Substantive, or developmental, editing makes sure text is logically presented and legible. Substantive editing may introduce structural reorganization so text is more meaningful to the reader and presents the author's ideas clearly.

• Clarifies and/or reorganizes text for internal structure.
• Streamlines content to ensure clarity of ideas.
• Modifies language to ensure consistent presentation or eliminate jargon.
• Verifies all sections of the document are included (e.g., title page, dedication, table of contents, chapter headings, bibliography, index, etc.)
• Suggests changes to the author.

Copy editing takes care of the 5 Cs: making text clear, correct, concise, comprehensible, and consistent. Essentially, copy editing prepares a document for formatting and printing.

• Checks text for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency of style.
• Verifies the appearance and numbering of tables and figures.
• Reviews footnotes, references, and bibliographies for accuracy and sequence.
• Queries author(s) regarding inconsistencies or clarifications required.
• May include Canadianizing, providing or changing system of citations, and preparing captions.

Proofreading is typically the final check of page proofs prior to publication.

• Reviews text for errors in type, layout, design, and style.
• Ensures consistency of format.
• Verifies the appearance of tables, bibliographies, indices, etc.

Fact checking ensures the statements made in the text are correct and atrributed to verifiable sources.

• Checks accuracy of facts, quotes, citations, or references appearing in text.
• Ensures captions for figures, images, etc. are correct.
• May include researching original sources.

Indexing assembles key words and phrases from the document into an easy reference for the reader.

• Identifies and alphabetizes key words and phrases.
• Cross-references key words and phrases with correct, final page numbers of the document.
• Prepares subheadings for key words and phrases where applicable.

• Preparing bids and bid templates for private and government procurement process (e.g., requests for proposals, requests for information, expressions of interests, etc.).
• Developing in-house style guides.
• Creating manuals, guidelines, and other documentation of procedures.
• Editing computer coding, markup languages, and database entries.
• Editing information decks in PowerPoint and other electronic media.
• Researching information required for publications.