Technical communication: a collaborative effort between author and editor

The project-report writing and editing process at Dames & Moore is discussed. Consulting engineers spend a major portion of their time writing or reviewing project reports. After weeks or even months of fieldwork and analysis, the project engineer is indeed close to the subject. The involvement of an editor in report production ensures that the report is well organized and well written and meats its objectives. The editor assists in planning the report, outlining its content, and assembling and editing the report segments. The result of careful writing and careful editing is a report that allows the client to perceive both the problem and the solution and respond appropriately. Such a collaborative effort ensures the highest level of service to the client.<>