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Why copy-edit? (also known as "Doing what spellchecker can not do")
To make sure that the words are correct and in the right place, and are saying exactly what you want them to say, as well as:
- differentiating between words that have different forms (for example, complement and compliment; principal and principle)
- watching out for transposed or missing letters (for example, form instead of from; though instead of through)
- removing badly-behaved apostrophes from where they shouldn't be, and putting them where they should be (such as in not using client's, when you really mean clients').
Why proofread?
For a final check before going to print, or site release, to eliminate unintended typographical errors.
What type of material? (you may have other needs)
- client communications
- publicity, advertising, promotion material, leaflets and brochures, in-house announcements
- operating and training procedures, guides and manuals
- function processes, technical material
- business plans, reports and investment proposals
- books and journals
- web page content and on-screen material.
Rules, or clarity?
It is more important to use words that make your meaning clear, and to create sentences that flow smoothly and help the reader along, than to slavishly follow arbitrary rules dating from the late 18th century.
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