When we’re asked by a client for a quotation for a translation, we usually estimate either two or three steps to complete the project. The most common combinations are –

Translation and editing; or

Translation, editing and proofreading. Depending on your own preference, you may call this copy-editing, reviewing, or stylistic editing.

The Difference Between Editing and Proof-Reading

In this article we’ll take a look at proofreading. The first thing to point out here is that many translators (and indeed agencies are well) prefer not to use this term, while there are others who dislike the term editing and prefer to use the term review. The other point to make is that neither linguists nor agencies are able to agree on what this step actually entails.

It does seem, though, that the difference between editing and proofreading is that editing (or reviewing) is as the name implies – it’s the revision or editing of the translation or target text, comparing it with the source or the text in the original language. By this we mean that we are focusing on improving the translation, comparing the information, and adding any details as deemed appropriate. This step requires more time and is more demanding than proofreading, because it’s more intensive and does involve a thorough analysis of the translated text.

Proofreading is Mainly About Style

On the other hand, proofreading (or stylistic editing) is when the target text is reviewed with regard to the translated and edited text without applying any major changes. Proofreading focuses mainly on style; meaning capitalization, spelling, punctuation, basic style, and so on – and this is the final step before delivery.

This issue may be caused by specific working styles, because many agencies (particularly in Europe) prefer translation and review, while in the Americas the preferred process for translation projects is translation and editing. Maybe the ‘review’ stage is considered a mix of what we consider to be the steps of editing and proofreading; but what we do know is that these stages are extremely important when it comes to producing high-quality translations.