The proofreading pass is typically performed during the final stage of a project, when content has been approved and copyedit changes have been incorporated. A final proofreading pass is also recommended when new content has been added based on the previous edit pass.

As part of this pass, the client can also request additional tasks, such as reviewing for legal concerns, checking for conformance to any particular style rules or style guide (such as AP), or flagging of obvious lapses in logic and clarity. Grammatical errors have normally been caught in a previous edit pass. This level of edit usually takes between 50% and 75% as long as a copyedit of the same material.

I have proofed many types of marketing communications as my sole editorial assignment. Clients also have me conduct a final proofreading pass on most of my copyedit projects.

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A standard copyediting pass includes proofreading plus conformance to a client's style guide, queries about possible missing information and awkward language, and suggestions for repairing major logical, technical, and style problems.

A copyedit is usually sufficient for short or straightforward text, and material that has already been reviewed internally by client staff. For longer material, a final proofreading pass is usually essential as well. The copyediting pass is performed at the middle or late stage of a project.

While I am copyediting a given assignment, occasionally the material appears to require a substantive edit: a deeper edit than the client originally specified. In such cases I immediately alert the client and provide examples of the issues I see, so the client can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

I have copyedited a wide variety of projects: instructional materials, websites, marketing collateral, technical and nontechnical white papers, software user interfaces, online help systems, user and reference guides, newsletters, medical product inserts, and indexes.

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By suggesting revisions to improve flow, tone, inconsistencies, confusing passages, and lapses in logic and format, I strive to bring out the author's full intent within the draft.

A substantive editing pass is typically requested for materials that contribute high value to the client's business, such as an essential training course or an organization's primary brochure. It is usually performed at an early or middle stage of a project, and can take between 50% and 100% longer than a copyedit of the same material.

When resources permit, I encourage a copyedit pass for these projects as well, because often a significant amount of change is identified in the substantive pass.

A few of my past substantive projects were online training materials for Autodesk, USAA, and Weyerhaeuser; both online help and the user interface for three releases of Microsoft Publisher; and all aspects of the new Amazon Marketing Services web offering. For several substantive projects I have also been project manager, responsible for quality assurance and project scheduling for multiple documents and editors.

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