COPY EDITING
This step comes after both developmental and line editing, but before proofreading. It focuses on technical elements instead of stylistic ones. This detailed check of grammar, syntax, and spelling aims to ensure accuracy by catching errors, inconsistencies, omissions, and repetition.
PROOFREADING
This step comes after all the other editing stages are finished. It's the last chance to fine-tune the manuscript before formatting and publishing, one final look to catch and correct any sneaky little errors that slipped past the previous editing stages.
LINE EDITING
This step comes after any structural or big-picture issues have been resolved in developmental editing. This line-by-line edit focuses on style, consistency, and readability. It's a sentence-level edit designed to hone the content and flow of your prose.