Academic editing is editing tailored for academic documents that involves the use of referencing systems, style guides and careful use of a particular style of language. Editing for academic documents takes account of these factors and should exercise extreme caution with any subtle changes to sense, sentence structure and argumentation.

Copyediting is the process of perfecting the language and style of a document, working word by word and line by line through the text. While sharing similarities with proofreading, in correcting errors of syntax, grammar and spelling, copyediting  has a more macro, stylistic perspective on a text and can enhance writing style very effectively.

Proofreading is one of the final stages of checking the language of a document and checks for any errors of spelling, grammar, punctuation, typos, and general errors in a text. Generally, proofreading occurs after copyediting which is a more substantial edit of a text.

Developmental editing provides feedback on the overall structure and argument of a manuscript/text. It focuses on a more macro perspective and on issues such as narrative style, cohesion, chapter structure, overall architecture  and general readability. It can also help with smaller details such as obvious errors within the text but this is not the main focus.

Research mentorship provides one on one support through verbal or written consultation on a research project. Mentorship is a process through which the mentor provides a space for learning based on their own experience and expertise. It can be very valuable in thinking through ideas and gaining confidence in a research project.