Wrangling Text, Wrangling PeopleThe Life of a Technical Editor
“How to Thrive as a Technical Editor without Losing your Mind”
Beth Agnew, CPTC -- November 14, 2013
Overview
Role of a Technical Editor
Overview
Tips for Good Technical Editing
Overview
Maintaining Equilibrium
A Technical Editor is a Gatekeeper
Wrangling Text
Edit Everything
Edit Everything…including Images
“Remember, you can’t put too much water in a nuclear reactor.”
Barriers to Good Editing
Tips for Good Technical Editing
• Zoom in and out – micro & macro• Read out of order• Read aloud• Robinson File
Wrangling People
How Managers SupportTechnical Editing
Maintaining Equilibrium
Practice Extreme Self Care
The Emotional Scale
1. Joy/Appreciation/Empowered/Freedom/Love 2. Passion3. Enthusiasm/Eagerness/Happiness4. Positive Expectation/Belief 5. Optimism 6. Hopefulness7. Contentment8. Boredom9. Pessimism10. Frustration/Irritation/Impatience 11. Overwhelm
The Emotional Scale
12. Disappointment13. Doubt 14. Worry15. Blame16. Discouragement17. Anger18. Revenge19. Hatred/Rage20. Jealousy21. Insecurity/Guilt/Unworthiness22. Fear/Grief/Depression/Despair/Powerlessness
YOU are worth it!