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Qualifications and skills needed
Depending on the size of the team, the amount of work, and the
skills of the editor and other team members, the editorial work outlined
in this paper could be spread over more than one individual. In many

cases, it is preferable that more than one editor be involved. Editorial
work usually can be conveniently divided into three broad areas:
 Work commonly considered ‘copy editing’, and assigned to a

junior editor or trainee
 Work requiring more experience and judgement, and assigned to
a more senior editor
 Work requiring considerable knowledge of the subject matter or

the tools used to produce the material being edited
Both junior and senior editors ideally should have the following skills:
Essential

 Good English skills
 Analytical and problem-solving skills
 Negotiating skills

 Tact
 Ability to work in a team
 Ability to work with minimal direction

 Ability to learn new tools and skills quickly
 Sense of humour
 Thoroughness, patience
 Strong sense of responsibility

Preferable
 Degree or diploma (not necessarily in a technical area)
 Knowledge of subject matter from the reader’s point of view

 Knowledge of computer use, the software tools used to produce
the material being edited, and the tools used in editing the
materials
 Knowledge of printing and publishing, or other media to be used

Advanced
Many senior technical editors are experienced technical writers who
have taken on the editorial role. In addition to the skills listed above, a

writer-turned-editor generally brings to the job considerable
experience and knowledge of tool use, subject matter, procedural
testing, and delivery media.