Frequently Asked Questions

Client Login:

What is Technical Editing?

What about the security of
our documents?

Pricing Information

What's New

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Technical Editing?

Technical Editing is more than just a fancy name for word processing. A word processor
is little more than a typist who can also do basic page layout in a word processing program
such as Microsoft Word, can do basic proofreading, and can run the spellchecker option.

A technical editor actually revises documents to improve their ability to communicate more
effectively. There are three types of editing:

1. Developmental Editing—"The Big Picture"

This form of technical editing takes place at the initial stages of a document. The editor
works with the author or team to craft the basic shape of the document. This includes
analyzing the document's purpose, scope, and audience.

Best Edit will work with you at this developmental stage to clearly state your main idea;
present your supporting ideas in a clear, convincing manner; analyze your details to make
sure they are relevant and in the right form; and organize your document so that it achieves
it's purpose and objective.

2. Substantive Editing—Sentences and Paragraphs

This form of technical editing generally happens following the initial draft. The editor works
with the author to make sure that your document is clear, specific, correct, and
understandable.

Best Edit will work with you to make sure that your opening sentence and paragraph grab
your reader's attention and prepare the reader for what is to follow. We'll make sure that
each sentence is clear and that the links between one idea and the next are logical and
smooth. We'll also ensure that your closings summarize what you wrote.

Most of all, Best Edit will make sure that your readers gain a positive impression of both you
as a writer and of your firm as a outstanding service provider.

3. Copy Editing—Grammar and Mechanics

This form of technical editing takes place shortly before document publication and is the most
commonly requested form of technical editing.

At this level, Best Edit will read your document through two or three times. The first reading
allows us to fully understand your document's purpose and objective, and to make sure that
it is appropriate for your audience.

The second and possibly third readings will check for sentence structure, grammar, spelling,
continuity, clarity, and other mechanical issues.

If requested, we will also format to your firm's style guidelines.

Best Edit uses the Chicago Manual of Style and Gregg's Reference Manual, but will be happy
to use whatever style guidelines you prefer.

How Secure are My Documents?

Confidentiality

Our integrity is of the utmost importance to us. Best Edit will never share any information about
you or your firm with anyone else. You retain the copyrights to your documents.

Best Edit will not work with two competing firms on the same project, such as a proposal or a
prime/subconsultant, or in any situation that creates a conflict of interest.

Document Transfer

Best Edit uses FTP to share most large documents. Each client has their own password that
protects their documents from all other clients.

Services | About Us | Place an Order | Home

Comments or suggestions to the site editor.