A different version of this blog post was published in the January 2013 issue of Corrigo, Newsletter of the Technical Editing SIG.
I think editors are uniquely suited to be judges for the STC International Summit Awards (ISA). In many ways, judging an entry is just like editing. The same analytical skills are required. The same diplomatic approach in offering advice applies.
The main difference of course is that the editor-judge does not get to interface with the writer. So the judge has one shot at giving an assessment that will help the writer improve where needed and one chance to provide praise where earned.
Another big difference is that you can’t mark up the entry. And that’s hard! It takes more effort to explain how to fix something when you can’t illustrate the fix. But that extra effort can be beneficial to the judge in her own professional development as an editor. When we have to explain and justify our “edits,” it forces us to analyze whether our edits are reasonable or just personal preference.
Working with the other judges on a team is another benefit to the editor-judge. It’s a way to see how other judges evaluate technical documentation, not to mention an avenue for sharing your own techniques. The less experienced judges receive free coaching and the more senior judges help the profession by mentoring a colleague.
Regardless of previous judging experience, all judges get the opportunity to see the work of colleagues. The ISA draws a wide array of materials, and judge teams can expect to see that reflected in the entries assigned to them. Those whose applications are accepted to be judges are entrusted with the responsibility and honor of assessing the overall quality of someone else’s work.
In short, I consider the ISA judging experience to be free training! This type of professional development is free of charge except for the time commitment and donation of your expertise.
So who’s ready to sign up? Make this the year you're going to finally apply for the first time. Give yourself this valuable “editing” experience while giving back to the profession. Check the ISA Web page for competition info, particularly the judge information at the bottom of the page, and complete the online application. The deadline is 14 January.
If you have questions, please contact Paula Robertson, STC 2014 ISA Judge Manager