EDITING & REVISION vs PROOFREADING: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? |
When we refer to proofreading, we mean both copy editing and proofreading. We are aware that it's common for the proofreading and copy editing functions to be confused or thought of as one and the same. We do understand the difference between the two functions and we have ample experience performing both of them.
In our role as what we regard as proofreading, we actually review material and identify problems. This is usually done when we are reviewing content in pre-press format (typically .pdf files). In effect, we treat the .pdf file as a what is known as a galley in the publishing business; we work on the assumption that our recommended corrections are the last to occur before the material goes to press or is posted online. We don't actually make the changes; we simply flag the errors with highlighting and comments.
We are often asked to do this type of work after material we have translated (and copy edited) has been prepared for publication.
Our copy editing work (which we regularly refer to as proofreading - just to confuse things a bit) is most often performed on material that we have translated. We tell our clients that the work of our translators goes through a round of proofreading before it's submitted as being final. In this process we often flag errors that we have identified in the source-text (errors related to spelling, cryptic meaning, poor phraseology, date mistakes, etc.). Our work is a combination of copy editing and proofreading. It's applied primarily to the translated material but is done in conjunction with a review and understanding of the source-text as circumstances dictate. It's part and parcel of our quality control process.
When clients approach us to review or revise source-text material (i.e. text that is being readied for translation), then our service is one that comes closer to true copy editing. Our focus shifts to language style, grammar, spelling, punctuation and formatting. We also look for inaccuracies. Generally, we apply the "five Cs" of copy editing — namely, making the copy clear, correct, concise, complete and consistent. In copy editing parlance we try to make the text say what it means, and mean what it says.
We are also often asked to review material that has been translated by another party. This is akin to copy editing, but we consider it more as a revision process since we are, in effect, reviewing and revising someone else's translation work.
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CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS |
Whatever the nature of the documentation or the language
pair involved, we can assist you in determining what the specific nature of your requirements are. We have specific expertise in sourcing the appropriate translator
resource, securing applicable certification and/or notarization (if, where and when required), and doing so in a timely, cost-effective manner. |
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