What does proofreading specifically focus on?

Proofreading specifically involves checking for surface-level errors in a written document. This process primarily focuses on identifying and correcting spelling errors, punctuation mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. While ensuring factual accuracy, revising content for clarity, and editing for grammar are all important components of the overall writing and editing process, they fall under more extensive stages like fact-checking or substantive editing. Proofreading is the final step, addressing the mechanics of writing to ensure the document is polished and free from simple mistakes that could distract the reader or undermine the author's credibility.