Editing and proofreading get used interchangeably, but they’re different passes. Proofreading catches surface errors: typos, punctuation, spacing, formatting slips. Academic editing goes further, checking sentence structure, word choice, and consistency without touching your argument. We offer both, and we’re upfront about which one a document actually needs.
What’s included
- A final proofreading pass for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting consistency
- Sentence-level academic editing for clarity and flow, where the document needs more than a surface check
- Consistency verification across headings, terminology, and numbering
- A clear note on which level of service your document actually needed, so you’re not paying for more than necessary
What’s checked in each pass
A proofreading pass checks: spelling and typos, punctuation (especially comma placement and quotation mark conventions, which vary between styles), consistent capitalization of proper nouns and technical terms, spacing and formatting artifacts left over from editing in different software, and numbering consistency across headings, figures, and tables. An editing pass checks all of that plus: sentence-level clarity (is each sentence saying exactly what you mean, without ambiguity), paragraph flow and transitions, word choice and repeated phrasing, and consistency of tone across sections that may have been drafted weeks or months apart.
How we decide which level you need
We read a sample of your document before quoting, specifically to assess whether it needs a proofread or a full edit, rather than defaulting to the more expensive option. A rough signal we look for: if a knowledgeable reader would understand every sentence on the first read and just needs typos and formatting caught, that’s proofreading. If sections need rereading to follow the logic, that’s editing. Most manuscripts benefit from editing well before their final proofread, not instead of it, so we’ll flag if we think you’d be better served starting with Language Refinement for a deeper pass first.
If your document needs deeper tone and clarity work beyond correctness, Language Refinement is the better fit. This service is specifically for the final-stage, close-to-submission pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the actual difference between proofreading and editing?
Proofreading is a final correctness check: typos, punctuation, formatting. Editing goes deeper into sentence structure and clarity. Most documents that have already been through feedback rounds only need proofreading; earlier drafts usually need editing first. See our article on proofreading vs. academic editing for more detail.
Which one do I need?
Tell us where you are in the process and we’ll recommend the right level rather than defaulting to the more expensive option.
Is this a substitute for a full editing service on an early draft?
No. Proofreading assumes the underlying writing is close to final. For earlier drafts, see Language Refinement or Manuscript Improvement.
Do you provide tracked changes?
Yes, every edited document comes back with tracked changes so you can review and accept or reject each one individually.
How fast is a proofreading pass compared to a full edit?
Proofreading is typically faster than a full edit, since it doesn’t involve restructuring sentences; exact turnaround depends on document length and is agreed upfront.