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.
Writers of scientific copy are often experts in the fields they write about. An editor has areas of expertise as well. Most have bachelor's degrees or higher in language, journalism and writing. It is the function of an editor to read first drafts of documents and correct punctuation, grammar, and improve clarity. They improve form and question possible inaccuracies. After the initial edit, the editor re-reads the copy to make sure all the corrections were understood and are in place.
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.
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'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.
You might be a great writer, but rewriting another's copy to suit your own style is not your function as an editor. You have to take care not to change the meaning of technical copy. If you feel strongly about a change, base it on facts and research, not instinct. Relaying changes to writers in sections is often more efficient than sending the whole manuscript marked up.
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.
Good editors serve important functions. They do not exist just to destroy the work of talented writers. When editors and writers collaborate, good things can happen.
Writers of scientific copy are often experts in the fields they write about. An editor has areas of expertise as well. Most have bachelor's degrees or higher in language, journalism and writing. It is the function of an editor to read first drafts of documents and correct punctuation, grammar, and improve clarity. They improve form and question possible inaccuracies. After the initial edit, the editor re-reads the copy to make sure all the corrections were understood and are in place.
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.
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'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.
You might be a great writer, but rewriting another's copy to suit your own style is not your function as an editor. You have to take care not to change the meaning of technical copy. If you feel strongly about a change, base it on facts and research, not instinct. Relaying changes to writers in sections is often more efficient than sending the whole manuscript marked up.
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.
Good editors serve important functions. They do not exist just to destroy the work of talented writers. When editors and writers collaborate, good things can happen.
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