Technical documents provide information that readers need to make decisions or complete tasks. Technical editing ensures that this information is presented in a way that facilitates the reader's understanding. Technical editors offer suggestions for improvement in design of both content and layout and therefore work with the document in both early and late stages.
#30266
To Err is Human, But Can It Be Forgiven?: Effects and Economics of Typos 
Technical communicators dread typos. A piece of work that contains one or more typos is seen as shoddy, not something to be proud of. Finding and correcting these errors, however, takes time and costs money. Might there be a better way to spend resources?- ways that might produce more usable information.? Effects of errors, value added by correcting them, and the economics of error detection will be discussed.
Grice, Roger A., Lenore S. Ridgway Richard K. Ridgway and Edward J. See. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Editing>Grammar
#24060
In 1977 Judith Tarutz, author of Technical Editing: The Practical Guide for Editors and Writers, rebounded from teaching into her first editing job. She soon discovered that she was having fun. Like many editors, Tarutz learned editing by total immersion.
Smith, Sally. Editorial Eye, The (1997). Careers>Editing
#13207
Tracking Change: A High Tech Solution
This paper explains the planning process that led to a GUI-based (Graphic User Interface) change-tracking system that has enabled our writing group to effectively exchange information between subject experts and writers. The implementation that emerged has enhanced our ability to meet schedules with fewer surprises and has empowered writers with a tool that assists them in planning both routine and long-range tasks.
Leck, Louise. STC Proceedings. Presentations>Editing>Software
#10873
I had a manual under review by over 60 people. I posted a question about how to track all of their comments. Here is the summary. Thanks to everyone who responded. You all gave me a lot to think about. I realized as I got the comments that I left out a crucial piece of information...the manual went out to our managers and maintenance specialists in the field (we have offices all over the United States). Thus, we can't hold traditional meetings.
Hanvey, Jeff. Suite101. Reference>Editing>Groupware>Workflow
#31174
Kontinuierlich Nachrichten, Hintergrundberichte und Interviews rund um die technische Dokumentation und Redaktion, sowie die technische Übersetzung. In der Nachfolge der doculine news.
Transline. (German) Resources>Documentation>Technical Editing>Blogs
#24143
Trust Your Instincts As You Write
As I write, and even after I have finished and am proofing my work, I have to be sure to be tuned in to a diminutive little editor who sits to one side of my mind.
Usborne, Nick. Excess Voice (2002). Articles>Writing>Editing
#29478
Typography and Page Layout: Copy Preparation 
Copy preparation is a skilled job which, if done properly, assists the smooth flow of work through later stages of the production cycle. All personnel, especially those involved in the composition areas, have seen the results of ineffective copy preparation.
Magnik, John. Typography First. Design>Document Design>Editing>Typography
#29486
#29485
Typography and Page Layout: Proofreading
Proofreading involves a critical comparison of the author's copy and the typesetter's proof to be sure that the live copy (the typeset proof) matches the dead copy (the author's copy) word for word, and letter for letter.
#21950
I know, I know, Illustrator is a drawing program - but its text-handling features can be handy, too. Here's a guide to using them.
Kvern, Olav Martin. Adobe Magazine (1996). Design>Graphic Design>Image Editing>Adobe Illustrator
#20023
Usage Experts Change Their Minds, Too
Many terms and constructions frowned on a generation ago have been admitted, like many new words, into mainstream parlance and have gained wider acceptance than before. An example is tycoon, in the sense of a wealthy businessman, labeled 'informal' in the first edition of AHD but accepted in the third. Another example is balding, called 'entirely vulgar' in a usage note by panelist Katherine Anne Porter in the first edition but entered without stigma in the third.
Soukhanov, Anne H. Editorial Eye, The (2003). Articles>Style Guides>Editing
#28493
The User Edit Method for Evaluating the Usability of Documentation
A 'user edit' (also known as a 'usability edit') enables you to evaluate the usability of documentation (Schriver, 1991). Participants in a user edit study can either think aloud as they use the documentation to complete tasks or they can mark up the pages of the documentation to indicate where they had problems. The think-aloud protocols or marked-up pages are then reviewed for usability problems. The user edit report lists the problems and recommendations about how to improve the usability of the documentation.
Wilson, Chauncey E. Usability Interface (2006). Articles>Documentation>Editing>Usability
#24182
Using Editors to Win Proposals
Paradoxically, engineers are often forced to seek jobs by pursuing a skill at which they are, admittedly, often inferior: expository writing. To win proposals for new business, they have to put their worst foot forward. This unhappy situation presents a great opportunity for editors.
Bush, Donald W. Intercom (2004). Articles>Editing>Proposals
#20019
Using Editors Where and When It Counts, Part II: How to Edit Instructions
When I teach courses on editing, I devote about one-third of the sessions to editing instructions. Why? True, there's always a demand for someone who can edit technical manuals or cookbooks, but my real reason is that working on instructions gets you into editorial shape. It hones your ability to keep readers and their needs always in mind, to weigh each word for accuracy, and to be sure that every sentence means what the writer intends.
Waxman, Maron L. Editorial Eye, The (2003). Articles>Documentation>Editing
#30611
Using Photography to Illustrate Technology Trends and New Capabilities
The very best of today’s public relations photography devises visual statements by carefully blending composition and lighting. Dramatic use of color has emerged as a strong graphic element over the past decade. Today’s inexpensive scanners and related image manipulation software provide new capabilities to manipulate B/W and color photos.
Brus, John M. STC Proceedings (1993). Design>Document Design>Image Editing>Visual Rhetoric
#30612
Using Total Quality Management to Manage Technical Reviews
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce attendees to Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques and practices. TQM offers common-sense guidance in the quest for quality. Using the example of an out-of-control technical review cycle, the workshop shows attendees how to better manage the technical review process, resulting in accurate, high-quality documents.
Fisher, Charles D., Jr. and Kurt Gustafson. STC Proceedings (1993). Careers>Management>Editing>SMEs
#22770
Using Virtual Peer Review through the Online Writing Center
Virtual Peer Review is an exercise in which students review the written work of other students in online or Internet-based settings. Just like peer review--an activity in which readers make suggestions for improvement on another person's writing--virtual peer review supports revision in the writing process. The difference is that this review process is conducted using online technologies.
University of Minnesota (2004). Articles>Education>Editing>Online
#14419
What Exactly Is a Copy Editor?
Copy editors check written material, usually as the final step before it is set into type, to correct errors in grammar, spelling, usage and style (in this case, style refers to a given publication's guidelines for consistency in how words, phrases, typographical elements, etc., are to be used -- or not used). Copy editors are not proofreaders, although reading proofs is often part of the job description. The difference is that proofreaders (a job title that scarcely exists anymore) are charged with simply looking for typographical and mechanical errors on copy that has already been typeset. Proofreaders -- and, indeed, copy editors reading proofs -- are often criticized rather than praised for making picky changes at that stage in the process, whereas the same changes might well be applauded at the copy-editing stage.
Walsh, Bill. Slot, The (2002). Articles>Editing
#13165
What is Digital Imaging and Why is it Important to Technical Communicators?
Digital imaging is one of the most significant technological tools available to developers of technical documentation. Because of digital imaging equipment such as scanners and digital cameras, developing detailed, well-organized and graphic technical documentation can be done much faster and with minimal help from outside sources (e.g., drafters, photographers, and printers). The purpose of this paper is to define the fundamentals of digital imaging technology, describe its major components and applications, and help technical communicators make informed choices when evaluating digital imaging equipment.
Knerr, Dianne. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Software>Image Editing
#13164
What Makes a Technical Editor Indispensable?
Technical editors have an opportunity to fulfill an essential role within an organization by providing invaluable knowledge and skills not only to the writers they support, but cross-functionally to other members of the organization. This paper takes a look at how technical editors can reach past their substantive and copy edit abilities to ensure they are fully-integrated team members, and are sought out and depended upon for their expertise and broadened skill sets. In doing so, I’ll look at the basic and advanced skills technical editors generally need to be successful, then I will provide tips for technical editors to help make them essential and valuable team members.
Sharon, Lorraine A. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Editing
#21967
Working with large bitmap images can clog your hard disk and slow performance to a crawl. Here are some tips for staying lean.
Katz, Wendy. Adobe Magazine (1995). Design>Graphic Design>Image Editing>Adobe Photoshop
#23151
When You Have to Edit Your Own Writing
Many technical writers work without the benefit of professional editing. While there is no substitute for a seasoned editor, writers can and should learn to perform some checks themselves. Checklists narrow the focus of editing and provide a systematic approach to polishing familiar prose. Numerous tips can also make editing easier and more effective.
#24888
"Why Do We Need Editors Anyway?" Overcoming the Obstacles Facing a New Editing Group
In the corporate arena, an editing group (particularly a newly formed one) sometimes finds it difficult to be accepted as part of a communications team and may spend an inordinate amount of its energy seeking to justify its existence. Barriers to acceptance and credibility include lack of trust and misunderstanding about what editors do or what value editing imparts. Editors can overcome these obstacles, however, through a combination of consistent work practices, clear and frequent communication with writers, and an ongoing program aimed at demonstrating the practical value of editing.
Collins, William L. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Editing>Collaboration
#15229
Provides a thorough introduction to the practices of on-screen editing, including how to make corrections, insert questions and suggestions, and communicate the results to the author.
Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Intercom (2000). Articles>Editing>Online
#26712
Why I Hate The Body of Your Article
I really don't care what you write about. I am more interested in the format of the article, not your view or take on the subject matter.
Pires, Halstatt. Ezine Articles (2005). Articles>Writing>Editing
