Anita Wahler

About Anita Wahler

With 30+ years of writing and editing in engineering, environmental, architectural, and scientific fields, I’ve fine-tuned a style readers find engaging, informative, and easy to read. Recent recommendations, like this one from an environmental lead for the Americas, say it best: “Her unique approach bridges the gap between technical accuracy and narrative elegance, weaving compelling stories into technical content. Her writing is captivating while being succinct and clear, and the documents she crafts are far more readable and relatable.” I throw my whole heart and mind into each project and team, striving to hear all ideas and put myself in the place of the people who will use the material. I’m comfortable with styles for almost any effort, from light, clear pieces for the public to complex technical reports in any discipline. My strong background in science and technical fields (e.g, radiation safety, hazardous waste) means I can help ensure accuracy and explain difficult material clearly. This combines with solid knowledge of principles in writing and editing, including the basics (e.g, grammar) but also embracing substantive editing and document development. I\'m proficient in MS Office, Teams, Adobe (Acrobat, some InDesign), CMOS, AP, and SharePoint, and familiar with ProjectWise and Section 508. Project managers tell me clients respond positively to my succinct, organized, and authentic style, and that if I edit documents first, top technical leaders can review reports in a fraction of the time. I’m also interesting in systemic improvements in company communications. SPECIALTIES Presenting complex information to diverse audiences succinctly, engagingly, and persuasively - Coordinating development of complex documents involving many contributors, reviewers, and components - Interviewing technical staff - Managing iterative reviews - Creating a unified voice in multi-author documents - Collaborating with graphic designers so graphics best support message - Telling the story with an honest voice - Knowing when to research independently and when to ask - Recognizing what I don\'t understand and seeking fuller understanding appropriately - Doing what it takes to meet deadlines while maintaining quality - Proactive communication, resourceful problem-solving, and inclusive teamwork - Knowledge of conventions in the sciences and engineering, including structure, tone, and style - Coaching writers, including English language learners - Strategizing in a team environment - Developing, managing, and coordinating programs

Experience

1. Technical Writer

   GHD

   May 2022 — Present · US

Education

• University of Washington

  Graduate Work

  2006 — 2008

• Western Washington University

  BS

  1992 — 1994