What’s in a name?

Proofreader, copy editor copywriter, content writer – these terms are often confused and assumed to be interchangeable. This is most definitely not the case. This article will help you understand each title’s role so that you can distinguish between them and request the correct services.

Proofreader

A proofreader has the final eyes on a document before it goes to print/is finalised. The document is usually in PDF format and has been typeset. The proofreader’s skill is to have a final read to make sure that no errors have slipped in.

Copy editor

A copy editor meticulously reviews and improves written content, ensuring clarity, correctness and coherence are met. This can be performed by restructuring sentences, rephrasing words, formatting the document and checking that the style and language are tailored to the reader.

Developmental editing is a subset of copy editing that focuses on the bigger picture like themes, content structure and style. Once the developmental editing has been performed, the document can then be copyedited. In most instances, a copy editor can also proofread.

Copywriter

A copywriter is also a professional writer who focuses on writing for the purpose of advertising or marketing. Copywriters create content to increase brand awareness and persuade the audience to take a certain action. A copywriter writes concise, emotive and persuasive text to promote products or services. Copywriters can write for various media, such as print, web, radio or television.

Content writer

A content writer aims to build brand awareness, credibility and trust among readers. They lay the groundwork for future sales and often focus on SEO. Content writing tells a story with a visible page structure and in-depth material, aimed at informing and educating the audience. They drive organic traffic to a website, building brand awareness, and warming up users.

Each person has a niche skill, however there can be overlaps among them – copy editors can do the work of a proofreader, but copywriters and content writers cannot necessarily do the job of a copy editor. They should use copyediting services once they have finalised their copy and before it is published.

For your copyediting and proofreading requirements, contact me for first-hand experience!