Proofreading / Editing

 

What’s the difference between proofreading and editing?

 

Proofreading

Proofreading is reading to check the content and the form of a translation.

 

The content is the accuracy of the translation: have the message and all its nuances been rendered properly and with the correct terminology for your field of activity?
The form is the correct grammar and spelling of the text in French as well as the right register of language. Proofreading is therefore always based on a source document in a foreign language (German or English).

 

 

Example: Some new paragraphs have been added to your previous year’s leaflet and have been translated in-house by a colleague. To ensure a complete, flawless transcription and an identical tone in French, the choice to make is proofreading!

 

Editing

Editing is reading just to check the form.

 

Only the French text is checked for its correct syntax, spelling and grammar.  If need be, punctuation and style are also improved. Editing is just checking a text whose contents have already been approved by the client.

 

 

Example: You are a rapidly growing German Company, already present on the Swiss and Belgian markets, and you want to launch your products in France. You already have advertising media in French. Your message in French varies slightly from one French market to another. You just need editing to adapt the text in French for France.