Can you describe a time when you had to edit a manuscript with unclear or conflicting author intentions?
Behavioral
Communication
Critical Thinking
Editing Skills
This question is crucial for a manuscript editor as it evaluates your ability to navigate complex authorial voices and ensure clarity while maintaining the author's intent.
How to answer
- Use the STAR method to structure your response, detailing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
- Clearly outline the specific issues you encountered regarding the author's intentions.
- Explain your approach to clarifying those intentions, such as communication strategies with the author.
- Discuss how you balanced maintaining the author's voice while ensuring a cohesive narrative.
- Share the outcome of your edits and any feedback received from the author or peer reviewers.
What not to say
- Focusing solely on your technical editing skills without discussing communication.
- Blaming the author for the unclear intentions without providing a solution.
- Describing a situation where you disregarded the author's voice.
- Failing to mention how you ensured the manuscript's clarity and quality.
Sample answer
“In a recent project with a first-time author, I encountered conflicting themes in their manuscript. I scheduled a call to discuss their vision and clarify their intentions. After understanding their goals, I was able to refine the text to align with their voice while enhancing clarity. The final manuscript received positive reviews for its coherence, and the author appreciated the collaborative approach.”