“Editing” means different things to different people, and choosing the wrong level wastes money or leaves problems in your paper. Here is how the four main services differ, and how to decide.
What is proofreading?
Proofreading is the final quality check before submission or print. A proofreader corrects spelling, typographical errors, punctuation, inconsistent capitalisation, numbering and formatting. They do not rewrite sentences. Proofreading is right when the text has already been edited or was written by a fluent writer.
What is copyediting?
Copyediting works at sentence level. The editor improves grammar, word choice, terminology and sentence construction, and enforces consistency of headings, abbreviations, units and style across the document. At GlobalEdico every copyedit is reviewed by a senior editor before and after editing.
What is English language editing?
English language editing is the most popular service for non-native authors. It includes everything in copyediting plus improvements to clarity, flow and academic tone, so the paper reads as if written by a fluent researcher in your field — while keeping your meaning and voice.
What is substantive editing?
Substantive editing (sometimes called developmental editing or rewriting) looks at the whole manuscript: is the argument logical, is the structure right for the journal, are paragraphs in the best order, is anything ambiguous or repeated? The editor may reorganise sections and rephrase extensively, working in tandem with you.
Side-by-side comparison
| Proofreading | Copyediting | English editing | Substantive editing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spelling & typos | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grammar & punctuation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Word choice & terminology | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clarity, flow, academic tone | — | Partial | ✓ | ✓ |
| Structure & argument | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Typical price / 250 words | from US$1.25 | from US$2.99 | from US$3.15 | from US$3.75 |
Which service should I choose?
- Your text was written or edited by a fluent English speaker → proofreading.
- The English is good but inconsistent, or you need house-style consistency → copyediting.
- English is your second language → English language editing.
- Reviewers said the paper is unclear, poorly organised or rejected it for language → substantive editing.
- Your paper is in another language → academic translation followed by editing.
Not sure? Order a US$5 one-page sample and see the difference on your own text.
Can I combine services?
Yes. A common sequence is substantive editing of the full draft, then proofreading after you have accepted the changes and revised the paper. Revised manuscripts we have edited before receive a 40% discount.
Frequently asked questions
Is proofreading enough for a non-native English paper?
Usually not. Proofreading only corrects surface errors. Non-native English papers normally need English language editing to improve clarity and academic tone.
What is the difference between copyediting and proofreading?
Copyediting improves sentences, word choice and consistency; proofreading is a final check for typos, punctuation and formatting in already-polished text.
What is substantive editing?
Substantive editing is in-depth editing of structure, argument and clarity as well as language, often including reorganising and rephrasing sections.
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