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.
Sometimes editors are also publishers, and other times they work directly for publishers. It is part of an editor's job to be responsible for meeting deadlines and keeping projects within prescribed budgets. They have to comply with all standards and practices. They also have to make certain documents being published are compatible with previous materials.
If you love to read, write, and have a good grasp of language, editing might be something to consider as a career. You will need a college degree in a related field and learn, on the job, the most effective ways to work with writers. When you edit, you must have concrete reasons for it. Your writer might question your choices.
Inexperienced editors sometimes fall into the trap of rewriting instead of editing. It is not your job to impose your style on another. Working in the technical arena makes it especially important to avoid changing the meaning of a writer's words. If you decide it is important to make a significant change, you have to be prepared to back your decision up with facts and research, not instinct. It may be a nuisance, but many times it is more productive to send revisions to writers in sections instead of waiting to send the whole edited document.
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.
Editors have an important function in the publishing world. They are not just there to make the writer's life difficult. Working together toward a common goal is the best way to succeed.
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.
Sometimes editors are also publishers, and other times they work directly for publishers. It is part of an editor's job to be responsible for meeting deadlines and keeping projects within prescribed budgets. They have to comply with all standards and practices. They also have to make certain documents being published are compatible with previous materials.
If you love to read, write, and have a good grasp of language, editing might be something to consider as a career. You will need a college degree in a related field and learn, on the job, the most effective ways to work with writers. When you edit, you must have concrete reasons for it. Your writer might question your choices.
Inexperienced editors sometimes fall into the trap of rewriting instead of editing. It is not your job to impose your style on another. Working in the technical arena makes it especially important to avoid changing the meaning of a writer's words. If you decide it is important to make a significant change, you have to be prepared to back your decision up with facts and research, not instinct. It may be a nuisance, but many times it is more productive to send revisions to writers in sections instead of waiting to send the whole edited document.
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.
Editors have an important function in the publishing world. They are not just there to make the writer's life difficult. Working together toward a common goal is the best way to succeed.
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