Professional writers can be very particular when it comes to their work. Most choose their words carefully and deliberately. Technical writers are not necessarily creative. They tend to be experts in the specific fields they write about. A lot of these people, whose job it is to instruct and teach, get nervous when they see technical editors with their electronic blue pencils in hand.
Scientific and instructional writers generally have a specific area of expertise that makes them qualified to write on certain topics. Editors are also experts in their field. Most of them have advanced degrees in journalism, editing, and language. They are adept at looking over writing drafts and checking for form and accuracy. They correct punctuation, grammar, and improve murky phrasing. An editor will also proofread edited copy to make sure all changes are made.
The editor has to be an advocate for the reader. The written copy must be clear, concise and easy to understand. Since the writing is technical and detailed in nature, it must be structured in such a way that it makes sense to someone skimming through the document looking for particular information. It is very important that any warnings or disclaimers be clearing outlined in the body of the document or annotated in a professional manner.
There are some editors who are also publishers. Other times an editor works for a publisher. Either way, in addition to actually editing copy, an editor is also responsible to the publisher for keeping all projects on time and under or on budget. They have to work with everyone on the project to make sure deadlines are met. The editor have to be familiar with the company's standard practices and ensure all writing is compliant.
If you're interested in becoming a successful editor, you must learn how to work with all kinds of writers. You have to be prepared to defend your editing choices. It is easier to do this if you are involved in the process from the beginning. If everyone has a common goal, difficult decisions are easier to promote.
Inexperienced editors sometimes fall into the trap of rewriting instead of editing. It is not your job to impose your style on another. Working in the technical arena makes it especially important to avoid changing the meaning of a writer's words. If you decide it is important to make a significant change, you have to be prepared to back your decision up with facts and research, not instinct. It may be a nuisance, but many times it is more productive to send revisions to writers in sections instead of waiting to send the whole edited document.
A good editor is an effective communicator. Maintaining a respectful and courteous attitude goes a long way. Suggesting is better than demanding changes. Presenting your changes as improvements on good work can smooth the editing process. If everyone has the same goal and is working together to accomplish it, the disagreements can be kept in perspective.
Every writer needs a good editor, whether they believe it or not. The editor's job is to help not to hinder or frustrate. When the two work together to achieve a common goal, success is almost assured.
Scientific and instructional writers generally have a specific area of expertise that makes them qualified to write on certain topics. Editors are also experts in their field. Most of them have advanced degrees in journalism, editing, and language. They are adept at looking over writing drafts and checking for form and accuracy. They correct punctuation, grammar, and improve murky phrasing. An editor will also proofread edited copy to make sure all changes are made.
The editor has to be an advocate for the reader. The written copy must be clear, concise and easy to understand. Since the writing is technical and detailed in nature, it must be structured in such a way that it makes sense to someone skimming through the document looking for particular information. It is very important that any warnings or disclaimers be clearing outlined in the body of the document or annotated in a professional manner.
There are some editors who are also publishers. Other times an editor works for a publisher. Either way, in addition to actually editing copy, an editor is also responsible to the publisher for keeping all projects on time and under or on budget. They have to work with everyone on the project to make sure deadlines are met. The editor have to be familiar with the company's standard practices and ensure all writing is compliant.
If you're interested in becoming a successful editor, you must learn how to work with all kinds of writers. You have to be prepared to defend your editing choices. It is easier to do this if you are involved in the process from the beginning. If everyone has a common goal, difficult decisions are easier to promote.
Inexperienced editors sometimes fall into the trap of rewriting instead of editing. It is not your job to impose your style on another. Working in the technical arena makes it especially important to avoid changing the meaning of a writer's words. If you decide it is important to make a significant change, you have to be prepared to back your decision up with facts and research, not instinct. It may be a nuisance, but many times it is more productive to send revisions to writers in sections instead of waiting to send the whole edited document.
A good editor is an effective communicator. Maintaining a respectful and courteous attitude goes a long way. Suggesting is better than demanding changes. Presenting your changes as improvements on good work can smooth the editing process. If everyone has the same goal and is working together to accomplish it, the disagreements can be kept in perspective.
Every writer needs a good editor, whether they believe it or not. The editor's job is to help not to hinder or frustrate. When the two work together to achieve a common goal, success is almost assured.
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