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!

Beth.agnew@gmail.com