Thursday 19 October 2017

The Difference Between Creative And Technical Editors

By Amy King


When it comes to writing and editing, there are often a number of different positions including entry level, junior and senior. When it comes to Technical Editors, most often these individuals are either ranked as junior or senior employees. These individuals often edit anything outside the creative area. For example those working in this position often edit computer, health and scientific materials.

Whereas most editing in the creative area is done by assistant or junior staff members. In some cases, writers also outsource editing jobs through a number of freelance websites. Whereas, while there are some technical editing positions available, these positions generally require the individual be on-site. For, the turn around on edits and revisions on the technical side is often quicker than on the creative side.

One thing that all of these individuals have in common is the need to have excellent English, grammar and language structure skills. For, regardless of the type of editing, one job requirement is to highlight anything a writer may have overlooked. As such, it is imperative that one also has the ability to communicate clearly when describing any errors or revisions which the editor feels are necessary to a book, journal entry or other project.

In each case, a project will generally have a specific set of guidelines. Individuals working as writers and editors are often required to follow these guidelines on an ongoing basis. Although, some guidelines may change based on requester, subject or location.

Editing of materials can include vetting factual content while checking on grammar, clarity and assuring the text is at a reading level equal to that of the audience. Generally, these individuals edit anything and everything other than news or fiction. As with most writing projects, there are often stringent deadlines which must be met throughout the life of a project.

Most often, editors review a variety of different documentation for accuracy in explaining various concepts, steps and procedures. Those working in a medical environment are going to need a great deal more knowledge related to medical terminology than those working in other fields. Whereas, those in the scientific and technical areas are generally going to see cross-over terminology on a regular basis.

A number of individuals have climbed up the corporate ladder by starting out in an entry level editing or writing position then growing into a junior or senior level one. IBM and other companies often hire individuals, then depending on the length of employment and success with various projects, then promote the individual to a junior or senior technical writing position. Most often, an individual will have to have seen a project from start-up to completion before a promotion can be granted.

Whether working in the medical, scientific or technical area, these positions require individuals who are self-sufficient. For, there are many companies which now allow individuals to work on-site at different times as long as one works the number of hours required per week while meeting deadlines. As such, individuals can often be alone in the office while working on a number of projects, thus the need for a strong sense of independence and self-control.




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