Blog · February 28, 2026 · 5 min read
ESL proofreading vs editing: which service to choose
Target keyword: ESL proofreading vs editing · Search intent: commercial
Most non-native authors over-buy editing or under-buy proofreading. Here's the honest middle path.
Pick proofreading when
Your draft already reads fluently. You want a final polish, not a rewrite. The structure works and you stand by every paragraph.
Pick editing when
Sentences feel awkward. Tense shifts mid-paragraph. Academic register is uneven. You want native-speaker rhythm without losing your voice.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a sample first?
Yes. We'll edit a paragraph for free so you can compare.
Is ESL editing more expensive than standard?
Slightly — the work is deeper. We quote per document so you see the exact price.
Get the right depth — not over- or under-edited
Send your file and a senior editor recommends the right service honestly.
ESL proofreading for non-native authors →Continue reading
- Academic English tips for ESL researchers and students
Twelve high-leverage academic English habits for non-native authors writing for UK universities and international journals.
- Twenty academic English mistakes ESL writers make most often
The twenty recurring academic English mistakes our ESL editors fix most often — articles, tense, register, hedging and more.
- Writing a dissertation in English as a second language: a survival guide
A practical plan for non-native English speakers writing a UK dissertation — from drafting strategy to editor handoff.