Levels of editing

In the editing field there are various levels of editing–the definitions of which vary, depending on the context. The following summaries generally apply, and describe the categories we work from:

Proofreading: checks the text for errors. It identifies and corrects typographical errors, misspellings, punctuation errors, and formatting inconsistencies.

Line editing/copyediting: addresses language, finding anything that may hinder the reader and cause them to leave the text. It corrects errors in spelling, grammar, usage, capitalization, and punctuation. It also queries facts, checks cross-references, and checks for ambiguity, redundancies, and inconsistencies. It makes sure the manuscript flows, and is consistent, accurate, and on-target with its goals.

Substantive/developmental editing: gives input on content as well as language. It seeks to achieve clarity of subject, logic, and consistency. It may give feedback on general substance and format as well as sentence structure and syntax, and usually includes complete line editing (see below). In fiction it checks for the effectiveness of plot, character, point of view, and dialogue, and in non-fiction it checks for the effectiveness and cohesiveness of format and content.

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and lightning bug.