Author’s Note: I am indebted to Technical Editing by Carolyn Rude and Angela Eaton for many of the ideas mentioned in this article.Are you a writer that works with a technical editor? If so, consider yourself fortunate; many technical writers don’t have the luxury of an editor’s services. Writers on a project team often edit each other’s documents, while writers who work alone may have no choice but to edit their own work. Though these scenarios are common, they are less than ideal.Writing and editing are distinct processes; each requires a different skill set and focus. Some managers don’t fully appreciate the difference between writing and editing, and what an editing specialist can bring to the table.
According to Carolyn Rude and Angela Eaton, co-authors of Technical Editing, a technical editor is an expert on communication, language, and the needs of the audience. A good editor has the ability to evaluate the big picture as well as the fine details and can play a key role on documentation projects. Responsibilities of the Technical EditorWhat exactly does the job of a technical editor entail?