More often than not, the editorial skills of proofreading and copyediting are confused with each other.

 

The goal of proofreading is correction, not revision. A proofreader ensures that no errors remain or have been introduced during the production stage, For example, proofreaders check for double words, missing words, homophones, missing periods, and check aesthetic issues like extra spaces, widows, and orphans.

 

Price: $0.0035/word

An extensive edit includes a copyedit as well as a structural edit. This type of editing is the most time consuming, as it needs several rounds of both copyediting and reorganizing of content and structure, as well as a stylistic edit (ensuring meaning is clear and understandable, polishing sentences, rewriting in plain language)

 

Price: $0.0125/word

A Copyedit includes checking and correcting grammar, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and facts, as well as characters' motivations and backstory, depending on the level of copyediting required.

 

Light Copyedit: correcting all errors in grammar, syntax, and usage; ensuring consistency in all mechanical matters; pointing out patches that seem wordy or convoluted, and supplying suggested edits; noting  repetitions in word usage and content; asking for definitions likely to be new to readers; quering any facts that seem incorrect; quering faulty organization and gaps in logic and flow; noting any text that may require permission to reprint. Check for structure and content. 

 

Price: $0.005/word

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Medium Copyedit (most common):  Light copyedit plus supplying suggested edits for repetitions in word usage and content; verifying and revising any facts that are incorrect;

Higher occurrence of light edits.

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Price: $0.0065/word

 

Heavy Copyedit: Medium copyedit plus rewriting any wordy or convoluted patches;  fixing faulty organization and gaps in logic. 

Higher occurrence of medium edits. 

 

Price: $0.0085/word

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