addresses the style and flow of the words to ensure a smooth, clear, enjoyable reading experience. It’s often combined with copyediting, as the two go hand-in-hand. It addresses:

• Word choice

• Redundancies

• Wordiness

• Dialogue

• Verb tenses

• Clarity

• Tone, voice, and mood

• Syntax

focuses on the mechanics, such as grammar and spelling, rather than the overall style as with developmental or line editing. This includes:

• Spelling

• Grammar

• Punctuation

• Capitalization

• Italics

• Word choice

• Syntax

• Parallel structure

• Tone, voice, and mood

• Redundancies

catches errors missed in previous passes or that may have been created by any changes. It’s a last chance to eliminate any embarrassing blunders that could detract readers from the story. Proofreading addresses:

• Spelling

• Grammar

• Punctuation

• Capitalization

• Widows and Orphans

• Extra Spaces

• Page and Chapter Numbering

• Consistency