Student Guide

Proofreading vs Editing for UK Students

Understanding the key differences between proofreading and editing services. Choose the right option for your academic needs and budget.

Proofreading

Surface-level corrections

£8-£18 per 1000 words

Editing

Comprehensive improvements

£18-£35 per 1000 words

Service Comparison

Detailed breakdown of what each service includes

Proofreading

Surface-level corrections focusing on technical accuracy

What's Included

Spelling corrections
Grammar fixes
Punctuation errors
Basic formatting consistency
Typo identification
Minor word choice improvements

Not Included

Structural changes
Content reorganisation
Style improvements
Argument development
Research suggestions
Time Required:

1-3 hours per 1000 words

Typical Cost:

£8-£18 per 1000 words

Best For:
  • Well-written documents with minor errors
  • Final review before submission
  • Documents with good structure and content
  • When you're confident in your writing quality

Editing

Comprehensive improvement of writing quality and effectiveness

What's Included

All proofreading services
Sentence restructuring
Paragraph organisation
Clarity improvements
Flow and coherence
Style consistency
Argument strengthening
Word choice refinement

Not Included

Content creation
Research writing
Factual verification
Substantial rewriting
Change of argument or thesis
Time Required:

3-6 hours per 1000 words

Typical Cost:

£18-£35 per 1000 words

Best For:
  • First or second drafts
  • Documents needing clarity improvements
  • Complex or technical writing
  • When you want to improve writing quality

Which Service Do You Need?

Common scenarios to help you choose the right service

Scenario:

Your essay is well-written but you want to catch any typos

Proofreading

Why:

You need surface-level error correction only

Scenario:

You've finished your first draft and know it needs work

Editing

Why:

First drafts typically need structural and clarity improvements

Scenario:

English isn't your first language

Editing

Why:

Non-native speakers often benefit from comprehensive language improvements

Scenario:

You're confident in your writing but rushed the final check

Proofreading

Why:

Quick review for technical errors is sufficient

Scenario:

Your tutor said your ideas are good but writing is unclear

Editing

Why:

Clarity issues require comprehensive editing, not just proofreading

Scenario:

You have 24 hours before deadline and limited budget

Proofreading

Why:

Faster and more affordable option for urgent needs

Other Service Options

Additional services that combine elements of both proofreading and editing

Copy Editing

Medium-level editing focusing on language and style

Grammar and spelling
Sentence structure
Basic clarity improvements
£15-£25 per 1000 words

Substantive Editing

Heavy editing including content and structure review

All copy editing
Argument analysis
Structure recommendations
£25-£40 per 1000 words

Developmental Editing

Comprehensive review of content, structure, and approach

All substantive editing
Research suggestions
Major restructuring
£40-£60 per 1000 words

UK Student Considerations

Important factors for UK university students

Academic Standards

UK universities expect specific writing standards

British English spelling and grammar
Formal academic tone
Proper referencing (Harvard, OSCOLA, etc.)
Critical analysis over descriptive writing

Assignment Types

Different assignments need different service levels

Essays: Usually need editing for first drafts
Dissertations: Comprehensive editing recommended
Lab reports: Often just need proofreading
Literature reviews: Typically need editing for flow

Academic Integrity

UK universities have strict policies on academic support

Proofreading is widely accepted
Editing should not change your arguments
Always check your university's policy
Keep original copies of your work

Still Not Sure Which Service You Need?

Get a free consultation to determine the best service for your needs

Proofreading vs Editing for Students UK | What's the Difference?