Cathy Loeffler

B.S., Technical Communication
University of Washington
Seattle, WA

The role of a technical editor is a specialized one within the field
of Technical Communication, and it has evolved into a role that matches my abilities and interests well. I have honed my editing skills while completing a Technical Communication degree at the University of Washington, and am eager to continue in the role of a technical editor. Technical editors integrate important knowledge and skills widely across groups, and their broad abilities include much more than grammar, punctuation, and copyediting.

In order to display examples of my work that will demonstrate
the variety of skills I use as a technical editor, I have created this portfolio to include descriptions of those skills and philosophies that substantiate their use. Contextual information is given along with each work sample. These samples of projects I have accomplished demonstrate how a technical editor's contributions can draw together and integrate distinctly different components of a complex project. I've categorized these areas of competency as follows:

Editing skills

Editing skills provide the foundation for ensuring consistency and clarity in writing and display. Credibility and discoverability increases when consistency in grammar, punctuation, and style is applied. By skillfully removing redundancies, weak verbs, abstract nouns, and misused passive verbs, information transfer will be more effective. Interpersonal skills are a key part of communicating these improvements, especially when interacting with those having different skill sets. The ability to explain editing decisions to justify how they improve comprehension is a crucial tool.

Project Management

Project management is often part of a technical editor's responsibility because frequently they inherit the role of coordinating projects. Demonstrated communication skills and credibility are important, as are personal skills such as the ability to deal with ambiguity, set goals, act decisively, maintain composure, and remain focused on results.

Writing Styles

Samples of a variety of writing styles are included to demonstrate my ability to communicate with clear language and well-organized structure, and to write appropriately for the purpose of the document and its intended readers.

Internal Tools

Mastering a variety of internal tools is likely to be a critical part of managing the components of a project. I've provided examples of content management tools I have mastered that store, track, tag, format, and place content up on production servers, preparing it to go live.

Research and Analysis

Researching and analyzing content gathered from a variety of subject matter experts is important in developing an overall picture of a project's scope and goals. Gathering sound information from others is key to ensuring accuracy and precision, and is the time when an editor can actively promote product usability and user-friendly organization.

Multimedia skills

Possessing multimedia skills, especially for visually-based projects, is a helpful complement to an editor's verbal skills. They provide the ability to sketch a document quickly, which can help disseminate concepts and display an array of creative choices.

Resume

My resume is included, written in order that it can easily be tailored to specific positions.

This portfolio is intended to demonstrate, through samples of my work, that my competencies provide proven value to complex projects, both team projects and individual projects, by bridging gaps in understanding between different stakeholders. Rendering complex technical content coherent and comprehensible to less experienced audiences is most important, and will continue to be increasingly so, providing me with great satisfaction. With a dedication to the belief that technology can enhance a variety of experiences, both work-related and personal, I am committed to working in this field that fits so well my personal passions and abilities.