czwartek, 19 października 2017

What Technical Editors Do And Why It's Important

By Thomas Parker


Writers are more particular about their work than most. Since the process often comes hard to them, they tend to cherish the placement of each word. Technical writers can be even pickier because instead of creativity, they deal in concrete facts and data. It is not unusual to see one of them watch anxiously as technical editors go over their industry specific copy.

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.

One of the responsibilities of an editor is to consider the reader and what the reader wants from the document. This type of writing is informational in nature. Readers often skim the work in order to take from it the particular information they need. An editor is careful to make sure the document is structured in such way that it makes sense to the reader. An editor must ensure all necessary warnings and disclaimers are clearly defined.

Part of the responsibility the editor has to the publisher is to keep a project within a specific budget and meet agreed upon deadlines. Compliance with standards and practices is the editor's responsibility. They must be familiar with previously published works and ensure new editions are compatible.

If you love to read, write, and have a good grasp of language, editing might be something to consider as a career. You will need a college degree in a related field and learn, on the job, the most effective ways to work with writers. When you edit, you must have concrete reasons for it. Your writer might question your choices.

You must remember that you are the editor not the writer. Imposing your own style on a document is not part of your job. It is important when you are editing specialized writing that you don't change the meaning of what you are reading. Changes you make must be based on facts and research. You should never change something based on instinct. It is sometimes easier to send your revisions to the writer in sections rather than sending the entire edit at one time.

Effective communication is key to success, no matter what your career. You will work with difficult writers. When this happens, you must tread carefully, offering suggestions rather than demands. Writers love to be reassured of their talent. If you can communicate that you are attempting to improve something that is already great, the changes will go down easier.

Editors have an important function in the publishing world. They are not just there to make the writer's life difficult. Working together toward a common goal is the best way to succeed.




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