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.
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.
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 editing interests you as a career, in addition to a good education, you will have to learn how to communicate effectively with the writing community. You must have reasons for your editing choices in case the writer challenges you. If possible, you should be involved in a project at its inception. It is easier to defend hard decisions when everyone is familiar with the goals of a project and committed to achieving them.
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.
Communication is key when you are working with writers. Having a respectful attitude is critical. You will have more success if you make suggestions instead of demands and improvements rather than obvious changes. Works that are collaborative efforts are more likely to be successful than those that are handled with frustration and anger.
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.
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.
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 editing interests you as a career, in addition to a good education, you will have to learn how to communicate effectively with the writing community. You must have reasons for your editing choices in case the writer challenges you. If possible, you should be involved in a project at its inception. It is easier to defend hard decisions when everyone is familiar with the goals of a project and committed to achieving them.
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.
Communication is key when you are working with writers. Having a respectful attitude is critical. You will have more success if you make suggestions instead of demands and improvements rather than obvious changes. Works that are collaborative efforts are more likely to be successful than those that are handled with frustration and anger.
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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