Technical Editor

Role Overview

As a technical editor, you will work in partnership with content creators and editors to create high-quality products on time, according to the publishing plan. You own the product’s technical accuracy, working with the content creator and other internal stakeholders from the delivery of the first draft of the content to publication. The TE is an editorial quality-control role. The goal of editorial is to raise the revenue performance of every product by understanding content creator and user needs and the market we're publishing into.

The role is ideal for methodical thinkers who can carry out efficient and purposeful code testing, using excellent technical skills. You will adopt an advisory role with content creators, using firm and diplomatic communication to help them understand the technical concerns you have. This will lead to accurate technical content that allows readers to easily learn about new technologies and develop new skills.

The TE will, in addition to the above, work on different product types to ensure they all meet the standards expected by our customers. These product types may be derived products, such as an audiobook or course based on a book. They may be new products created through market and user research.

This demands a strong focus on quality from TEs: you will understand the level of quality our customers expect and own this on your products. To do this, you will have to seek customer feedback throughout the editorial process and apply this during your testing. It is vital you keep track of new tech releases and user trends.

What You Will Do

Technical:

• Ensure technical accuracy of the content: test all code in the product, as well as all code in the code bundle, ensuring they match
• Follow along with all examples and steps in the product
• Address any other technical concerns you find in the book (technical facts, references, screenshots, architecture, approach, and so on)
• Ensure code indentation is accurate and that the code remains consistent throughout the content
• Verify content coverage thoroughly to ensure technical accuracy
• Perform quality checks on code-related Amazon reviews, errata, and GitHub issues
• Manage book repositories on GitHub and resolve any reader queries alongside the customer care team
• Support the team to improve code repositories and code-testing systems
• Research technology innovations to deepen your tech knowledge in your vertical’s topic area
• Connect to users and research to deepen your knowledge of users in your vertical’s topic area
• Keep up with market changes that could impact the delivery or success of a product, for example, tech version updates and competing titles

Editorial:

• Function as a reader advocate for your book from a technical point of view
• Query the author if any part of the code isn’t clear
• Provide a technical health check for the portfolio director to facilitate accurate planning and time allocation
• Carry out user research and market analysis to elevate your work
• Work with technical reviewers to ensure technical accuracy of the content and code. Use this to build up an understanding of the book and its audience
• Own the technical quality of a product: sign off the technical aspects of a product for production; advise on whether a product is suitable for cancellation
• Navigate the optimum balance of quality and timeliness in dialog with the rest of the product team
• Apply the Packt styles to the content and ensure the formatting follows the Packt style sheet

Author/Expert Management:

• Provide detailed and constructive feedback to content creators using the appropriate tone to suggest the necessary actions that will ensure that the technical content matches the proposition and meets Packt’s quality standards
• Build positive yet challenging relationships to get the most from content creators

Who You Are

You are a logical, efficient technical editor with a strong passion for creating high-quality, technical content. You possess a good understanding of technology and are skilled at code testing. You work collaboratively with authors, editors, and technical reviewers, balancing high standards with commercial and product goals. You thrive in dynamic environments and continuously seek to optimize processes and workflows to deliver exceptional content.

Must-have skills:

• Technology testing: good working knowledge of at least one technology to the level that you can test code and examples in that domain area
• Quality assurance: rigorous attention to detail with a proven track record of ensuring content quality, accuracy, and consistency
• Technical content understanding: strong ability to interpret and convey complex technical concepts clearly for diverse audiences
• Research: the ability to get up to speed on an unfamiliar technology so you can test and evaluate technical content in that topic
• Author relationship management: the ability to build relationships with authors, providing constructive feedback and ensuring their vision is realized
• Stakeholder communication: good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders

Good-to-have skills:

• Process optimization: ability to identify inefficiencies and suggest improvements in quality-control processes and workflows
• Adaptability: ability to adapt quickly to changing requirements and navigate ambiguity in fast-paced environments