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
Why are you interested in technical writing?
One of the top 100 best jobsIt pays pretty wellJob availabilityTransition from other careersTransition to other careers
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
Technical Writer Umbrella
Technical CommunicatorUser Assistance DeveloperMedical WriterScience WriterProposal Writer
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
User Assistant
Helps bridge gap between users and productsResearches and understands usersDevelop documentation that answers user questionsPart of the product design team
Medical Writer
Ghost writer for doctors, researchersEditor for medical journalsWriter of clinical reportsWrites submission documents for regulatory agenciesBiological science background or education
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
Technical Communicator
Performs a variety of writing dutiesProject managementEditorGraphic artistTechnical publications managerHas empathy for the end user
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
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
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
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
Career Paths
EditorWriterManagerInstructional DesignerTrainerMarketing CommunicationsRecruiter Teacher of Technical Writing
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!
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
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
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
Contract vs. Perm
Permanent through agency or direct from adsContract through agency (W-2)Self-employed contract (W-2 or 1099)
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
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
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
The Future for Technical Writers
Good! Jobs are opening upMore is going to contract work or contract to perm
If you want these slides…
Send email to K1310B@aol.com
Kathleen Baine 770-265-0751
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