Technical Editor Job Description

Technical Editing

Writing and editing are different processes that require different skills. Some managers don't understand the difference between writing and editing and what an editing specialist can do. Carolyn Rude and her co-author,Angela Eaton, wrote Technical Editing, which states that a technical editor is an expert on communication, language, and the needs of the audience.

A good editor can evaluate the big picture and play a key role on documentation projects. The technical editor is a liaison between document development and production. The final draft and templates may be checked by an editor at the production stage.

The editor is responsible for marking the document with instructions for layout and type. Depending on the client's needs, the scope of a technical editor's duties can be different. Some editors may get involved in project management.

Editors have different responsibilities depending on whether they are a worker or not. Staff editors are more involved with the day-to-day activities of a company and may work closely with others on a project development team. The editor serves as the reader's advocate.

The editor must try to see the material from the reader's point of view. The first thing an editor needs to think about is the document's purpose, and how readers will use it. The amount of time the editor will devote to the document depends on the document's purpose.

A Technical Editor for a Magazine

A technical editor is needed for a magazine. Responsibilities for monthly print and web publication include participating in article assignment and issue planning, reading and responding to submissions, reviewing diagrams, charts and figures, editing copy and coordinating schedules and edits with authors. Heavy contact with authors is required to move articles through the stages.

Writing copy and publishing material to the intranet are both duties. The lead technical editor will be responsible for maintaining the consumer group editorial style guide, as well as working closely with production to evaluate and suggest tools and authoring templates to facilitate world-class documentation. Editors should be focused on making the book technically competent.

Technical writers are reviewed by technical editors. They review written drafts, offer suggestions to improve the work, and propose possible titles. Some editors write articles, design graphics, create templates, develop training manuals, and maintain websites.

Technical editors work with researchers, subject-matter experts and technical writers to make sure their work is correct and up to date before it is published. Technical editors have excellent writing skills and are proficient in spelling and grammar. They can give guidance and encouragement to others in a tactful way.

Editors use sound judgement and strong sense of ethics when making decisions about what to publish. They need to be able to concentrate and work effectively under pressure. Many technical editors have similar attributes such as creativity, curiosity and an expanding breadth of knowledge.

Employers look for candidates with a bachelor's degree in English, communications or journalism because of the work that an editor does. People with other educational background who have good writing and editing skills can also become technical editors. Editors may need specialized training to get the knowledge they need.

The editors of technology user manuals may find computer system expertise helpful when completing editorial duties. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average annual wages for editors in the United States to between $28,430 and 97,360. The mean wage for all editor occupations in the United States was $50,800 in May 2009.

Senior Technical Writers

Technical writers can help highly technical and non-technical users understand communicate the technical aspects of a digital product. They act as a translator, providing users with the information that will best suit their background. Technical Writers usually have a Bachelor's degree in English, Communication, Journalism, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Technical Writing, Teaching, Curriculum Development or Scientific Publication or the equivalent in professional experience.

Technical Writer candidates have experience in one of those fields. Technical Writers need to be experts at writing for both technical and non-technical audiences in order to communicate efficiently. They are responsible for continuously editing and revising content to make sure users have the best experience with a changing digital product.

Senior Technical Writers are expected to write documentation that is user friendly and accurate. You can also write documentation for external developers. The senior technical writer works under the direction of the managers.