Re: What to look for in a technical editor

Subject: Re: What to look for in a technical editor
From: dmbrown -at- brown-inc -dot- com
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 21 May 2003 19:11:54 -0700


Michael West wrote:
>
> Expecting subject-matter experts to be intelligent and capable
> style editors, or expecting style experts to have detailed
> technical knowledge of an emerging technology, usually ends in
> unsatisfactory outcomes for the consumer and, somewhat less
> importantly, frustrating working conditions for writers.

and Andrew Plato asked:
>
> ...when I read your words I hear "ignorance is an asset."
> Why is expecting an editor to have technical knowledge a bad
> thing and how could [it] lead to a frustrating working condition?

The first part of Mr. West's statement doesn't trouble me. *Expecting* an SME to be a good editor may indeed lead to an unsatisfactory outcome; specifically, dissatisfaction--few SMEs are likely to be good editors.

As for the second part, I'm with Andrew. If I get to work with an SME who's also a good editor, I can't imagine being frustrated as a writer by the experience.

--David

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References:
Re: What to look for in a technical editor: From: Andrew Plato

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