Copy-editing

Usually done before typesetting, copy-editing involves:

• ensuring that all of the elements of the manuscript are present

• imposing house style and consistency (especially important for multi-author manuscripts)

• checking for spelling, grammar and punctuation

• cross-checking references

Proofreading

Usually done after typesetting, this involves:

• checking all of the elements of the layout design have been imposed correctly;

• checking for spelling, grammar and punctuation; and

• checking running headers, page numbers, tables of contents, etc.

While the ideal might be waiting for a complete manuscript before copy-editing, typesetting and then proofreading, the reality is often somewhat different and when dealing with time-sensitive reports with contributions from multiple authors, flexibility without compromising accuracy is key.