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.
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.
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.
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.
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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