Each month, we will interview one employee to get their opinions on the publishing industry, hear what it’s like to work at Technica, and learn a little bit about them. This month we are interviewing Rachel Deary, a senior editor and occasional copyeditor here at Technica Editorial. She never imagined choosing this career, but enjoys her work and helping others.
How did you get started in the publishing industry? Did you always want to work in the publishing industry?
I’ve always wanted to work in writing—I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Before I joined Technica, I needed a job because I was staying in the area to be with my boyfriend, who is now my fiancé. A friend of mine saw the ad for the job and told me about it because they thought since I am good at writing, I would be good at editing. I applied and got the job! Since I’ve been working here I’ve discovered I really love copyediting and working in the publishing industry. So everything worked out!
What is your favorite thing about working at Technica?
I’ve always really loved helping others, so that’s got to be my favorite thing. At the end of the day, what I do allows me to help people all over the world, hundreds of people, from authors to reviewers to editors. Also, I really value the relationships I have built with my colleagues, including the editors I support. I feel like they are my pen pals in a way!
What has been the most rewarding moment of your job here?
I think that’s related to my last point about helping others—the most rewarding moment was when I got to go to a conference in New Orleans soon after I started. I got to meet most of the editors I work with now. They were very nice and appreciative, and it made me feel like I was really making a difference.
What have you learned about publishing since working at Technica?
A lot really—I didn’t know much about the publishing process before. I learned the jargon, I learned about copyediting, I learned proofreading marks. I didn’t really know about the copyediting process before. I also learned about the behind-the-scenes process of how things get published, which I didn’t know before. I learned about how a manuscript goes from point A to point B, particularly as it pertains to scientific publishing.
What inspires you?
In a general sense, I would say traveling really inspires me. Going to different places and seeing different sights gives you a new perspective, especially being able to interact with people in new places. So I would say that inspires me the most.
What do you like doing when you aren’t at work?
Honestly, I play a lot of video games. I also enjoy working on a novel series I have been working on, off and on, since high school, so when I get inspired I work on that. I also occasionally draw, and I’m in the process of learning Japanese. I love traveling and visiting new places, like I said before. When I have spare time or a long weekend, I try to go someplace new or go hiking, things like that.
If you could only recommend one book, movie, TV show, or music album to someone, what would it be and why?
Could I recommend a video game instead?
Sure!
For video games, my all-time favorite and the one I tell people they should really play if they have the chance is Journey, which is a really interesting and well-made game. The whole experience is really great. You are this little guy in a cloak and you go up this mountain. On the way you meet another person, someone else playing the game online, and you have to work together even though you can’t really talk. It’s kind of a metaphor for life. The graphics and soundtrack are really amazing—the whole package is really great.
If you could give one editing tip to people, what would it be?
I would say that when you’re editing your own work, let it sit for at least a day if you can after you finish writing. Coming back with a fresh perspective really helps you see it clearer and catch mistakes you wouldn’t see after staring at it for a long time.
