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What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?

A copyeditor from the press will check the manuscript for grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, citation consistency, and style. The copyeditor will also suggest changes in the manuscript to ensure that there is overall consistency. The author will then have the opportunity to review the suggested edits.

Once the copyediting is complete, pages will be typeset and designed. These are referred to as “proofs.” At this stage, the author will have the opportunity to proofread the manuscript to check only for typos, errors of editing, composition, and fact. While the possibility for changes to the text at this point are limited to what is mentioned above, the author can update statements when world events subsequent to typesetting affect the validity of what is said. Please note that unlike copyediting, proofreading is the author’s responsibility at most presses.

—AUPresses Faculty Outreach Committee