Proofreading vs. editing - what's the difference?

If you’re an author, you’re likely already familiar with the terms “proofreading” and “editing”. Even if you’re not a writer by profession, chances are you’ve engaged in one or both processes at some point in your life - like double-checking an email before sending it. But do these terms mean the same thing?

I'd say the simple answer is no. While they are often used interchangeably, proofreading and editing are distinct stages in the text preparation process. Each plays a specific role in refining your work, and understanding the difference will help you decide what kind of support your draft needs.

Photo by Zuzana Ľudviková, 2025

Editing: the big picture

Editing focuses on the broader elements of your text. It’s about going back and rereading until you're sure you have the best text possible, addressing content-level issues such as structure, clarity and tone. Good writers are known to edit obsessively - editing goes beyond correcting standard language errors, ensuring smooth narration and consistency of flow and logic. We could define editing as revisiting and reshaping your work to perform critical changes that improve the quality of the text.

Language vs. substantive editing

Some editors distinguish between language editing, which focuses on surface-level issues such as spelling and punctuation, and substantive editing, which also looks at accuracy, argumentative logic, and tone consistency. Others also recognize developmental editing, where the editor helps the author at length with content, ideation, and structure. The extent of your cooperation with an editor is up to you, and can always be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Editing in a publishing context

In book publishing, editors act as project managers for the book, overseeing the publication process from start to finish. They not only refine the manuscript through developmental and substantive editing, but also coordinate the book release and ensure the work reaches its target audience. While largely invisible to the reader, editors are closely involved in the creative process and bear enormous responsibility for the final literary work.

Proofreading: the final quality check

Proofreading is what happens at the very end of the process. The term originates from traditional printing, where “proofs” were preliminary copies reviewed before the final print run. Proofreading focuses on surface-level issues such as grammar, spelling, punctuation, and correct formatting.

Unlike editing, proofreading typically doesn’t address content or structure—it’s about ensuring the text is polished and error-free. It’s a quick, final check that often requires little to no collaboration with the author.

"Final eyes"

You may encounter the term "final eyes" when exploring proofreading services. This refers to a last-minute review of a completed draft, ensuring a polished, error-free text. The text has usually been edited and proofread, with this being the final opportunity to catch errors or inconsistencies before it is printed or published digitally.

Which service is best for me?

Deciding between proofreading and editing depends on your draft’s stage: 

• If your content is solid, but you need someone to look at language and/or formatting, choose proofreading.

• If you're not confident about the content and structure of your draft and need in-depth guidance on how to make it flow, choose editing.

Are you an author with a completed manuscript? Consider a manuscript assessment to gain detailed feedback and insights.

I’d love to read your draft! Contact me today through the form on my website or email me directly at emma@eutext.nl and I will get back to you as soon as possible.