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Tuesday, 24 October 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.

A specialist writer is often an expert in the field he or she writes on, but the editor is probably somewhat of an expert as well, In addition, the editor usually has a background in language, writing, or journalism. An editor is responsible for looking a writing drafts and scrutinizing them for accuracy and form. A work is edited to correct grammar, punctuation, and clarity. The editor will proofread after the initial editing to ensure all corrections have been 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.

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.

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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