Category: Proofreading And Editing

[caption id="attachment_438" align="alignleft" width="842"] Professional proofreading and editing[/caption]

Writing is undoubtedly an integral part of any profession. Whether it involves taking short notes during a meeting, making sales records, or writing a long-form report after scientific research, there is always a segment where a person has to write something. Job seekers also need to create catchy application letters or excellent resumes to win jobs. While writing is considered the most vital part of the process, language experts suggest that this is only the beginning. What determines if the material will be accepted is the effort you invest at the last stage of your writing, including proofreading and editing.

Traditionally, verbal communication was the only way to pass a message. However, with the growth of electronic technology, the world has recorded numerous digital changes, leading to the use of emails, short messages, and long-form writings to address global readers and understand their needs. Unfortunately, with digital information consumption came the abbreviated language that is slowly overpowering good writing skills. Therefore, since what a writer can see as good writing cannot be the final piece for all, every writer needs professional proofreading and editing services to make their material lively and error-free. This blog examines professional proofreading and editing and why it is vital.

The Difference Between Proofreading and Editing?

Most people confuse proofreading and editing. Although all processes target to correct errors and improve the overall writing quality by enhancing flow, readability, and structure, there is a significant difference between the two. Understanding the two terms is crucial as they simplify your writing process and make your material engaging and easy to read. Therefore, whether you are editing blogs posts or short emails before submitting, you need to differentiate editing and proofreading as follows:

Editing Process

Editing is the next stage just after writing your draft. It involves reading the whole manuscript to confirm if it is well-formatted, checking the transition between paragraphs, and ensuring the references back up your content. Editing a scientific research paper or any writing involves several stages, including;

Content Editing

Content editing helps to check if the writing has all the requirements a client asked for. During content editing, an editor confirms if all the claims made are accurate and consistent and if the paper has a complete argument if the client requested, and solid support. They also check if the information included in the paper matches the assignment or writing goal.

Overall Structural Editing

At this level, the editor checks if the paper has a professional structure, with an appropriate introduction, body, and conclusion. Does the writer state the thesis clearly in the introduction? Are all the paragraphs equally arranged and contain information related to the thesis? Is there a clear transition between paragraphs? The editor also checks if each paragraph has a clear topic sentence related to the main topic on structural editing.

Clarity Editing

On clarity editing, professional proofreading and editing services check if the writer has defined all terms clearly to make them easy for readers to understand. They also check for pronouns, word choice, and sentence meanings to ensure the writer has not misused any words. Writers are also advised to avoid using words found in thesaurus since they are not part of formal vocabulary.

Style Editing

Style editing involves checking whether the writer has used the right tone, including formal, informal, or persuasive. The editor also confirms if the writer has used appropriate gender language and if sentences have equal lengths. At this stage, the editor removes all unnecessary phrases and repeated words and ensures the paper does not contain excess passive voice.

Proofreading Process

Proofreading comes as the final editing stage and focuses mostly on spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Although proofreading is sometimes easier than editing, it is also vital since it determines how the final article will look on submission. For instance, it is fruitless to spend quality time editing the paper but fail to pass the test due to minor spelling and punctuation errors. Therefore, while most people devote only a few minutes to reading their papers, hoping to see errors, it is recommended to create a plan that fetches out mistakes systematically.

Remember, content is king, and whether you like it or not, how your final paper looks or reads determines the outcome from judges. Thus, after working hard during your field study, it is essential to ensure your report does not contain grammar or punctuation errors that may distract the reader. This involves editing scientific research papers and proofreading them before publishing. A good proofreader should also separate editing and proofreading processes, and employ the following strategies to create clean and easy-to-read materials:

Not Relying on Spelling and Grammar Checkers

Spelling and grammar checkers are useful tools in writing, but that does not mean they are 100% effective. For instance, these tools have limited rules and dictionaries, and may not identify all errors. Grammar checkers also fail to explain why you should switch a sentence and can cause more errors if you fail to recheck. Therefore, although these tools are good in identifying run-on sentences or excess passive voice, it is recommended you evaluate every suggestion before accepting it.

Proofreading For One Mistake at A Time

Do not rush to revise or correct too many errors at a time as you risk making ineffective proofreading and losing focus. Always check for errors such as misspelled words before moving to grammar or punctuation mistakes. Also, some strategies used to eliminate grammar errors may not work for misspelling.

Reading Every Word and Slowly

Reading aloud every word is a technique that helps you determine if words sound good together. Contrary, reading silently and quickly risks you skipping over some errors and making unconscious proofreading.

Reading The Paper Backwards

Although not effective and applicable to all, reading the entire paper backward helps to improve the quality of the manuscript. Here, the proofreader reads from the last word of the paper to the first word in the introduction. Although the technique will not make sense regarding grammar, punctuation, and content, the proofreader only targets spelling mistakes in each word. Reading each sentence backward also helps identify content issues and ensure the writer does not repeat ideas.

Highlighting Common Errors

As you proofread your manuscript, highlight common errors so that you can identify them easily next time. Noting these errors will also help you avoid them in the future and write flawless manuscripts. Therefore, you need to note these mistakes to simplify your next editing and proofreading process.

Areas To Focus on When Editing and Proofreading

Generally, proofreading and editing your manuscripts makes you a good writer and grows your writing style and language command. However, most people focus on the paragraphs and topic sentences and overlook the power of tables and figures, especially when editing scientific research papers. Therefore, when proofreading and editing tables, check the titles, column headings, data body, and key footnotes or references.

On the other hand, figures give visual information in photos, charts, graphs, or diagrams. They help readers understand vital information that would be otherwise complicated if given in texts or paragraphs. When editing figures to the message clear and easy to read, always focus on captions or titles that introduce the topic, numbering for easy reference and identification, and images for clear viewing.

Why Choose Professional Proofreading and Editing Services?

Proofreading and editing services, as seen above, have become the core part of the material writing and publication process. They also influence the judge’s decision regarding your writing skills; hence, you should not overlook them. However, the biggest question is, why do you need professional proofreading and editing services? Why can’t writers polish their work before publishing or submitting it? Therefore, while some quotes stigmatize editing as a sheer writing step, here are some benefits of using proofreading and editing experts:

Professional Proofreading and Editing Eliminate All Errors Effectively

Proofreading the paper yourself can remove visible grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. However, employing professional services corrects the mistakes effectively and makes the paper good-looking. A professional proofreader uses adequate time and resources to ensure the writing has all the requirements before submitting it. They also include relevant add-ons such as reference links and images to make the paper appealing. Since these services use effective editing tools, they already know how your writing should be even before starting the editing process.

Save Time and Effort

Similar to eliminating all errors effectively, professional proofreading and editing shorten the time taken to edit and publish the material. For instance, instead of taking the whole day proofreading and editing blog posts, a professional editor will only take a few hours to check multiple posts and give clear work with an authoritative tone. Using a native English professional editor also gives faster results and improves your overall writing skills. This helps you meet the global standards for a sophisticated command of grammar and make you an outstanding writer.

Increase Publication Chances

Editing scientific research papers using professional services increases their chances of appearing in global journals.  Remember, the world has millions of content creators striving to feed the ever-growing audience. While editing manuscripts yourself can remove grammar and other minor mistakes, the final manuscripts may not contain the latest issues that address the current market. Therefore, using native professional services increases the chances of your manuscripts reaching the peer-review process. This is because professional proofreaders and editors use the latest tools to give quality results that meet the global market.

Issue Editing Certificates

An editing certificate is a crucial document required by many writing and publication companies. Similar to laboratory reports, the Certificate of Editing also certifies that the manuscript has been edited and proofread by professional services. It also certifies that the entire process was conducted to ensure the paper is free of, but not limited to, English language errors such as clarity, diction, grammar, punctuation, coherence, spelling, style, and syntax. This is a vital declaration as most companies will only focus on quality materials, which are only guaranteed through editing certificates.

Give Valuable Feedback

Another advantage of using professional editors and proofreaders is the valuable comments that come with the final revised manuscript. For example, all edits through the Microsoft Word Track-Changes function, including corrections, suggestions, and comments, appear on the margin of the revised document, making it easier for you to accept or reject the changes. The editor also includes important comments on the right side of the page. These comments help you enhance the clarity, format, readability, and flow of your next writing.

Boost a Business’s Earning Potential

Using professional editing services also boosts your earning potential. For instance, no one would bother buying from a company whose website is riddled with formatting, spelling, and punctuation pitfalls. Companies can only attract more potential buyers and make huge sales if they have top-notch written materials to explain their products. If they have sloppy posts, readers will assume even their products are low-quality and switch to competitors. Therefore, websites need to utilize professional proofreading and editing services that provide editing certificates.

Have Multiple-Round Editing Systems

An outstanding trait of professional editors and proofreaders is the multiple-round editing systems. For example, some services have two or three qualified editors and language experts that work on the manuscripts thoroughly to make them flawless. These professional services also have editors with experience in different niches, simplifying the entire correction process.

Final Thoughts

Professional proofreading and editing are crucial in maximizing documents’ accuracy and enhancing their publication chances. They also create readers’ comfort, leading to more traffic to the website and increased sales. Therefore, since being a great writer does not guarantee quality and coherent writing all the time, it is important to incorporate the editing and proofreading part in your journey to create a massive audience. Some proofreading and editing services also return their revised documents with valuable comments and suggestions that can help you improve your future writing skills.