So, You Want to Be a Technical Writer?
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So, You Want to Be a Technical Writer?
Kathleen BaineOak Tree Writing Services
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Why are you interested in technical writing?
One of the top 100 best jobsIt pays pretty wellJob availabilityTransition from other careersTransition to other careers
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This PresentationWhat is a technical writer/communicatorTypes of jobs we haveTypes of publications we developWho we work forHow to get experienceCareer pathsEducationHow to get “technical”Tools we useHow to find jobsContract vs Perm JobsSalaries
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Technical Writer Umbrella
Technical CommunicatorUser Assistance DeveloperMedical WriterScience WriterProposal Writer
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Technical Communicator Publications
Installation Manuals – hardware and/or softwareData sheetsUser guides – hardware and/or softwareProceduresPoliciesTechnical SpecificationsReference manualsProgrammer API guidesSoftware Application Developer KitsOnline HelpWeb sites and web site contentMaintenance manualsTraining materials
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User Assistant
Helps bridge gap between users and productsResearches and understands usersDevelop documentation that answers user questionsPart of the product design team
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Medical Writer
Ghost writer for doctors, researchersEditor for medical journalsWriter of clinical reportsWrites submission documents for regulatory agenciesBiological science background or education
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Science Writer
Journalist focusing on science topicsInterface between science and popular cultureInformation officers for science corporations writing press releases or grantsBooks on scientific issuesScience background or education
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Technical Communicator
Performs a variety of writing dutiesProject managementEditorGraphic artistTechnical publications managerHas empathy for the end user
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Department of Labor
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work. May 2008, 47,460 technical writersAverage hourly wage: $30.87Average annual wage: $64,210
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Proposal Writer
Writes the executive summaryGathers information to respond to the RFPCoordinates the RFP responseEnsures ‘one voice’ throughout the proposalEnsures response meets deadlineEnsures response is in RFP format
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Who Hires Technical Writers?
Large companies with existing departmentsIn the Atlanta area, IBM, AT&T, Cox Communications, UPS, Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Mirant, McKessonSmaller companies with no writing staff
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How to Get Experience
Develop a portfolio – class work, anything done in your current or previous jobs, volunteer work publicationsWork for a larger company where you can gain experience and learnOffer to write in your current jobVolunteer to write anywhere – neighborhood newsletter, church activities, sports activities
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Career Paths
EditorWriterManagerInstructional DesignerTrainerMarketing CommunicationsRecruiter Teacher of Technical Writing
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Education
Bachelor’s degree in something, preferably in technical communication, English, or journalismMaster’s degree, preferably in technical communicationBachelor’s degree in a science, Master’s degree in Technical CommunicationGet technical!
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How to “Get Technical”
Questions, questions, questionsCourses and certificates in a programming language (JavaScript, C++), HTML, CSSCourses in electronics, mechanics, networking, scienceGain industry knowledge – chemical, mechanical, RF, aviation, medical
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Tools We UseOur brains!Online Help: RoboHelp, Doc-to-Help, Flare, HTMLDocumentation: Word, FrameMaker, Interleaf, Acrobat, VisioWeb development: HTML, Flare, Web Expression, SharePointDrawing: CorelDraw, IllustratorPhoto editing: PhotoShop, The GimpScreen capture: SnagIt, FullShot
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How to Find Jobs
Network! STC, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Friends, Acquaintances, Indeed.comAgencies – for contract and perm workWherever software programming happens, technical writing is neededWhere products are created, documentation is needed
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Contract vs. Perm
Permanent through agency or direct from adsContract through agency (W-2)Self-employed contract (W-2 or 1099)
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Contract Technical Communicators
Must have experience to hit the ground runningMust have project management experienceExpect to be asked to do anythingBe flexibleNo benefitsNo guarantees – can be let go at any timeCan quit if you don’t like itVariety Feeling you are a second class citizen
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Permanent Technical Communicators
More job securityPaid vacations, holidays, sick timeOther company benefits (401K, pension, tuition, stock options, etc)ConsistencyChance to thoroughly learn a productMaybe boredomCareer path
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What does it pay?Not as much as it did…. Permanent: $30,000 to start (no experience)Managers: $55,000 and upExperienced Consultants: $45/hour and upInexperienced contract writers: $20 and upExperienced Contract writers: $35 and upThe more technical you are, the more you can earnSTC salary survey
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The Future for Technical Writers
Good! Jobs are opening upMore is going to contract work or contract to perm