Editing and proofreading: they look similar on paper, but they do very different jobs. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right level of support I can give you and ensures your message lands exactly as intended.
The difference between editing and proofing is ….
Put simply: editing improves the writing, while proofreading perfects it. One strengthens the message; the other ensures it’s clean, accurate, and ready for publication.
I offer both services at Word Right, and here’s how they differ.
What is content editing, and why do you need it?
Content editing shapes your writing. It is a broader, more involved service that looks beyond errors to focus on clarity, structure, and impact. When I edit, I assess how well your ideas flow and whether your message is clear and engaging. Content editing improves how your ideas are communicated.
- Is your structure and flow logical and easy to follow?
- Are your sentences clear and your word choices effective?
- Is your tone and style consistent across the document?
- Are your ideas organised logically?
Content editing is ideal if your draft feels a bit rough, unfocused, or not quite saying what you want it to. If you’re unsure what level of support you need, I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.
Pricing: $55 per hour, depending on the length and complexity of your document.
When should you use proofreading services?
Is your text already written but needs a final polish before it goes live? Proofreading is the last line of defence before publication. It doesn’t reshape your message. It tidies and corrects what’s already there.
Proofreading: Your final accuracy check
- Are there spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors?
- Are there any typos or formatting issues?
- Is the layout consistent throughout?
- Are surface-level errors corrected so your text looks professional?
Think of proofreading as the fresh pair of eyes that catches the tiny mistakes you no longer see after staring at the same document for days.
Pricing: Base rate: 2c (NZD) per word. I charge a minimum rate of $40.00.
How do editing and proofreading differ?
Here are five examples that show the difference:
- Editing: I restructure sentences to improve clarity and flow.
- Proofreading: I correct spelling, punctuation, and minor errors without changing meaning.
2. Is your call to action clear?
- Editing: I refine it to make it persuasive and easy to understand.
- Proofreading: I ensure it is punctuated correctly and formatted consistently.
3. Does your tone suit your audience?
- Editing: I adjust tone and style to suit your brand or academic requirements.
- Proofreading: I check for grammar and spelling without changing tone.
4. Does your introduction engage readers?
- Editing: I rewrite openings to be more compelling and logical.
- Proofreading: I correct surface-level errors only.
5. What about academic writing?
Original: The results of the survey suggests that students was generally satisfied with the online learning platform, however several participants noted that the navigation was confusing and that some of the instructions were not clear or to detailed.
Edited: The survey results suggest that while most students were generally satisfied with the online learning platform, several participants found the navigation confusing and the instructions unclear or overly detailed.
Proofread: The results of the survey suggest that students were generally satisfied with the online learning platform; however, several participants noted that the navigation was confusing and that some of the instructions were not clear or too detailed.
Key difference: Editing improves clarity, tone, and flow. Proofreading fixes errors only.
Not sure which service is right for you?
Do you need help deciding between editing and proofreading? Many clients come to me unsure whether they need editing or proofreading. Not a problem. Simply send me your draft and I’ll advise on the best approach.
