Not everyone is familiar with the field of technical editing. A technical editor revises documents in more specialized subject matters such as science, engineering, or medicine. But a technical editor is much more than a proofreader. Their roles are broader than you might expect and computer technology has expanded the job functions of editors to include editing online documentation as well as printed text.
It is imperative that editors have an understanding of correct grammar and mechanics and document style and design. They must be able to support their amendments with warranted evidence from relevant style manuals. Editors also must understand a documents purpose and the needs of its users. They should view documents through the eyes of their readers. Consideration should be given to their audience’s language and culture. In addition, they should understand the legal and ethical rules of editing and commit to learning applicable developments in computer technology. Editors should be efficient in communication and establish collaborative relationships with writers and subject matter experts. Their goal should not be to simply point out necessary corrections but to effectively work with a team to deliver a proficient product.
Elliot, Norbert. “PTC 624 Lecture-Professional and Technical Editing in the 21st Century .”Podcast. NJIT iTunesU. (accessed Jan 22, 2010). “PTC 624 Lecture-Warranting Evidence in the Editing Process.” Podcast. NJIT iTunesU. (accessed Jan 22, 2010).
Rude, Carolyn. Technical Editing. Fourth. Pearson Education, 2006. Print.
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