Line editing addresses the way language is used to reach the reader. Here, the editor addresses writing style, creative content, and language use at the sentence (line) level. The text is examined for tone, voice, order, length, flow, biased language, wordiness, jargon, and awkward phrasing. Line editing is typically separate from copyediting, but these services can be combined upon request.

The three Cs of copyediting are clarity, consistency, and completeness. This stage in the editing process includes correcting errors in grammar, spelling, usage, and punctuation; ensuring consistency of capitalization, spelling, numerals, and hyphenation; maintaining brand compliance; checking for continuity errors; completing basic fact-checking; and addressing repetition, confusing phrases, and wordiness.

Proofreading is the last review of fully laid-out and formatted text and visuals prior to publication. Content is not substantially changed during this step. Instead, this is where the proofreader skims the text for typos and punctuation errors; spots issues with layout and formatting; checks for formatting errors with headings, font styles, tables and figures; reviews hyperlinks; and corrects grievous errors.