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.
A specialist writer is often an expert in the field he or she writes on, but the editor is probably somewhat of an expert as well, In addition, the editor usually has a background in language, writing, or journalism. An editor is responsible for looking a writing drafts and scrutinizing them for accuracy and form. A work is edited to correct grammar, punctuation, and clarity. The editor will proofread after the initial editing to ensure all corrections have been made.
An editor has to think like the people who will read the documents they are editing. These individuals are reading for information rather than pleasure. An editor must make sure the document is structured correctly and in such a way that the reader can easily find specific topics or areas of instruction. Any warnings or disclaimers have to be clearly defined for the reader.
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 editing interests you as a career, in addition to a good education, you will have to learn how to communicate effectively with the writing community. You must have reasons for your editing choices in case the writer challenges you. If possible, you should be involved in a project at its inception. It is easier to defend hard decisions when everyone is familiar with the goals of a project and committed to achieving them.
You must remember that you are the editor not the writer. Imposing your own style on a document is not part of your job. It is important when you are editing specialized writing that you don't change the meaning of what you are reading. Changes you make must be based on facts and research. You should never change something based on instinct. It is sometimes easier to send your revisions to the writer in sections rather than sending the entire edit at one time.
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.
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.
A specialist writer is often an expert in the field he or she writes on, but the editor is probably somewhat of an expert as well, In addition, the editor usually has a background in language, writing, or journalism. An editor is responsible for looking a writing drafts and scrutinizing them for accuracy and form. A work is edited to correct grammar, punctuation, and clarity. The editor will proofread after the initial editing to ensure all corrections have been made.
An editor has to think like the people who will read the documents they are editing. These individuals are reading for information rather than pleasure. An editor must make sure the document is structured correctly and in such a way that the reader can easily find specific topics or areas of instruction. Any warnings or disclaimers have to be clearly defined for the reader.
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 editing interests you as a career, in addition to a good education, you will have to learn how to communicate effectively with the writing community. You must have reasons for your editing choices in case the writer challenges you. If possible, you should be involved in a project at its inception. It is easier to defend hard decisions when everyone is familiar with the goals of a project and committed to achieving them.
You must remember that you are the editor not the writer. Imposing your own style on a document is not part of your job. It is important when you are editing specialized writing that you don't change the meaning of what you are reading. Changes you make must be based on facts and research. You should never change something based on instinct. It is sometimes easier to send your revisions to the writer in sections rather than sending the entire edit at one time.
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.
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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