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Subject:Re: Proofreader vs. TE/ TW From:Fabien Vais <phantoms -at- POP -dot- TOTAL -dot- NET> Date:Fri, 22 May 1998 15:38:21 -0400
There is a definite difference between a technical editor and a proofreader,
as many people on this list will no doubt let you know. Basically,
proofreading is a "subset" of technical editing, just one of the many things
a good editor will do with a document. Proofreading finds typos, missing
words, double words, and basic formatting (page numbers in wrong order,
illustrations missing, bad page breaks, etc.).
Editing will check for the style, the tone, consistency, text flow, and will
try to ENHANCE the text, to make it more clear. A proofreader must NEVER try
to rewrite any part of the text. An editor might recommend that portions of
the text be switched around, to add to the clarity (never a proofreader...),
or suggest converting data within a paragraph into a table (never a
prrofreader...).
Hope this helped.
Fabien Vais
phantoms -at- total -dot- net
At 02:12 PM 5/22/98 -0400, you wrote:
>Since my last post "Proofreading Everything Under the Sun-- A TWs
>responsibility?", I have received some very helpful suggestions. Thank you
>to all those who took a moment out of their days to respond.
>
>Some suggested hiring a proofreader, some suggested a Technical Editor.
>Now, two questions remain:
>
>What is the difference between a technical editor and a proofreader?
>And what abilities do you think TWs have that proofreaders do not?
>
>
>
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