If you want a book about a specialist subject, you need to choose a writing and editorial team that can offer more than just a way with words. Someone who normally writes fiction may not have the knowledge or indeed the specific skills to get a technical message across. This is why knowing what to look for in an engineering technical writer and editor is essential if you want to produce books in this subject area.
Many people think that technical writers and editors should be qualified specialists in the subject they're writing about. However, this isn't always the case. While it's certainly ideal to have an engineer writing or editing your book, it's more important to choose someone who can write and edit well, even if they know nothing about engineering.
One reason why engineers don't automatically make a good choice is that they may assume that their readers will already understand the concepts in the text. However, someone new to the field may not always know what certain terms mean. People with a background in writing and editing know this and will ensure that they explain every concept in a way that is easy to understand.
Great technical writers and editors have excellent research skills. In fact, they like doing research and learning new things. They won't just take everything at face value but will think deeper about the facts to ensure that they really understand the subject before trying to find ways of explaining it to the reader.
Of course your team needs to have excellent language skills. While it's not essential for the author to have perfect spelling and grammar, it will certainly help. It will make the editor's job much easier, so that the project can be completed within a shorter time frame.
With a highly specialized text such as one aimed at engineers, quality control is essential. Someone needs to check not only that the right materials are mentioned but also the right measurements and calculations. After all, if someone were to try and construct something while using text full of mistakes, the construction would collapse. Therefore, once the text has been edited, it's a good idea to send it to a group of engineers to review.
If you don't already have access to a database of language practitioners who can be members of your team, one good route to go is to advertise the job on a freelancing website. Then, check the backgrounds of the different applicants to see whether they have the experience and expertise you need. Also go through the feedback each candidate has received from previous employers. You may also ask for a short writing or editing sample before making your final choice.
Also remember that professional language practitioners won't work for rates that are far below average. Therefore, ensure that your budget allows for market-related remuneration. Be realistic about the time frame in which to complete the project too. Taking a little more time will produce a better end product.
Many people think that technical writers and editors should be qualified specialists in the subject they're writing about. However, this isn't always the case. While it's certainly ideal to have an engineer writing or editing your book, it's more important to choose someone who can write and edit well, even if they know nothing about engineering.
One reason why engineers don't automatically make a good choice is that they may assume that their readers will already understand the concepts in the text. However, someone new to the field may not always know what certain terms mean. People with a background in writing and editing know this and will ensure that they explain every concept in a way that is easy to understand.
Great technical writers and editors have excellent research skills. In fact, they like doing research and learning new things. They won't just take everything at face value but will think deeper about the facts to ensure that they really understand the subject before trying to find ways of explaining it to the reader.
Of course your team needs to have excellent language skills. While it's not essential for the author to have perfect spelling and grammar, it will certainly help. It will make the editor's job much easier, so that the project can be completed within a shorter time frame.
With a highly specialized text such as one aimed at engineers, quality control is essential. Someone needs to check not only that the right materials are mentioned but also the right measurements and calculations. After all, if someone were to try and construct something while using text full of mistakes, the construction would collapse. Therefore, once the text has been edited, it's a good idea to send it to a group of engineers to review.
If you don't already have access to a database of language practitioners who can be members of your team, one good route to go is to advertise the job on a freelancing website. Then, check the backgrounds of the different applicants to see whether they have the experience and expertise you need. Also go through the feedback each candidate has received from previous employers. You may also ask for a short writing or editing sample before making your final choice.
Also remember that professional language practitioners won't work for rates that are far below average. Therefore, ensure that your budget allows for market-related remuneration. Be realistic about the time frame in which to complete the project too. Taking a little more time will produce a better end product.
About the Author:
When you are looking for information about an engineering technical writer and editor, you can go to our web pages online here today. Details are available at http://www.makenomistake.co now.
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