After you are done with writing a paper, you must get the document checked at least once for fixing any grammar or language errors. You can use checking processes such as editing and proofreading or both. However, the terms editing and proofreading cannot be used interchangeably as proofreading differs from editing and the two processes do not lead to the same outcome.
Editing is a process in which the overall quality of writing is improved by enhancing the structure, flow, and readability of text to make the document the best it can be in terms of flow of text and comprehensibility.
In addition to correcting spellings and grammar, editors closely analyze the content of a document using their own subject expertise for clarification of the text and often fact-check the document.
A document is often edited creatively taking into consideration the target readers’ perspective. The editing process may result in extensive changes in the original text without hampering the implied meaning of the author. Moreover, the editing process helps ensure the implementation of various parameters such as effective communication of the meaning of the text through the use of most appropriate words, the use of right tone for the target reader, removal of unnecessary and repeated information so that the text does not become repetitive and monotonous, and the use of text-appropriate voice.
Proofreading deals with the correction of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word choice-related errors, which are termed as “surface errors.” Similar to editing, this process requires a nuanced understanding of the English language. During this process, the instances of inconsistent use of a terminology and minor formatting and referencing errors are eliminated. A proofreader provides aesthetic adjustments to the text instead of making extensive changes.
Furthermore, you cannot completely rely on the computer’s spell-checking and grammar-checking software to achieve accurate proofreading as the human brain is much better at correcting language-related errors automatically than any software and because English is very diverse.
Any document must be proofread to ensure that it is error free. Proofreading provides an opportunity for you to recognize errors made consistently in your document so that you can avoid repeating those mistakes in your future work.
A document must be edited first and then proofread as a final step before handing it in. This process makes the document the best version of it by eliminating the errors in two rounds. Help from a third party or professional editor or proofreader definitely makes this process easier as they may provide you a reader’s perspective, which can be invaluable, along with editing and proofreading services.