AboutRichard Dean Starr Expertise I can answer questions relating to writing and designing ads, direct mail, websites, press releases, targeted email, catalogs, brochures and other collateral material. If you need help with your copywriting in order to sell your product or service, I can help. ADVANCE WARNING: I CANNOT actually WRITE YOUR MATERIAL for you! No more than a plumber on AllExperts could, or would, fix your pipes for you. Space constraints in the reply field and time limitations for myself simply do not allow it. I AM, however, more than happy to provide you with any ADVICE, TIPS and TECHNIQUES you might need to complete your project.
Experience I have more than eighteen years experience as an established business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) copywriter. My clients range from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. These include the Walt Disney Company, Columbia Records, The Jimmy Rodgers Museum, and White Mop Wringer Company, just to name a few. Whether it’s ads, brochures, sales letters, web sites, or direct email marketing, my copy has maximized response rates and increases sales for my clients across the country and around the world.
Education/Credentials I have a B.A. degree in English from the University of Iowa and have taught creative writing workshops in three states. I am currently an Expert on this site in the "Getting Published or e-Published" with numerous nominations for "Expert of the Month".
Past/Present Clients The Walt Disney Company, Disney Vacation Club, Hilton Hotels, Ramada Inns, Columbia Records, The Jimmy Rodgers Museum, White Mop Wringer Company, and many, many more.
Question Mr. Starr,
After over 20 years as a Mainframe Programmer/Analyst, I need to add additional skills to my resume. The IBM mainframe world has continued to decline and in addition their is now intense competition from India and other countries.
This has lead me to consider Technical Writing as a possible alternative profession. But before I start taking courses, I would like to know if the job market is actually better than it is for mainframers!
Do you have any idea if demand for Technical Writers is high, or low? Or do you know how I would go about determining the demand.
Thanks for your assistance!
Answer Hi, David:
There are a number of great books on Amazon.com about how to become a Technical Writer. Much like mainframe administration, writing of ANY kind is a specialized skill. However, unlike mainframe programming, no one with any sense is outsourcing THAT to India; have you tried TALKING to an Indian customer support representative recently? You get the idea.
If you study technical writing and can approach it with the skills and professionalism required of a pro, you'll break in. It may take you a while, but study those books. Network with other technical writers online. Perfect your writing by creating a number of "sample" technical documents and white papers. Learn how to approach potential clients and get paying work.
Once you've broken in, like a slow-rolling boulder, it will gradually gather momentum until--surprise!--you have a new career.
I wish you the best of luck, David, and hope you succeed in your new career!
