EDITORIAL PHILOSOPHY

I approach editing the way a tailor approaches a finely crafted garment—not to redesign the entire piece, but to refine its fit for function and clarity. Technical documents, like garments, have a purpose and an intended user; my role is to ensure the content fits that purpose precisely, is easy to navigate, and communicates with confidence.

Each piece of writing arrives stitched with the author’s expertise and intent. My job is to examine where language becomes tangled, where logic frays, or where structure could be reworked for better usability. Rather than overhaul the design, I adjust the fit—clarifying, trimming redundancy, and reinforcing consistency—so the document moves smoothly and withstands real-world use.

Technical editing requires both meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for the original voice. I aim to preserve specialized knowledge while enhancing clarity, accuracy, and coherence. Like tailoring, it’s about thoughtful refinements—aligning terminology with industry standards, applying formatting and style guides rigorously, and ensuring every element supports the document’s goals.

Collaboration is essential. Just as a tailor consults with the wearer, I engage with writers to ask clarifying questions, propose precise revisions, and align the final draft with both technical intent and user needs.

One example of this was my work editing a California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Library Guide about university archives. I focused on improving its accessibility, clarity, and organization—ensuring the content was not only accurate and informative but also intuitive for first-time users. I revised ambiguous language, streamlined formatting, and restructured sections for better flow, helping the document serve a broader academic and public audience.

My editorial experience spans both personal and collaborative projects like that one, where I’ve honed key skills in managing complex revisions and refining content for clarity, usability, and tone. Whether working independently or with a team, I bring a detail-oriented approach grounded in both precision and empathy for the end user.

To me, technical editing is both a craft and a service—transforming complex material into clear, purposeful documentation. I’m excited to bring this thoughtful, tailored approach into a professional editing role, where I can continue refining my skills and contribute to meaningful, user-centered content.