The field of technical writing is a bit of a mystery to some
writers. Perhaps someone has suggested it to you as a way to
make a more steady living than the sporadic freelance income you
are currently earning. Of course, you would rather write fiction
or poetry, but you need to pay the bills and the income from
your Google search engine optimized articles just isn't cutting
it. So, you resolve to learn more about technical writing.
What is technical writing?
To explain it simply, technical writing is the field of writing
explanations and information about technical and scientific
fields. While many people think technical writing applies
exclusively to computing and engineering fields, it crosses over
into many disciplines. Healthcare, biotechnical and financial
fields all make extensive use of technical writers.
What do technical writers actually write?
Technical writers are responsible for developing technical
documentation for many different audiences. Some technical
documents are intended for engineers and experts; others are for
end users of software, electronics, manufacturing, or other
equipment products. When you have read the user manual for your
computer, the set-up guide for your DVD player, your yard's
sprinkler system, in all likelihood you were reading things
created by a technical writer. Technical writers also draft
technical marketing literature, help files, product
specifications, and white papers. If instructions or reference
materials are required, a technical writer will not be far
behind.
So, who is suited for technical writing?
While training can certainly help prepare someone for a career
in technical writing, probably the most important factor for
success as a technical writer is an aptitude and interest for
technical subject matter. If you are apprehensive about
installing new software on your computer or programming your new
thermostat, technical writing may not be the best field for you.
On the other hand, if you are excited by new technology, you
avidly read scientific and technical information and can't wait
to get the latest electronics when they come out, you might be
well-suited for the field.
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Okay, now how do I get work as a
technical writer?
So, you are a technology hound, you are a good writer and you
are ready to go. How do you get a job as a technical writer?
Start with your areas of expertise. For example, if you have a
background in a medical field or health writing, you have a
better chance of landing a technical writing job in healthcare
than in hard disk documentation. Have you designed web sites?
Look for someone who needs documentation for their web tools. If
you do not have any technical experience, look first for
positions in field that do not need as much specialized
knowledge for the documentation, for example furniture assembly,
consumer electronics user documentation. Make sure you highlight
all of the most technical things you have written on your
resume; even those articles on how thermostats or Christmas
lights work show an aptitude for explaining complex information
in an accessible way and that is what technical writing is all
about. If you have done marketing materials, sell those skills
for increasingly more technical products. Each piece of
literature you create adds to your knowledge base as well as
your portfolio. If you feel you do not have enough technical
skills to sell yourself, but you are convinced this is the field
for you, consider taking a basic course in a technical field you
are interested in or purchase several books on the subject.
Having the basic vocabulary is a major step toward proficiency.
When you are just starting out, it is often more easy to get
contract projects than full-time employment. (Besides, a
full-time job makes it more difficult to keep working on your
novel!) Look for short-term projects, especially for small
companies. Often, they are more willing to accept someone
without a giant portfolio than their larger competitors. Of
course, for your first projects, you may also need to charge
less (although I never advise working for free) in order to
prove yourself and build up your technical writing resume.
Remember, too, that you do not need to work for a company to do
technical writing. If you have written online or print articles,
try writing some on the subject you are interested in and
selling to those markets; once you are published in the field,
you will quickly start to look like an expert and will be able
to easily sell yourself for longer term projects. |
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