Many people use “copyediting” and “proofreading” interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Here’s how to know which one you actually need.

Every writer wants their book to be the best it can be before sending it into the world, whether that’s through self-publishing, querying agents, or submitting to publishers. Two crucial steps in this process are beta reading and editing—but while they may seem similar, they serve distinct purposes. Understanding the differences between them can help you make the most of both.