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Hone your technical writing with new skills

Updated: Sep 4, 2020

In recent weeks, I have spent my time exploring different avenues for distance learning. One such avenue has been micro-learning for online delivery through my new writing and design consultant business.


A technical writer is a specialist in creating documentation that breaks down complex ideas and topics for user friendly reading. But a technical writer can have many faces that add to the richness of document development and reception by users.


Although technical writers do not tend to be creative writers of content, they can be creative in their content delivery to ensure understanding.


In my experience there are three categories of technical writing that my clients request. That is traditional, end-user, and marketing.


A traditional technical writer may specialize in:

> Assembly and Repair manuals

> Policy manuals

> Science and medical research articles for journal publication

> Legal case reviews


An end-user technical writer may specialize in printed and machine-readable form documentation such as:

> Job aids

> User help guides and How-Tos

> Online help for websites or knowledge bases

> Product manuals

> Technical books or booklets

> Training content and materials


A technical marketing writer may specialize in:

> Catalogs and Indexes

> Newsletters and Press Releases

> Case Studies and White Papers

> Brochures

> Proposals and Reports


The biggest thing that has been on my mind are the importance of specialized skills to meet the needs of each category as explore your opportunities within the field of technical writing.


I have begun exploring training and experience in these areas myself, and firmly believe that they contribute to making a better technical writer and are key to building a dynamic technical writing portfolio. Find your area of interest and develop your skills!


Some new skills to learn and explore are:


> User Experience (UX)

> Instructional Design

> Journalism or Communications

> English Writing and Rhetoric

> Business Writing

> Digital and Multimedia design

> Website design

> Graphic Design


Tune in next time for recommendations for technical writing software and programs for the entry-level writer. Toodles!

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