What do magnificent buildings and well-written work have in common? Two very distinct experts work on them. We’ll explain how editing, like architecture, improves a document’s form and quality. While proofreading, like engineering, uses technical guides to provide structural integrity to your writing.
Remember that Seinfeld episode where George pretends to be an architect but describes what an engineer does? Civil engineers and architects seem to perform similar functions, but you would never send an architect to do an engineer’s job and vice versa, much like editing and proofreading.
Most people confuse editing and proofreading but knowing the difference has a significant impact on writing quality. Since they are very different processes that require different skills, you’ll benefit from understanding if your document needs to be edited or proofread (or both). Let’s look at each:
Editing is like architecture
Think of the editor as an architect: concerned with form, space and ambience. A good editor gets your written piece in the right shape, improving its overall quality. Aspects such as word choice, readability, flow and tone affect readers’ impressions of your writing, the ambience if you like. Editors rewrite your content based on these aspects to ensure it feels natural to read.
Both architects and editors are known for executing work in a particular style. So, it’s not uncommon to employ an editor to inject an expert’s perspective to your writing.
Proofreading is like engineering
Now, proofreading leans on the technical side to ensure an error-free result. Think of an engineer who follows precise mathematical and physics rules. Likewise, a proofreader sticks to specific rules of spelling, grammar and punctuation. Maths and Physics guidelines ensure structural integrity. The standards of English do the same for your written communications.
Proofreaders don’t usually rewrite your content. They apply language rules to what’s already on paper. It’s similar to how engineers don’t change a building’s design but use proven knowledge instead to ensure it doesn’t fall down.
Beautiful and durable structures no doubt had both an architect and engineer work on it. Your written piece is no different. The best results come from first editing the form and flow, and then proofreading for error-free content.
Renowned copywriter Eugene Schwartz once said, “You do not write copy, you assemble it.” When putting together the building blocks for your next document, edit like an architect to improve quality, then proofread like an engineer to ensure integrity.
About Victoria
Victoria believes that great communication has the power to change the world. She's passionate about helping organisations to lift their profiles, inspire action and achieve remarkable results by crafting and delivering their stories and messages in a clear, compelling and persuasive way. If you've got a question about how to produce high-quality communication plans or content, you can contact Victoria here or connect with her on LinkedIn.