Copy editing is the last stage of editing after the line edits are done and before you submit your MS and makes sure your book is error-free. Proofreading looks at the printed proof to catch everything that wasn’t caught before.
It’s best to use a different editor for the copy-edit and proofreading stage than you used for the developmental and line editing. A copy edit will catch grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors and also ensure stylistic consistency, factual accuracy, and correct formatting and citations. A proofread of the galley or typeset book will make sure the final book is ready for the reader’s hands.
Copy editing rates range from 2-3 cents a word. Proofreading rates begin at 1 cent/word.
