Editor - D.D.
PhD Botany
20 yrs. experience
Could you please tell us why you decided to become an editor?
In my professional career, I have supervised scientists, and have worked for government agencies and universities. When I retired, editing seemed like the perfect choice!Your career as an editor has only started recently, right?
No, I have been editing for a very long time now. I have reviewed and edited scientific papers for many years; I would say for at least 20. Apart from my specialization, I deal with papers belonging to very interesting and diverse subjects, from ecology to agriculture to medicine.So, why would you choose freelancing over a regular 9-to-5 job?
Well, now that I am retired, I can receive Social Security from the United States government. Also, I can receive only a limited amount of money if I work for someone else. On the other hand, freelancing offers me the opportunity of working while being anywhere in the world. Imagine the possibilities!Do you get manuscripts from non-native speakers or only from native speakers?
From both; I have edited for a number of Chinese, Japanese, and Egyptian scientists working at the University of Hawaii, for whom English is not a native language. I think that the most frequent errors occur in long sentences-compound and complex sentences that are difficult for readers to understand. Yes, it is always better to employ short and declarative sentences with a simple subject and/or object. How do you actually go about editing manuscripts?
My process involves first reading the entire article, keeping in mind the overall meaning and context. Next, I look at each paragraph-each paragraph should have an initial sentence that states what that paragraph is about. I check the integrity of each paragraph to see if there is a new thought or idea or something that is being explained through the paragraph, and whether it is being expressed accurately. Next, I go through the sentences in terms of their structure and try to simplify or clarify their meaning. Finally of course, I check for any typographical errors or misspellings.In your opinion, can anyone whose native language is English, and who has a sound editing strategy, become an editor?
I do not think everyone can become an editor. Editing requires a sense of language and great attention to detail. Few people have such skills. Also, the editor must enjoy writing. Some people think that brushing up sentences written by others is a small thing, but it is not so.How do keep yourself abreast of the latest happenings in a highly specialized area such as yours?
I spend most of the day reading books or writing on topics related to my field of expertise. In the meantime, I am working on a non-fiction book called "What's wrong with my plant," which will be published by Timber Press, the leading horticultural publisher in the U.S.
