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The Necessity in Using a Scientific Editor

How a scientific editor can transform explainer content

A science content editor has many roles, but their most important task is ensuring consistency, structure and coherence. Editors are specialists, trained to catch errors, scientific inconsistencies and false information. A great editor goes even further, turning average content into truly compelling media. 

Essential editorial skills

All editors need fine attention to detail. A scientific editor must ensure a logical route through a story, looking out for disconnected ideas, fallacies and inconsistencies. Training can inform an editor’s practice, but there is no substitute for experience when it comes to honing editorial instincts.

A science editor must be able to reshape a narrative to make it easier to understand. If a piece of content cannot hold the reader’s attention, it simply will not be read. A good rule of thumb is to address one idea per paragraph, and use one paragraph per idea. 

Subject matter expertise

In specialist science content editing, on top of maintaining consistency and structure, a scientific editor must have some knowledge of the topic covered in the piece to ensure the content is correct.  A strong background in both science and communication is ideal.

A good science editor will check content against primary sources. This can be an arduous task, so they will need both thoroughness and excellent time management skills in order to wade through the relevant materials. An editor with a high level of training and plenty of relevant experience may not come cheap, but their skills are a valuable investment. 

What benefits are there to using a scientific editor?

The scientific editor understands the audience, and works to ensure a clear, logical narrative journey for them. They identify knowledge gaps and disconnects between sections, and work with the writer to remedy these. A good edit will leave a piece more digestible for the reader, giving them the information they need, while encouraging them to find out more.

Using an expert scientific editor guarantees you peace of mind and a high standard of content. Poor quality content can affect your reputation, and a good editor will spot mistakes and ensure primary information is not misrepresented.

Hiring an expert scientific editor

Hiring a scientific editor is a long-term investment in credible science content. Their guidance can help writers evolve their skillsand style, so the work continues to excite and engage. An expert editor will ensure content is more than informative: it must be eloquent, engaging, and interesting.  If you’re not sure how to spot an expert science editor, talk to SciencePOD. Our editors are verified experts working with you to produce brilliant specialist content.

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