The basic principles of `patterning' numerical data into tables are explained and illustrated with examples. The use of similarities between tables and graphs can help in visualizing the table's structural framework. Grouping information to bring out relationships can allow the significance of the data to be grasped more quickly by the reader. Other key requirements for clarity include 1) choosing concise, complete, and unambiguous headings and 2) eliminating redundancy.

The process of revising a technical or scientific paper can be performed more efficiently by the people involved (author, co-author, supervisor, editor) when the revision is controlled by breaking it into a series of steps. The revision process recommended is based on the levels-of-edit concept that resulted from a study of the technical editorial function at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology. Types of revision discussed are substantive, policy, language, mechanical style, format, integrity, and copy clarification.