Editing services

The different types of editing

Explore the various types of editing and related services to determine what your project requires.

  • Developmental editing includes:

    • identifying the purpose and application of the document

    • a structural review to ensure the information is complete, relevant, logically arranged and fit for purpose

    • language and style editing for appropriate, clear, consistent and correct expression

    • ensuring presentation is effective, accurate and correctly referenced.

    Developmental editing is also called substantive editing or structural editing. It is appropriate for:

    • early drafts

    • complex documents

    • documents that incorporate contributions from multiple authors

    • content substantially generated by AI.

  • Copyediting includes:

    • editing for correct grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation and clarity

    • ensuring consistent use of language, punctuation, citations and layout

    • checking accuracy of dates, numbers, quotations and links

    • checking accuracy of cross-references

    • conforming to a style sheet.

    Copyediting is appropriate for:

    • developed drafts

    • developed drafts of complex or multi-authored documents

    • content that has been created with AI assistance.

  • Citation validation and formatting includes:

    • checking accuracy of citations and references

    • applying consistent formatting in the required referencing style

    • producing a final reference list.

    Citation validation and formatting is appropriate for any document that contains citations and a reference list.

  • Document formatting involves applying Microsoft Word styles (rather than explicit styling) consistently throughout the document.

    Document formatting is appropriate for:

    • complex documents

    • documents that incorporate figures and tables

    • documents that incorporate contributions from multiple authors

    • public-facing documents

    • documents that will be designed using desktop publishing software

    • documents where an accessible version of the content is required.

  • Microsoft Word template development involves creating a new Word template (.dotx file) with an appropriate layout and built-in style set for formatting text and other content. The layout may be based on an existing design style guide, specific design concepts or a pre-existing Red Pony framework, depending on the complexity of the requirement.

    Microsoft Word template development is appropriate for:

    • projects where there is no suitable existing Microsoft Word template

    • documents to be published directly from Microsoft Word (either as a .docx or .pdf file)

    • documents where an accessible version of the content is required.

  • Proofreading includes:

    • verifying the document is complete and accurate

    • checking for punctuation and spelling errors

    • ensuring consistent and correct terminology, headings, page numbers and layout

    • ensuring appropriate formatting.

    Proofreading is appropriate for:

    • edited documents

    • final drafts

    • documents or content that has been formatted for publication.

  • Indexing involves creating a cross-referenced alphabetised list of terms.

    Indexing is appropriate for long, complex documents.

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