Have you ever read the instructions on how to use a digital camera? Have
you ever used an online help menu? Then you've seen the work of a technical
writer -- also called a technical communicator. These writers bridge the gap
between technology and its users. They "translate" technical and scientific
information into plain terms that others can understand.
These writers produce all kinds of documents. These include instruction
books for computer software or user guides for new appliances. They write
repair manuals for technicians and catalogs for industry. They might write
brochures on equipment or policy guides for corporations. They write handbooks
on virtually everything.
"We write user's manuals, quick reference guides, reference manuals and
online help by thinking about who the reader will be. We write a document
that is understandable, readable and accessible for that target audience,"
says Washington technical writer Tracey Chiracosta.
Besides writing, technical communicators may also design and illustrate
handbooks. They may also train others how to use the new technologies they
write about.
"In a small company, we wear many hats, whereas in a company like IBM,
the technical communicators tend to have more structured jobs, like just technical
editing or just graphics," says Chiracosta.
Many technical writers work as part of a team. They work with other experts
to produce documents. For example, the writer of a software manual might work
on a team with everyone from the engineers to the trainers to the marketers
to produce the manual.
As you can imagine, communication skills are crucial during group projects.
Sometimes, writers are expected to write documents all on their own. This
means they have to use the technology and figure it out themselves. That might
mean reading computer code. So a technical writer needs technical smarts as
well as strong writing skills.
"You have to know how a system works, how the user will best understand
it and how to put that in words," says writer Tom Lindsay.
Most technical writing jobs are located in areas with a big high-tech industry.
For instance, many writers work for telecommunications, aircraft, automotive,
chemical, pharmaceutical and electronics companies. Anywhere science and technology
is being used, there's a technical writer behind the scenes.
Technical writers may work at a company office, a home office or a client's
office. Many technical writers are freelancers who meet with the development
team at a central office, but do their writing at home.
Technical writers say they work at least 40 hours a week. They often put
in overtime in order to meet deadlines.
Since technical writers do most of their work in office settings, physical
requirements are few. Still, the National Business Employment Weekly notes
that the stress factor can be quite high, since writers have to meet deadlines.
Those who are self-employed also have to sell themselves and their ideas to
employers.
"What's interesting about this career is that it gives people the opportunity
to combine technology and human communication. There is going to be more of
this in the future than there was in the past. The field will be growing nicely
for the next several decades," says Roger Grice. He is a retired technical
writer and now teaches the craft at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Hot specialties within the field differ depending on the region, according
to Paula Tannahill. She is an executive member of a Society for Technical
Communication (STC) chapter. Technical writers can also be called technical
communicators.
"Software is a hot field everywhere. Most technical communication jobs
have some software aspect to them. Most industries who hire technical communicators
-- whether oil and gas, telecommunications, or manufacturing -- are looking
for someone with experience with software," explains Tannahill.
Many technical writers are finding positions related to the Internet. Interactive
scriptwriters, interface designers, producers and content editors all need
traditional technical and professional writing skills.
Experts caution that technical writing isn't for everyone. It takes a special
kind of thinker to do well at this occupation.
"You have to be willing to learn new things, and to embrace the technology
of today as an evolving process. The skills to develop are analytical -- the
ability to think and problem solve," says Arizona technical writer Louinda
Benson.