How does copyediting differ from proofreading?

Copyediting differs from proofreading primarily in its scope and focus. In copyediting, one of the critical tasks is ensuring compliance with the company’s style guide. This means that the copyeditor reviews the document to make sure that formatting, terminology, tone, and other stylistic elements are consistent with established guidelines. This aspect is important for maintaining a cohesive and professional appearance across all documents produced by the organization.

While copyediting does involve checking for grammatical errors, as well as clarity and overall flow, its key function is to ensure that the written content adheres to specific style rules. In contrast, proofreading is typically the final step in the writing process, focusing on catching typographical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies without delving into style compliance or making substantive changes to content.

Thus, the emphasis on compliance with the company's style guide makes the choice accurate, highlighting a fundamental difference between the two processes in the realm of document preparation.