Proofreading
• Comparing the latest stage of text with the preceding stage, marking discrepancies in text, and, when appropriate, checking for problems in page makeup, layout, color separation, or type.
• Checking proof against typesetting specifications
• Querying or correcting errors or inconsistencies that may have escaped an editor or writer
• Reading for typographical errors or for sense without reading against copy
• Verifying links in online publications

Copyediting – Basic
• Correcting spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage while preserving the meaning and voice of the original text
• Checking for and imposing a consistent style and format
• Reading for overall clarity and sense on behalf of the prospective audience
• Querying the appropriate party about apparent errors or inconsistencies
• Noting permissions needed to publish copyright material
• Preparing a manuscript for the next stage of the publication process
• Cross-checking references, art, figures, tables, equations, and other features for consistency with their mentions in the text

Copyediting – Heavy
• All of the above
• Fact Checking - Verifying the accuracy of content. The scope and specific tasks involved vary depending on the type of publication
• Evaluating a Manuscript – reading and reviewing an unpublished manuscript and preparing a written report about the work that addresses the client’s specific concerns, such as competition, audience, and timeliness of topic

Developmental Editing
• Working with the client and, usually, the author of a book or other document to develop a manuscript from initial concept, outline, or draft (or some combination of the three) through any number of subsequent drafts
• Making suggesting about content, organization, and presentation, based on analysis of competing works, comments of expert reviewers, the client’s market analysis, and other appropriate references
• Rewriting, writing, and researching, as needed, and sometimes suggesting topics or providing information about topics for consideration of authors and client

Researching
• Gathering and verifying information to develop all or part of a publication

Rewriting
• Adding original material to a draft
• Deleting material
• Reorganizing material
• Collaborating with other editors
• Producing another draft

Substantive Editing
• Improving a manuscript in any or all of the following ways:
• Identifying and solving problems of overall clarity or accuracy
• Reorganizing paragraphs, sections, or chapters to improve the order in which the text is presented
• Writing or rewriting segments of text to improve readability and flow of information
• Revising any or all aspects of the text to improve its presentation
• Consulting with others about issues of concern
• Incorporating responses to queries and suggestions and creating a new draft of the document

Translating
• Rendering a work from one language to another while preserving the original meaning, tone, and style as much as possible

Writing
• Producing an original document from notes, outline, research, interviews, experience, or general guidelines.

Writing – Abstracting
• Writing a succinct summary or synopsis of a work, often for an academic publication or professional journal. The length, style, and amount of detail in an abstract vary depending on its intended use.