Expert: Deena Madnick - 12/11/2006

Question
Hi Deena: Was intrigued w/your balancing 2 careers, technical writing and
teaching for 30 yrs. Very interested in tech writing after being in auto repair for
38 yrs. (burned out). Can one get into this field taking online courses ? And can
you work freelance ? After a major career re-assessment this is what I should
have gone into.      Thanks and happy holidays......... Glenn

Answer
Thank you, Glenn, for your question.

As an auto repairer, you certainly would appear to have an advantage in breaking into technical writing, especially mechanical or hardware technical writing.

You asked, can one get into tech writing after being in auto repair for 38 years? Theoretically, yes, of course. If you enjoy writing and are good at it, you can take online courses in a well-recognized technical writing program and break into technical writing. You may even have an advantage with your background, if you can  ”translate” complicated procedures or mechanics so that ordinary people can understand.

Can you freelance as a technical writer? Yes, but you may find you need experience to market your skills. One way to get experience is to become a contract technical writer.

I've put together some basic information which you may find useful.

TECHNICAL WRITING FIELD
Technical writers find employment in fields such as technology,pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, biotechnology, and the military.

For a information-packed articles on Getting Started in Technical Writing with input from many technical writers, go to: http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/index.php3


SKILLS
Some of the most important characteristics of successful technical writers include having exceptional technical writing skill, being willing and being able to constantly learn, getting along with fellow workers, being
willing to listen to others, being willing to ask probing questions of subject-matter experts (SME's), and accepting responsibility for completing assignments on time, on budget.

COLLEGE WORK
Aspiring technical writers would do well to enter into a liberal arts setting to major in English with a concentration in technical writing and a minor in technology or science OR enter a technical college and major in technical writing.

CAREER CHANGERS
For those with a college degree, maybe with advanced degrees, colleges offer technical writing certificate programs. Some offer masters in technical writing degrees. It is important to get into the most rigorous program, to get hands-on practice, to build a solid portfolio, and, if
possible, do an internship for the experience and references. You can learn more about training by going to http://www.stc.org and clicking on the EDUCATION menu, the Academic Programs, and then searching the database, under, for example, distance learning.

JOB AVAILABILITY
If you live in the USA, you need to consider the competition from overseas. Many technical writing positions have moved overseas. Before changing your career or career plans, consider the economy. It’s far easier to find work in any field when the economy is good. That’s
especially true in the technical writing field.

NETWORKING
You need to get along with all types of people. If you want to be a technical writer, network everywhere, with everyone. Listen to what others have to say. Ask questions and check your interpretation of answers with the person who answers your questions. Learn to take good notes. Then
rewrite them so that the information is clear to anyone who might read them. Become an expert at something and then present information to others.

SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS
If you are interested in writing computer documentation, I suggest you turn to the Society for Technical Communicators at http://www.stc.org a worldwide professional organization.

You can also go to that site to search your region's chapters. Click on the chapter nearest the place you may want to work. Seriously, consider joining STC.

Another site, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
http://www.ieee.org/organizations/history_center/ is more specialized. You will want to network with professional groups that work in the specialty you want to write for. If you are interested in writing documentation for
the chemical industries, you can locate their professional societies on the Internet.

OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK
The latest government OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK suggests the outlook for writers is positive. By the way, you can find answers to many of your questions at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm

Technical writing is a difficult field to break into. Without up-to-date course work; relevant experience, which you probably have; a strong portfolio which you can compose while taking online classes; and the willingness to take a writing test at the interview, it is nearly impossible to get a technical writing position.

MAJOR OBSTACLES TO COMPLETING THE WORK
On a daily basis, in the high technology field, many writers who work for others, struggle to get subject-matter experts to find the time to answer questions. Usually the product and the documentation have to be shipped together, but the product, with unplanned changes, is not ready until the last minute. Writers then have to scramble, work late or weekends to get the product out the door.

RESOURCES
For the time being, I would subscribe (it's free) to the discussion list at http://www.raycomm.com (Sign up for the DIGEST form.) You can learn much from the 5,000 technical writers working in the field on that list. You will get a taste of what it is like to be a technical writer from the
list. You will be in a better position to make informed career choices.

For the first two or three years, you may find you have to go with employment agencies. From what I hear, too many temporary-work headhunters take most of what companies pay for technical writing services through contractors. It is essential to find ethical employment agencies. You have
to ask around at STC meetings. Check the STC state salary reports for median salaries with so many years experience.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS
I recommend these books:

Brogan, John A. Clear Technical Writing. New York: McGraw-Hill Company, 1973.

Kent, Peter. Making Money in Technical Writing. New York: Macmillan General Reference USA, 1998.

Lindsell-Roberts, Sheryl. Technical Writing for Dummies. New York: Hungry Minds, 2001.

Van Wicklen, Janet. The Tech Writer's Survival Guide: A Comprehensive Handbook for Aspiring Technical Writers. New York: Checkmark Books, 2001.

Thank you again for your question, Glenn.

I hope this helps!

Best wishes in all your endeavors!

Sincerely,
Deena Madnick
Copywrite Technical Writing & Editorial Services
Worcester, MA
USA