Editing and Proofreading: A Practical Checklist

Even strong writing benefits from a second pass. Editing improves clarity and structure; proofreading catches errors. Both protect a brand's credibility.

Copywriting, copyediting and proofreading

• Copywriting creates new content from a brief.
• Copyediting improves existing content: structure, clarity, tone, accuracy and flow.
• Proofreading is the final check for spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting.

Clients sometimes ask for proofreading when the text really needs editing or rewriting. Clarify the need before quoting.

Editing checklist

• Does the piece meet the brief and the goal?
• Is the main point clear early on?
• Is the structure logical, with helpful headings?
• Can any sentence or paragraph be cut?
• Is the tone consistent with the brand?
• Are all facts, names and figures correct and sourced?
• Is there a clear next step for the reader?

Proofreading checklist

• Spelling, including names and product terms.
• Grammar and punctuation.
• Consistent style: capitalisation, numbers, dates.
• Working links.
• Correct formatting of headings, lists and images.

Tips for better self-editing

• Take a break before editing your own work.
• Read aloud.
• Change the format, for example by printing or using a different screen.
• Edit in several passes, each with one focus.

Professional review

oceanone offers a copy audit to review and improve existing content.