The difference between editing and proofreading

There are two types of editors. The first is an expert in a specific field who revises the content of a text without focusing on the language use and style. In the postgraduate environment, your study leader/supervisor fulfils this role. The second, who is usually a fiction editor, works in publishing and looks at both the content and the language use of a text.

A proofreader is a professional language practitioner. Generally speaking, their services won't include feedback on the content of a text. They focus on language norms and grammar, etc. An academic editor, on the other hand, provides feedback on the accuracy of the text's content.

Because lecturers are not language practitioners and language practitioners are not experts in your field, you need both your study leader and a proofreader.

Beware of people who charge postgraduates for editing

Academic editors, who ask higher prices than proofreaders, have their place (mostly in a publishing house), but using this type of editor for academic work may raise ethical concerns. Study leaders usually instruct students to have only their language use revised.

Editing requires time-consuming feedback between the writer and the editor. During editing, the content of the text is evaluated, which means you will often need to go back to the drawing board, rewrite, reconsider, and revisit literature, etc. It is impossible to complete this process within a few days; this is why writing a dissertation or thesis takes a year or more. Your study leader already fulfils this role.

Proofreading is a much shorter process and requires much less communication. If someone charges a postgraduate for academic editing, they are overplaying their hand, possibly uninformed, and possibly dishonest.

Proofreading worth paying for

If you are choosing a language practitioner who has no degree in languages, make sure that this practitioner has SATI accreditation and some type of formal training. To regulate language practitioners who practice language without a degree, SATI instituted accreditation standards. Thus, professional language practitioners in South Africa include those with a degree in languages and those with SATI accreditation.

It is wise, and required by most faculties, to choose a SATI registered practitioner. SATI provides their members with membership certificates (this is separate from accreditation). Be sure to request it before you appoint them as your proofreader. This also means that they are subject to SATI's code of ethics.

Beware of unqualified/uncertified proofreaders. Here are three ways to identify unqualified practitioners:

1. No degree/SATI accreditation/affiliation to a company that provides training,
2. No SATI membership (certificate of proof), and/or
3. Prices that fall way below industry standards (you can find these on SAFREA's website).

Your thesis or dissertation deserves the attention of a professional proofreader. Therefore, choose wisely.

Contact Krüger Language Practitioners for more information.