Thursday, October 19, 2017

Differences Between Creative And Technical Editors

By Amy King


Most people read books, magazine articles and short stories which have been written by creative writers. When it comes to these publications, most often the writer and editor are the same. Although, some of the most prolific authors have been known to hire editors to assure a book or manuscript relays an important message. Whereas, the job of Technical Editors is to do the same only in publications related to the medical, scientific and technical communities and employees.

Areas in which these individuals work often include anything and everything outside the creative field. For example, while an individual might work in the medical, scientific or technical field, others might work for firms and organizations related to drones and space travel. As such, the field is quite varied when it comes to the different types of projects on which an individual might work.

It is essential that those working in this position have a great deal of knowledge related to specific topics. For, the individual needs the ability to identify errors related to grammar and language structure while following specific style guidelines. As topics can vary over the course of employment, the ability to learn and adapt easily to change is also a requirement.

In most cases, each entity whether a hospital, scientific journal or technology company is going to have a set of guidelines which these individuals follow on a regular basis. While this is the case, these guidelines can vary based on location and whether or not an individual is working in or outside the United States.

Materials which these individuals edit include documents, specifications, drawings and user guides. In some cases, editors contribute to the design and development of technical materials when requested. One of the most important thing a tech editor checks is the reading level of the audience. For, grade levels can vary depending on the scope and purpose of a project.

Anyone working in this position needs to have the ability to explain complication concepts, software and hardware in a clear and concise manner. In some cases, individuals will be working from hard to understand technical data while attempting to translate the meaning to an eight grade reading level. Whereas, in others individuals may be given a piece of hardware and asked to define the object in writing, or to define the steps necessary to complete a software installation or upgrade.

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.

Regardless of the type field in which one works, it is important that individuals are self-sufficient. For, in most junior and senior level positions related to writing, individuals are often allowed to work independently as long as one works the number of hours required per day, per week or per project. As such, self-control, dedication and independence are integral in achieving success.




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