Proofreading is not a cheaper developmental edit. It is the last quality gate: residual typos, punctuation slips, repeated words, bad breaks, and “how did that survive?” glitches.
When proofreading makes sense
- After copyediting (or an equivalent high-quality pass)
- After interior formatting for print/ebook when possible
- Before you hit publish—not while you are still rewriting Chapter 12
What we catch
- Spelling, punctuation, and basic grammar misses
- Formatting glitches: extra spaces, odd hyphens, style breakouts
- Obvious continuity leftovers if they surface in the final file
If the manuscript still needs structural or heavy line work, we will recommend stepping back a stage rather than proofreading a draft that will change.
FAQ
Can proofreading replace copyediting?
No. Proofreading assumes the text is already stable. Skipping copyedit to “just proof” usually produces an elegant mess.
Next step: Prefer a lighter start? A manuscript critique or sample pages often clarify whether you need developmental work or can move straight to copyediting.