[ZDP] ZDP Editor for NW [longish]

[Ute Methner]

I've been thinking too! actually I am a person specialized in
technical writing with an editing background.
I had sent an email to Michel expressing my interest as a writer... 
in IT industry, as you all know, writing is often a team effort
(at some level) between the comp sci guys and the
technical writers. The technical writer is then also responsible for
pulling the book together. But I am not sure how you are planning
to arrange the writing/editing of this book.

It sounds to me that we have pretty well decided to publish Zbook in
hardcopy. So, here are some of the things, in no particular order of 
importance, that have been going through my mind [remember I'm 
looking at this from the perspective of the writer(s) and volunteer(s),
whoever they may be]:

One thing that has not been discussed on this list,
and which I am curious about, is: has anyone scoped the printed book?
I've
seen Tom's chapter layout for the book. Is this _approximately_ what you
want for the printed book? Knowing the approx. general scope might 
also permit others who are thinking of getting involved to get an 
idea of the time commitment needed. 

From a writer's perspective, before you start writing the book, you
need to decide who your audience is going to be...this also affects
who you want on your writing team.

I think that as far as writers and editors are concerned, you have a
fair bit of choice in how to arrange their work.
As far as having section editors, I think this is doable 
_as long as_ there is a style guide for the book and 
writers and section editors *swear* <grin> to follow it, unless they 
have first checked with the main editor who you still need to pull 
the final product together. 

I wonder what kind of supportive role, if any, NR sees itself play in 
the writing of this project?  What resources can they make available 
to us to make the writing/editing run reasonably smooth?

... my thoughts so far.

Ute

Tom Deprez wrote:
> 
> Ehm....
> 
> Just thinking...
> 
> Ute! Aren't you a very specialised person in editing?

-- 
Ute Methner
Grimsby ON Canada
ute@idirect.com