Basics of Technical Editing
WCWP-40307
Basics of Technical Editing
10 weeks | Online
The technical editor’s first priority is the reader; and in this course, you will learn the basics of how to be the reader’s advocate. To properly serve your readers, a technical editor must make an effort to see technical documentation from the reader’s perspective. You will work to understand a document’s purpose—why do readers need the document, and how are they going to use it—to help you with your craft. This skill also involves writing author queries and creating style sheets to communicate with authors and other editors during the editing process. In this Basics of Technical Editing course you will gain a perspective on the field of Technical Communication, and use tools and techniques of technical editing on both the written and visual aspects of documents. You will practice identifying indisputable errors in technical documentation, including using standard editing marks to edit a hard copy manuscript, and using Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat to edit an electronic manuscript. You will apply basic copyediting to a document by correcting errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax. In addition, you also will learn how to comprehensively edit a document, identifying contextual errors, reorganizing content, and editing tables and illustrations. Course assignments will help you understand how to apply technical editing skills and tools in a variety of ways. Whether new or seasoned, after completing this introductory course, you will be equipped to implement technical editing skills and tools in a myriad of work situations.
What you will learn:
- Understand technical editing, including the role of the technical editor, the editorial process, levels of editing, and the use of common reference resources.
- Know how to comprehensively edit a document, which includes identifying errors, reorganizing content, and editing tables and illustrations.
- Explore what encompasses technical editing.
- Explore the editor’s primary tools and how to use them.
- Discern how proofreading is different from copyediting.
- Determine how editing quantitative and visual materials is different from editing words.
- Learn the principles of content organization and project management.
- Identify what challenges editors face beyond editing the document.
Quarters Offered: Winter, Summer | Online
Prerequisite: None
Software: MS Word and Adobe Acrobat (Reader or Professional)
Note: Fulfills 3 units toward requirements for the Technical Communication Certificate. Non-certificate students may take this class.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
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This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Technical Editing (5th Edition) 5th
by Carolyn Rude
ISBN / ASIN: 9780205786718
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 7/11/2025
- 1st no meeting date: 9/1/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Linda Oestreich, B.A.
A senior consultant with The Marlin Alliance, and has a lifetime teaching credential from the California Community College System
Linda Oestreich teaches Basics of Technical Editing and Critical Thinking for Communicators for UC San Diego Extension's Technical Communication Certificate Program.
Linda is an STC (Society for Technical Communication) Fellow and the 2007-2008 President of STC, where she served as board member at the international level of STC for more than 10 years. Linda recently retired from her position as the Project Manager for Talent and Leadership Development at Headquarters, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). Prior to taking on that position, she worked as a contracting consultant with The Marlin Alliance, where she supported the Director of Human Resources and EEO for SPAWAR. Also at SPAWAR, she was a Senior Strategic Planner/Analyst in the Strategic Management and Business Planning Office. For 5 years preceding her work with SPAWAR, Linda served as Systems and Software Engineering Manager for Service and Portfolio Management products for Hewlett Packard Enterprises. In the past, Linda worked as the principal of a consulting company, recruiter for that company, human resource advocate, corporate communications manager, documentation manager, and technical writer/editor in various industries including software development, oil and gas, government, science and engineering R&D, and property management.
In 2008, Linda was chosen to lead a delegation of technical communicators to China through the People to People Ambassador program. She currently does contract work in various areas of technical communication including teaching and presenting workshops in basic editing, creativity, information design, and leadership. Linda has had a lifelong passion to help other communicators and leaders. Her instructional skills are well-received and appreciated by her students. She has a lifetime teaching credential from the California Community College System and is currently teaching communication courses at the University of California-San Diego (UCSD) Extension. Linda holds a BA in English from UCSD, with minors in creative writing and scientific perspectives, and has a certificate in Project Management from Rice University. She is a respected, accomplished communicator.
