Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between proofreading and copyediting?

Proofreading focuses on correcting surface-level errors. It’s the final step in the editing process to ensure the text is clean and error-free.

Proofreaders look out for:

• Any spelling errors and consistent use of the chosen language, for example, British vs American English

• Correct punctuation, including quotation marks, apostrophes, commas, colons, semi-colons, and spacing before and after each.

• Correct grammar and words that sound the same but have different spellings.

Copyediting, on the other hand, goes deeper, improving the overall quality of the writing. It involves checking sentence structure, clarity, word choice, and flow while also addressing grammatical and spelling errors. Copyediting ensures the content is well-organised, coherent, and polished before it reaches the proofreading stage.

Copy editing vs copyediting vs copy-editing. What is the difference?

The different spellings are variations based on regional language preferences and evolving style guides.

• Copy editing (two words) is commonly used in British English and some formal style guides.

• Copyediting (one word) is often preferred in American English and by many modern publishing and editorial standards, reflecting the trend toward simplifying compound words.

• Copy-editing (hyphenated) is also correct but is becoming less common as language evolves towards simpler forms.

Ultimately, all three forms mean the same thing, and the choice of spelling often depends on the preferred style guide or regional language conventions you follow.

Do I pay for the service upfront?

Yes, we usually require upfront payment for our services. However, for larger jobs, we can accept half up front and half before the work is returned.

What file formats do you work with?

We primarily work with Microsoft Word files (.doc and .docx) as they are best suited for detailed editing and formatting work. However, we can also work with PDFs for initial assessments and comments.

Will students get penalised for using your services?

No, don’t worry about that. Our services to students are limited to proofreading and document layout; we never write anything for students. We only ensure your work looks its best when you submit it.