As writers, we tend to be so invested in our work that we can’t be objective. Our minds will fill in the blanks, so to speak. Because we know what we’re trying to say, we will read it without difficulty. Whereas a reader might be confused when reading the same text.

Although we may find it difficult to accept constructive criticism, it is a mistake to avoid it. Despite the fact that we tend to be our own harshest critics, our eyes are often blind to our mistakes and oversights.

The Problem With Self-Editing

Whats wrnog with this this, sentence. The answer seems obvious, right? As I mentioned above, the issue is that if you’re the one writing it, the errors become much less evident. It’s a lot easier to miss the grammatical and spelling errors in our own writing than it is when we’re reading someone else’s work.

You’ve most likely done it yourself; you’re reading an article written by one of your favorite writers, and your eyes automatically zone-in on the little mistakes. Missing apostrophes, inverted letters, a double word, misplaced comma, or incorrect punctuation. You’ve probably even stopped yourself from pointing out the error, for fear of not knowing how they would take the well-meant criticism.

How would you react if you were in that writer’s shoes; would you be glad, and thank them for catching the typo? Would you be offended that all they seem to be focusing on are the mistakes? Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to worry about it because you already knew there weren’t any?

In comes the outside proofreader or editor. Just as it’s easy for you to spot the errors in someone else’s work, yours come to the surface just as clearly for another person reading yours. Embrace this process, as it will ultimately bring your work up to a whole new level. The editors aren’t your enemies, they are your friends.