NATURE VERSUS NURTURE IN THE MAKING OF A MANUSCRIPT EDITOR

A manuscript editor must possess several attributes in order to master his or hel craft, such as a sound knowledge of grammar and usage, fle xibility, good judgement, and an eye for consistency and detail. Many of these can be enhanced and developed by training and experience, but a good editor will come to his or her profession with the kernel of t hese skills present and will build upon innate abilities. The process of training a new manuscript editor demands careful screening, lime to learn new shills on smaller projects, a thorough grounding in the tec hnical basics, the development of methodical working habits, and the c ultivation of critical judgment. In addition, all editors, whether tho se just beginning their careers or long-time veterans, will benefit fr om learning how to Edit onscreen, as computers make some of the move t edious editorial chores easier and allow editors to work with even mor e consistency and fewer errors.