Technical editors review and edit specialized information for accuracy and clarity. They work closely with writers and must be familiar with the subject matter and target audience. They may work in-house or freelance, and typically have a degree in writing or experience in a specialized field.
A technical editor reviews and reviews user guides, how-to manuals, and articles that describe specialized or industry-specific information. He or she works closely with the writers to develop accurate, easy-to-understand pieces that are worthy of publication. Editors are responsible for reviewing papers to ensure proper grammar and syntax, and for confirming the veracity of information submitted. Some professionals are full-time employees of publishing or manufacturing companies that produce their own manuals; other technical editors perform freelance services for many different clients.
Proficient technical editing is essential for effective communication in many environments, including engineering companies, retail companies, scientific research institutions and healthcare facilities. Depending on the nature of a job, an editor may work in a physical office at a company or complete menial tasks independently. Freelance editors rely primarily on email and other forms of online communication to discuss projects with employers and writers.
To ensure quality documentation, a technical editor needs to be intimately familiar with the subject of the written pieces and the audience that will use the information. He or she must ensure that the language used by the writer is accessible to a specific group of people. For example, a technical paper on recent nuclear research written for scientists might include highly specialized terminology, with the assumption that readers will understand the content. A similar article written for the general public, however, would need to explain terms and procedures in much simpler language. The technical editor makes the final decision on the suitability of a piece’s content and style.
When proofreading an article, a technical editor often takes note of confusing sentences, grammatical errors, unsupported facts, and other errors that affect the quality of the piece. He or she can explain the problems to the original writer and suggest revisions that should be made. In some circumstances, the editor will be able to make simple corrections to a document without having to send it back to the writer. After a document has been thoroughly reviewed and found acceptable by the editor, the editor usually puts it in the proper format and submits it for publication.
Requirements to become a technical editor vary between employers. Many editors have degrees in writing, journalism, or a specific language. Others have training and experience in the specialized fields they work in, such as chemical or aeronautical engineering. Editors often start their careers as technical writers in order to familiarize themselves with a particular subject and build their credentials.
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