The Difference Between Editing and Proofreading

About this video

Dale explains that editing and proofreading are not the same, and that confusing them is a common self-publishing mistake linked to low-star reviews for outward errors. Editing comes first and focuses on how information and ideas are presented: refining language, clarifying the message, improving organization, and making material powerful, persuasive, engaging and suitable for the audience, with substantial revisions and rewriting. He notes that large publishing houses put a book through multiple rounds of editing before proofing. Proofreading is one of the final steps after editing, layout and design are finished. Drawing on Grammarly’s definition, he says the proofreader works from a facsimile of the finished product — a proof — and simply searches for typographical, minor text, formatting and layout errors, without suggesting major changes. He compares editing to a full-service car wash that makes the whole book presentable, and proofreading to detailing that makes it meticulously pristine and show-ready.

Key takeaways

• Editing and proofreading are distinct, sequential roles — editing first, proofreading last.
• Editing refines language, clarifies the message, and improves organization and audience fit, often with rewriting.
• Proofreading checks the finished proof for typographical, formatting and layout errors only.
• A good proofreader does not suggest major changes; major changes belong in the editing phase.
• Skipping either step risks the outward errors that draw low-star reviews for self-published books.

Episode details: published June 19, 2017 · 3:50 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Business results and any income figures mentioned are Dale L. Roberts’s own claims, shared for education — they are not typical or guaranteed.

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