When materials are meant to be published, the functional value of the target text is often more important than staying true to the original. Correct language use and an appropriate style that makes a text engaging to read also play a vital role.

Clients who find these aspects of the target text particularly important can take advantage of our editing service.

Editing is an additional service that consists in checking the target text without reference to the source text in order to make sure it is fit for its purpose. There are two main types of editing:

– substantive, conducted by a specialist in a given area;

– linguistic, e.g. when elements of copywriting are required, and the text is intended for marketing purposes.

Editing is commonly confused with proofreading, so it might be useful to explain the difference between the two services in terms of their scope and the competencies required. The most important difference is that a proofreader has access to the source text and preserves its style and phraseology to the extent possible when making any linguistic corrections.

Editing, on the other hand, is carried out without reference to the source text, and therefore may also involve interference with the logic of the text, if it is flawed. A good editor will pay attention to the logical consistency of the text, factual correctness of the information it contains, as well as appropriate terminology and any awkward expressions that might interfere with the understanding of the text and affect its suitability for the purpose intended by the author. Accordingly, the service requires not only the knowledge of the rules of correct language use and sensitivity to style, which are also necessary for proofreading, but also the ability to increase the substantive and functional value of a text intended for publication.