Synopses & Reviews
How to Edit Technical DocumentS≪/i> is the most concise and clearly presented discussion of the editor's role and responsibilities to the writer, the reader, and the publishing process—including changes that result from technological advances in editing. The authors describe the demands of communicating complicated information, in print and on screen, without diminishing the expressive power of language. As a result, users learn the skills necessary to become contributing members of any organization that requires informed and imaginative editors.
Review
...essential reading for all technical communicators....I found the accompanying workbook stimulating....It is the direct approach of the book's principles that make Bush and Campbell's ideas powerful....an excellent textbook for advanced technical communication students. It also works as a discussion stimulator, refresher course, and research tool for experienced editors and writers....it will push you to think about some of the core values of our profession.Technical Communication
Review
One pleasantly noticeable feature of these companion texts is their narrative voice. I find it comfortably readable and simultaneously authoritative without sounding overly dogmatic. The writing is vivid, opinionated, and yet not at all pretentious.... Bush and Campbell demonstrate a clear competence to speak about technical editing. This competency is based upon a real familiarity with workplace practices and competency is based upon a real familiarity with workplace practices and expectations and an updated and comprehensive knowledge of current research in the domains of rhetoric, linguistics, and cognitive psychology.Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Review
These two volumes could be a useful reference for any advisor involved in producing written material.NACADA Journal
About the Author
CHARLES P. CAMPBELL, Ph.D., is associate professor of English, Humanities Department, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, New Mexico.
Table of Contents
Preface vii
Acknowledgements xi
Chapter 1. Technical Editing: A Changing Profession 1
Chapter 2. Editing for Content 10
Chapter 3. Cutting Copy 18
Chapter 4. Document Organization 28
Chapter 5. Words 39
Chapter 6. Sentences with Style 52
Chapter 7. Paragraphs 67
Chapter 8. Grammar 73
Chapter 9. Punctuation 93
Chapter 10. Editing Graphics 100
Chapter 11. Marking Manuscripts 113
Chapter 12. Triage: Dealing with Typescripts under Deadline 120
Chapter 13. Getting Along with Authors 139
Appendix A. Editing Technical Manuals 147
Appendix B. Editing Technical Proposals 158
Appendix C. About Style Manuals 168
Appendix D. Bibliography of Cited and Other Useful Sources 170
Index 177