Content editing is deep editing. Instead of working with details, content editing is more appropriate when a piece needs help in the organization of thoughts or events. This is done earlier in the editing process, before a copy edit.

A copy edit is a higher level of editing compared to a proofread. Copy editing includes correcting grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, consistency, word choice, and style—mechanical errors as well as typographical errors.

Proofreading is the final step before a piece is published. A proofreading includes correcting any typos, missed words, misspellings, and extreme grammatical errors, among other things. Consistent style is also checked for and corrected.