Module 7: Advanced Editing Techniques

As you develop your expertise as an editor, you may find that the list of responsibilities you take on grows. So it’s valuable to be aware of some next-level techniques that only apply in specific situations: considerations for manuscript preparation, how to work on specialist topics, and even how to collaborate with a writer as they draft their work. You don’t need to know all aspects of editing right away, but it’s good to be familiar with them in case you decide to take that next step!

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4 Informative Lessons

6 Unique Document Formats

18 Links to Additional Resources

How This Module Works

In this module, we look at a number of areas that your editing practice may expand to include, from getting involved earlier in a writer’s process to working with programs beyond Microsoft Word.

7.1: Developmental Editing

Learn how to closely collaborate with a writer in the early stages of their process to help plan and structure their project.

7.2: Technical Editing

Discover how to structure and edit technical writing in topics both new and familiar to you.

7.3: Manuscript Structure

Get familiar with the key aspects of manuscript formatting, including front and back matter, pagination, and chapter division.

7.4: Other Document Formats

Learn how to apply your editing knowledge in formats beyond Microsoft Word, including PDFs, LaTeX, Excel, and HTML.

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Do Editors Need to Understand Many Document Formats?

The short answer is no! You can stick to Word and get plenty of work. But knowing how to handle a few more formats and document types means you can step out of your editorial comfort zone and explore other opportunities (you might even uncover a new passion!). Introducing more variety into your work may also lead you to ways you can capitalize on your previous education and career experience.

Being willing to diversify could help you to:

Access and accept more types of work (e.g., in Google Docs or Adobe PDFs)
Get into a niche (e.g., editing technical writing or HTML content)
Build the confidence to deal with specialized content
Impress new clients with your wide-ranging experience

In short, the more formats you’re comfortable with, the more versatile – and valuable – you become as an editor. Even a little knowledge can go a long way in helping you stand out.

Learn About Different Document Types

If you’re curious about how you can widen your editing horizons, we’ve got plenty of blog content that dives deeper into the variety of projects and formats you may encounter.