FAQ Terms for Writing Help
Proofreading or copy-editing?

A proofreader corrects a Final Proof. This means the finished version of your text. You hire the proofreader to go over it one more time to catch any mistakes that you may have missed. The Proofreader does not change any of your working or improve the fluency and flow of your writing.

A copy-editor revises. You have finished writing and your texts says all you want it to say but you need someone to look at what you have written and see if it makes sense. The Copy Editor may change some of what you have written in order to make it flow better. The Copy Editor will set up a Style sheet according to your chosen style guide.
What a Proofreader does The final proofing ensures that the style guide has been properly followed.
The proofreader will look for any problems in the headings and subheadings, such as inconsistencies of fonts, incorrect spacing and alignment. The proofreader will also look out for errors of spelling and punctuation, line and word spacing, make sure that page numbers (if used are present and consistent), and that any use of images is done correctly.
If, upon first inspection, a submitted proof copy is judged to be not proof-ready, you will have the option of having it copy-edited instead.    
What a Copy Editor does

The Copy-editor takes what you have written and puts it into good, fluent written English with correct grammar and style. You then receive it back to make any further changes You may choose to have it Proofread one final time.

 
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Payment All payment in advance.
Decisions

The Editor makes the editorial decisions based upon expertise. The Client does not have to accept the edit and may revise the edits but this is not the Editor's responsibility once the work has been handed back to the Client. The Editor is not responsible for the final grade or for any acceptance of the Client's edited work.

For example, if you hire me to edit your term paper and you get a poor grade, this is not the fault or responsibility of the Editor. Likewise if I copy-edit your grant application and you do not get the grant, this is not my responsibility. The ideas and substance of the written work is your own. My job is simply to make it fluent and technically correct.
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