Many writers are very proprietorial about their work. They believe every word they write down has a purpose and can't be removed or reworked. This can be especially true with technical writers. They are not meant to be creative. Their job is to instruct and teach. Sometimes, when they see a technical editors going over their work they cringe believing they are experts in their respective fields.
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.
There are some editors who are also publishers. Other times an editor works for a publisher. Either way, in addition to actually editing copy, an editor is also responsible to the publisher for keeping all projects on time and under or on budget. They have to work with everyone on the project to make sure deadlines are met. The editor have to be familiar with the company's standard practices and ensure all writing is compliant.
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.
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.
Communication is key when you are working with writers. Having a respectful attitude is critical. You will have more success if you make suggestions instead of demands and improvements rather than obvious changes. Works that are collaborative efforts are more likely to be successful than those that are handled with frustration and anger.
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.
There are some editors who are also publishers. Other times an editor works for a publisher. Either way, in addition to actually editing copy, an editor is also responsible to the publisher for keeping all projects on time and under or on budget. They have to work with everyone on the project to make sure deadlines are met. The editor have to be familiar with the company's standard practices and ensure all writing is compliant.
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.
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.
Communication is key when you are working with writers. Having a respectful attitude is critical. You will have more success if you make suggestions instead of demands and improvements rather than obvious changes. Works that are collaborative efforts are more likely to be successful than those that are handled with frustration and anger.
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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