The audience matters: why understanding readers is critical in medical editing

In medical and medico-legal writing, one size does not fit all. The same information can be presented very differently depending on who is reading it.

A report written for a specialist will use precise technical terminology and assume background knowledge. A report intended for a non-specialist, such as a patient, a legal professional or a member of the public, needs clear explanations, simplified language and context for complex concepts.

Understanding the audience is therefore central to effective medical editing.

Why audience awareness matters

The intended audience influences nearly every editorial decision:

• Terminology: which terms are appropriate, and how much explanation is needed?

• Structure and flow: how should the information be organised for readability and comprehension?

• Level of detail: which points require emphasis, and which can be condensed?

• Tone and clarity: how formal or accessible should the language be to communicate effectively?

Without considering these factors, even technically accurate content can fail to communicate its message, lead to misinterpretation or undermine credibility.

How medical editors adapt to the audience

A professional medical editor will always consider these questions:

Who will read the document? Specialists, patients, legal professionals or regulators?

What decisions might the reader make based on this information? Will it guide clinical actions, inform legal opinions or educate the public?

What is the purpose of the document? Publication, expert-witness opinion, patient information or internal communication ?

By tailoring edits to the audience, the editor ensures the document is fit for purpose, while maintaining the author’s voice and professional standards.

Risks of ignoring audience

Editing without audience awareness can lead to:

• miscommunication or misinterpretation

• unnecessary confusion or ambiguity

• loss of credibility for the author or organisation

In medico-legal contexts, even minor misunderstandings can have significant consequences

Final thoughts

The principle is simple: know your audience, and edit with them in mind. In medical and medico-legal writing, understanding who will read a document shapes every choice, from word selection to structure, tone and clarity. Effective editing ensures that the text is not only technically correct but also understood as intended by those who need it most.

---

A note on terminology: The terms medical copyeditor, medical proofreader and medical editor are often confused and used interchangeably. To add to the confusion, there are yet other terms used for different niches such as plain-English editor, medico-legal copyeditor or editorial assistant (the latter is commonly used in medical communications). I personally use medical editor to describe my role, and medical editing to describe both medical copyediting and medical proofreading, as this suggests a hybrid approach as per my own clients' preferences ... plus, it's simpler! See here for more detail on the traditional differences between proofreading and copyediting.

---

To learn more about me and my background, please take a closer look here.