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.
Scientific and instructional writers generally have a specific area of expertise that makes them qualified to write on certain topics. Editors are also experts in their field. Most of them have advanced degrees in journalism, editing, and language. They are adept at looking over writing drafts and checking for form and accuracy. They correct punctuation, grammar, and improve murky phrasing. An editor will also proofread edited copy to make sure all changes are 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.
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.
Scientific and instructional writers generally have a specific area of expertise that makes them qualified to write on certain topics. Editors are also experts in their field. Most of them have advanced degrees in journalism, editing, and language. They are adept at looking over writing drafts and checking for form and accuracy. They correct punctuation, grammar, and improve murky phrasing. An editor will also proofread edited copy to make sure all changes are 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.
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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