What is the Role of a Technical Editor?
Have you ever wondered what a technical editor does? The simple answer is that a technical editor works on material that is in some way technical.
Who does technical editing?
The path to becoming a technical editor is unique for most. There aren’t many courses specific to technical editing. General editing skills, though, can be learned through continuing education classes at Simon Fraser University or George Brown College. Editors Canada offers professional development webinars and a certification programme.
There are education programs for technical writing and technical communications; while they focus on the creation of technical materials, many of the principles they cover can also be used by technical editors even while working on material created by someone else.
The technical side of technical editing can vary a great deal. A maintenance manual for a submarine, for example, has very different technical requirements than a knitting pattern. An editor’s technical knowledge can come from education or work experience. And pairing that technical competence with editing skills is an excellent way to become a technical editor.
An editor’s depth of technical knowledge can range from a working understanding to an expert level. Technical editors often work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) who make sure that edits are correct from a technical point of view. An SME can be the engineer who provides content for a proposal or the pediatrician who reviews an infographic for kids with asthma.
What kind of material does a technical editor work on?
Technical material can be science, engineering, or medical writing, instructions, safety procedures, manuals and documentation. It includes online content, print material, or video scripts. Even visual elements such as infographics, illustrations, charts and graphs can benefit from technical editing.
When should you have a technical editor get involved with your project?
It’s never too early to consult a technical editor. Before writing has started, they can review your organization’s style guide or draft a project-specific style sheet. When writing is in the planning stage a technical editor can help outline and build a structure that will support complete, clear, correct, and concise written material.
Once material has been drafted, consider a technical edit before layout and publication.
Why would something written by a technical writer or SME need to be edited?
Technical materials are often written by multiple contributors. The technical editor can edit compiled content into a cohesive whole that is consistent in tone, voice, and style. Inconsistencies can be small—or large—distractions. Eliminating them helps keep the reader engaged with the content and with the core message.
SMEs may draft content in brief note style or in bullet point form. An SME might be a great writer, but is developing their notes into polished prose the best use of their time? A skilled technical editor can transform a rough draft into something that addresses the needs of the audience.
How does a technical editor improve text?
Technical editors take a dual approach to their work. They use their general editing skills, verifying that structure, style, flow, tone and voice are consistent and appropriate for the audience. They look for grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues.
They also examine the technical content, sometimes using a framework like the 4 Cs: Correct, Complete, Clear and Concise. Using the 4 Cs, the technical editor checks that content is
correct, by collaborating with SME and other contributors.
complete, and presented at the right level of detail for the audience.
clear and functional, organized in a logical progression.
concise, free of wordiness and jargon or written in plain language.
Clear, focused writing will make your message easier for your audience to understand. Improved communication can lead to fewer customer service issues, more satisfied clients, and more consistent results. Contact Barefoot Consulting for your next project or if you have questions about technical editing.
by Heather Ross