Science Editing with Ellen Chu
Presenter: Ellen Chu (member)
Day of Meeting: July 13, 2009
Speaker Ellen Chu is a communications analyst at the Seattle office of the Government Accountability Office, where she edits government reports in the areas of biology, healthcare, and environmental science.
Ellen began by describing her route into editing “through the back door.” Her interest in scientific editing began when she was a graduate student in biology and came to the realization that “scientific writing does not have to be bad.”
Ellen gave five pieces of advice for science editors:
Know the audience for and the purpose of the piece you are editing, and tailor the piece to that audience/purpose.
Get to know the culture of science. Gain an understanding of the peer review process, which is a complement to editing. Think about how you can bridge the scientist and the reader. Cultivate relationships in the scientific community.
Build up your credibility (especially important if you are a nonscientist). Take classes and familiarize yourself with the literature of the area in which you want to work.
Learn the intersection of critical thinking and writing. If writing is garbled and complicated, you need to play the role of translator. Go back to the writer and talk through the piece. Don’t be afraid to challenge the writer.
Hone your intuition and editorial judgment. Don’t be afraid of nuance in the editing process.
Recommended reading:
Style: Ten Lessons in Quality and Grace by Joseph M. Williams
"The Science of Science Writing," by George D. Gopen and Judith A. Swan, first published in American Scientist (November-December 1990), Vol. 78, 550558
Notetaker: Ann Reckner
Location: Hugo House