Apress

Technical Reviewer

I started working as a Technical Reviewer for Apress in 2019. It was something I became interested in after a colleague who had done this role previously had told me how fulfilling it was, and I found it a positive way to give back to the design community.

The role of a Technical Reviewer

A Technical Reviewer works with the publishing company and the author of a book, to ensure that the subject matter is technically accurate and up to date before the book in question is released to the public. You need to have expert knowledge in the same field as the author to ensure that what is being written accurately portrays the subject, and that there are no obvious errors in content, or miscommunications. In some books a technical reviewer will also be expected to test code samples and snippets which are included in the book to ensure they are technically correct and compile and work as expected. Given my background as both a software developer and a UX and accessibility specialist I've been fortunate to be recommended across multiple titles.

Why I enjoy being a Technical Reviewer

I really enjoy being a technical reviewer for the following reasons:

I get to actively read more books and in doing so I’m staying up to date with the industry

I need to research topics to ensure the advice I am giving my authors is the best it can be

I’m increasing my home library – I get given a physical copy of each book I help to review!

Its really rewarding to see the physical book go to print and hold a copy in your hands after helping the author

If you are an expert in your technical area I would strongly advise anyone into exploring the possibility of becoming a Technical Reviewer as I’ve personally found it a rewarding experience.

Books I've been involved with

I've had the pleasure of working on the following titles:

Approachable Accessibility - Michael Dowden & Martine Dowden

Practical UI Patterns for Design Systems - Diana MacDonald

Practical Web Inclusion and Accessibility - Ashley Firth