Every once in a while a client requests the editing services of a training manual editor, which (from my end) takes an eagle eye and specialized skillsets.
What is a training manual editor?
As a training manual editor, I look at the A-Z umbrella under which your narrative, facts, steps, graphics, and explanations roll out in a reader-friendly format. Consistency and clarity are first and foremost, especially when tackling difficult or complex subject matter.
1. For instance, the project may involve an employee training manual filled with various responsibilities, tasks, to-do lists, and more.
2. A dog training manual might include tips, alternatives, resources, and insights into dog psychology, as well as rewards and consequences.
3. An investor’s training manual might include bar charts, graphs, stock market indices, and loads of data.
Whether the manuscript provides step-by-step instructions or an overarching series of lessons, the whole point is to make the reading enjoyable—or at least palatable and helpful—to readers.
I was privileged in 2018 to edit a dog training manual that emphasized the “soft-handed approach.” I happen to agree with this soft-handed philosophy and learned a lot from the project. It helps that the book is written for all levels of handlers, trainers, and pet owners.
Training Manual Editor and Your Editing Needs
Whether you are the author of a training manual, a nonfiction book, a fiction novel, or a memoir, I’m glad to provide a second pair of eyes. The old tried-and-true saying goes, “Surgeons should not operate on themselves and authors should not edit their own books.”
This is absolutely spot on … and I can assure you that I have my own books edited for this very reason. Yes, writing a book is one thing, but it really does take an objective editor to call out points of improvement. The goal, after all, is to elevate the manuscript so that literary agents and publishers are interested.
Check out my book editing page and contact page, and email melaniesaxton@icloud.com for all your editing and writing needs.