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Quick Glance at the attributes of a good content editor
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can quickly get up to speed on the essential content for most any subject
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is always available for author questions and consultations
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can identify and understand the needs of the audience (reader)
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can determine the extent of the editing needed to maximize the message
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has a strong sense of structure and excellent organizational skills
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has good writing and copyediting skills
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has an ear for language (diction and idiom)
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can make technical passages and complex concepts accessible to the average reader
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can keep the text focused on communicating ("speaking") directly to the reader
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can clarify poor writing and correct faulty logic
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can determine when it is necessary for the author to rewrite and/or add text
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will unabashedly write new text when appropriate
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can emulate author's usage, style, and tone when rewriting
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knows how and when to use humor, analogies, examples, etc., to maintain and increase reader interest
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can create appropriate parts, chapters, bullet lists, sidebars, and graphics to improve flow and readability
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can catch "isms" and prejudices but is not blinded by political correctness
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can spot legal problems with trademarks, citings, etc.
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has ability to develop a productive author-editor relationship
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will challenge the author to give his or her best
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is not overly compulsive or overly flexible
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reads, reads, and reads—any and all types of material
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