FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are a lot of words thrown around in the writing and editing world that are not always clearly defined to people who work outside of it. Below are some common questions about the type of work Bridgetown Editing does.

What is copyediting?

Copyediting is basically editing for mechanical issues (i.e. grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation). It also involves checking for consistency throughout a document or manuscript and making sure all facts are correct. Copyediting a project involves using a predetermined style guide or forming one together. There are more specific types of editing, described below.

What’s the difference between copyediting and copywriting?

Many times people think of these terms as interchangeable, but they are very different. Copyediting involves taking writing that you have already crafted and working with it to make it perfect. Copywriting is the process of creating writing from scratch—that is, using your information and keywords to create the perfect piece of writing for you (website copy, marketing material, blog posts, etc.).

What is developmental or project copyediting?

This kind of work is more intricate than basic copyediting. It involves shaping and editing a project from concept or rough manuscript to final product. Many times, this service begins with raw material to produce copy collaboratively. This type of copyediting often goes hand-in-hand with copywriting.

What is stylistic editing?

This type of work includes polishing language to present a consistent voice, clarifying messages, eliminating jargon, and other non-mechanical editing. The Bridgetown team is fluent in every established style guide, including APA, MLA, Turabian, and Strunk and White. We can also help you come up with your own “style guide” that fits your voice.

What is substantive or structural editing?

This service involves structuring and organizing early drafts of a project for content and flow.

What is proofreading?

Proofreading involves examining final drafts of formatted, edited material for consistency and for minor, mechanical errors in copy (such as spelling mistakes or small deviations from a predetermined style guide). This service often concentrates more on marking a document’s errors, rather than suggesting ways to change them.