I specialize in academic writing but am comfortable proofreading and editing all forms of writing.
Proofreading involves checking and correcting spelling, grammar, and obvious errors. It includes language checking, reviewing and light editing. During the proofreading grammar, syntax, spelling, punctuation, consistency, and fluency are checked. Long sentences are shortened and references are examined. Proofreading alone is both quicker and cheaper than editing.
Editing extends beyond proofreading with the aim of structuring the copy in the best way. The goal is to present what the writer is saying in a clear, logical, and consistent manner. For academic papers, the structure of the writing is reviewed for academic clarity. There are multiple levels of editing ranging from suggesting changes to the restructuring of the document (deep-editing).
Documents are processed using review mode which allows the writer to accept or reject suggested changes. At each stage, the writer is in control.