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OVERVIEW Technical writers, sometimes called technical communicators, express technical and scientific ideas in easy- to-understand language. Technical editors revise written text to correct any errors and make it read smoothly and clearly. They also may coordinate the activities of technical writers, technical illustrators, and other staff in preparing material for publication and oversee the document development and production processes. Technical writers hold about 49,000 jobs in the United States. Only a small percentage of all technical writers work in the telecommunications industry. HISTORY Humans have used writing to communicate information for over 5,500 years. Technical writing, though, did not emerge as a specific profession in the United States until the early years of the 20th century. Before that time, engineers, scientists, and researchers completed any necessary writing on their own. During the early 1900s, technology expanded rapidly. The use of machines to manufacture and mass-produce a wide number of products paved the way for more complex and technical products. Scientists and researchers were discovering new technologies and applications for technology, particularly in electronics, medicine, and engineering. The need to record studies and research, and report them to others, grew. Also, as products became more complex, it was necessary to provide information that documented their components, showed how they were assembled, and explained how to install, use, and repair them. By the mid-1920s, writers were being used to help engineers and scientists document their work and prepare technical information for nontechnical audiences. Editors had been used for many years to work with printers and authors. They check copies of a printed document to correct any errors made during printing, to rewrite unclear passages, and to correct errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. As the need for technical writers grew, so too did the need for technical editors. Editors became more involved in documents before the printing stage, and today work closely with writers as they prepare their materials. Many editors coordinate the activities of all the people involved in preparing technical communications and manage the document development and production processes. The need for technical writers grew further with the growth of the computer industry beginning in the 1960s. Originally, many computer companies used computer programmers to write user manuals and other documentation. It was widely assumed that the material was so complex that only those who were involved with creating computer programs would be able to write about them. Although computer programmers had the technical knowledge, many were not able to write clear, easy-to-use manuals. Complaints about the difficulty of using and understanding manuals were common. By the 1970s, computer companies began to hire technical writers to write computer manuals and documents. Today, this is one of the largest areas in which technical writers are employed. The need for technical marketing writers also grew as a result of expanding computer technology. Many copywriters who worked for advertising agencies and marketing firms did not have the technical background to be able to describe the features of the technical products that were coming to market. Thus, a need for writers who could combine the ability to promote products with the ability to communicate technical information developed during this period. The nature of technical writers’ and technical editors’ jobs continues to change with emerging technologies. Today, the ability to store, transmit, and receive information through computers and electronic’ means is changing the very nature of documents. Traditional books and paper documents are being replaced by Zip disks, CD-ROMs, wireless reading devices, interactive multimedia documents, and material accessed through bulletin board systems, faxes, the World Wide Web, and the Internet. The telecommunications industry is just one of many rewarding employment options for technical writers and editors. Voice, video, and Internet communication systems have never been more complicated than they are today. Skilled writers are needed to trans late complicated engineering, computer, and scientific concepts so that they can be understood by installers and repairers (who might need to consult technical specifications for a product in the field); non-technical workers in the industry, including customer service representatives, computer support specialists, and marketing and advertising specialists; and the general public, which needs comprehensible and accurate information about how to utilize these emerging and evolving communication devices and systems. THE JOB ‘ Technical writers and editors prepare a wide variety of documents and materials. The most common types of documents they produce are manuals, technical reports, specifications, and proposals. Some technical writers also write scripts for videos and audiovisual presentations and text for multimedia programs. Technical writers and editors prepare manuals that give instructions and detailed information on how to install, assemble, use, service, or repair a product or equipment (such as a cell phone, router, high-definition receiver, or firewall). They may write and edit manuals as simple as a two-page leaflet that gives instructions on how to turn on a cable box or as complex as a 500-page document that tells service technicians how to repair switching machinery, equipment at a call phone tower, or another system. One of the most common types of manuals is the computer software manual, which informs users on how to load software on their computers, explains how to use the program, and gives information on different features. Technical writers and editors also prepare technical reports on a multitude of subjects. These reports include documents that give the results of research and laboratory tests and documents that describe the progress of a project. An example of this type of work might be a report on the effects of cell phone radiation on users over an extended period of time. They also write and edit sales proposals, product specifications, quality standards, journal articles, in-house style manuals, and newsletters. The work of a technical writer begins when he or she is assigned to prepare a document. The writer meets with members of an account or technical team to learn the requirements for the document, the intended purpose or objectives, and the audience. During the planning stage, the writer learns when the document needs to be completed, approximately how long it should be, whether artwork or illustrations are to be included, who the other team members are, and any other production or printing requirements. A schedule is created that defines the different stages of development and determines when the writer needs to have certain parts of the document ready. The next step in document development is the research, or information gathering, phase. During this stage, technical writers gather all the available information about the product. For example, a technical writer might gather all the relevant information about a new personal digital assistant that is being developed by a cell phone company and, then, read and review this material and determine what other information should be obtained. They may research the topic by reading technical publications, but in most cases they will need to gather information directly from the people working on the product. Writers meet with and interview people who are sources of information, such as scientists, engineers, software developers, computer programmers, managers, and project managers. They ask questions, listen, and take notes or record interviews. They gather any available notes, drawings, or diagrams that may be useful. After writers gather all the necessary information, they sort it out and organize it. They plan how they are going to present the information and prepare an outline for the document. They may decide how the document will look and prepare the design, format, and layout of the pages. In some cases, this may be done by an editor rather than the writer. If illustrations, diagrams, or photographs are going to be included, either the editor or writer makes arrangements for an illustrator, photographer, or art researcher to produce or obtain them. Then, the writer starts writing and prepares a rough draft of the document. If the document is very large, a writer may prepare it in segments. Once the rough draft is completed, it is submitted to a designated person or group for technical review. Copies of the draft are distributed to managers, engineers, or other experts who can easily determine if any technical information is inaccurate or missing. These reviewers read the document and suggest changes. The rough draft is also given to technical editors for review of a variety of elements. The editors check that the material is well- organized, that each section flows with the section before and after it, and that the language is appropriate for the intended audience; (scientists, engineers, a company’s CEO or board of directors, etc.). They also check for correct use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They ensure that names of parts or objects are consistent throughout the document and that references are accurate. They also check the labeling of graphs and captions for accuracy. Technical editors use special symbols, called proofreader’s marks, to indicate the types of changes needed. The editor and reviewers return their copies of the document to the technical writer. The writer incorporates the appropriate suggestions and revisions and prepares the final draft. The final draft is once again submitted to a designated reviewer or team of reviewers. In some cases, the technical reviewer may do a quick check to make sure that the requested changes were made. In other cases, the technical reviewer may examine the document in depth to ensure technical accuracy and correctness. A walkthrough, or test of the document, may be done for certain types of documents. For example, a walkthrough may be done for a document that explains how to install or activate a product. A tester installs or activates the product by following the instructions given in the document. The tester makes a note of all sections that are unclear or inaccurate, and the document is returned to the writer for any necessary revisions. Once the final draft has been approved, the document is submitted to the technical editor, who makes a comprehensive check of the document. In addition to checking that the language is clear and reads smoothly, the editor ensures that the table of contents matches the different sections or chapters of a document, all illustrations and diagrams are correctly placed, all captions are matched to the correct picture, consistent terminology is used, and correct references are used in the bibliography and text. The editor returns the document to either the writer or a word processor, who makes any necessary corrections. This copy is then checked by a proofreader. The proofreader compares the final copy against the editor’s marked-up copy and makes sure that all changes were made. The document is then prepared for printing. In some cases, the writer is responsible for preparing camera-ready copy or electronic files for printing purposes, and in other cases, a print production coordinator prepares all material to submit to a printer. Some technical writers specialize in a specific type of material. Technical marketing writers create promotional and marketing materials for technological products. They may write the copy for an advertisement for a technical product, such as a cell phone, high-definition satellite receiver, computer workstation or soft ware, or they may write press releases about the product. They also write sales literature, product flyers, Web pages, and multimedia presentations. Other technical writers prepare scripts for videos and films about technical subjects. These writers, called scriptwriters, need to have an understanding of film and video production techniques. Some technical writers and editors prepare articles for scientific, computer, or engineering trade journals. These articles may report the results of research conducted by scientists or engineers or report on technological advances in a particular field. Some technical writers and editors also develop textbooks. They may receive articles written by engineers or scientists and edit and revise them to make them more suitable for the intended audience. Technical writers and editors may create documents for a variety of media. Electronic media, such as compact discs and online services, are increasingly being used in place of books and paper documents. Technical writers may create materials that are accessed through bulletin board systems and the Internet or create computer-based resources, such as help menus on computer programs. They also create interactive, multimedia documents that are distributed on com pact discs or floppy disks. Some of these media require knowledge of special computer programs that allow material to be hyperlinked, or electronically cross-referenced. REQUIREMENTS High School In high school, you should take composition, grammar, literature, creative writing, journalism, social studies, math, statistics, engineering, computer science, and as many science classes as possible. Business courses are also useful as they explain the organizational structure of companies and how they operate. Postsecondary Training Most employers prefer to hire technical writers and editors who have a bachelor’s or advanced degree. Many technical editors graduate with degrees in the humanities, especially English or journalism. Technical writers typically need to have a strong foundation in engineering, computers, or science, especially if they plan to work in a field such as telecommunications. Many technical writers graduate with a degree in engineering or science and take classes in technical writing. Some technical writers have degrees in telecommunications or a related field. Many different types of college programs are available that pre pare people to become technical writers and editors. A growing number of colleges are offering degrees in technical writing. Schools without a technical writing program may offer degrees in journal-’ ism or English. Programs are offered through English, communications, and journalism departments. Classes vary based on the type of program. In general, classes for technical writers include a core curriculum in writing and classes in algebra, statistics, logic, science, engineering, and computer programming languages. Useful classes for editors include technical writing, project management, grammar, proofreading, copy-editing, and print production. Many technical writers and editors earn a master’s degree. In these programs, they study technical writing in depth and may specialize in a certain area, such as scriptwriting, instructional design, or multimedia applications. In addition, many non-degree writing programs are offered to technical writers and editors to hone their skills. Offered as extension courses or continuing education courses, these programs include courses on indexing, writing for trade journals, and other related subjects. Technical writers, and occasionally technical editors, are often asked to present samples of their work. College students should build a portfolio during their college years in which they collect their best samples from work that they may have done for a literary magazine, newsletter, or yearbook. Technical writers and editors should be willing to pursue learning throughout their careers. As technology changes, technical writers and editors may need to take classes to update their knowledge. Changes in electronic printing and computer technology will also change the way technical writers and editors do their jobs, and writers and editors may need to take courses to learn new skills or new technologies. Other Requirements Technical writers need to have good communications skills, science and technical aptitudes, and the ability to think analytically. Technical editors also need to have good communications skills, and judgment, as well as the ability to identify and correct errors in written material. They need to be diplomatic, assertive, and able to explain tactfully what needs to be corrected to writers, engineers, and other people involved with a document. Technical editors should be able to understand technical information easily, but they need less scientific and technical background than writers. Both technical writers and editors need to be able to work as part of a team and collaborate with others on a project. They need to be highly self-motivated, well organized, and able to work under pressure. EXPLORING If you enjoy writing and are considering a career in technical writing or editing, you should make writing a daily activity. Writing is a skill that develops over time and through practice. You can keep journals, join writing clubs, and practice different types of writing, such as scriptwriting and informative reports. Sharing writing with others and asking them to critique it is especially helpful. Comments from readers on what they enjoyed about a piece of writing or difficulty they had in understanding certain sections provides valuable feedback that helps to improve your writing style. Reading a variety of materials is also helpful. Reading exposes you to both good and bad writing styles and techniques, and helps you to identify why one approach works better than another. You may also gain experience by working on a literary magazine, student newspaper, or yearbook (or starting one of your own if one is not available). Both writing and editing articles and managing production give you the opportunity to learn new skills and to see what is involved in preparing documents and other materials. Students may also be able to get internships, cooperative education assignments, or summer or part-time jobs as proofreaders or editorial assistants that may include writing responsibilities. EMPLOYERS There are approximately 49,000 technical writers currently employed in the United States; only a small percentage are employed in the telecommunications industry. Editors of all types (including technical editors) hold 122,000 jobs. Major telecommunications companies that employ technical writers and editors include Qualcomm, AT&T, Verizon, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, Comcast Cable Communications, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, and Dish Network Services. Additionally, employment may be found in many different types of places, such as in the fields of aerospace, computers, engineering, pharmaceuticals, and research and development, or with the nuclear industry, medical publishers, government agencies or contractors, and colleges and universities. The aerospace, engineering, medical, and computer industries hire significant numbers of technical writers and editors. The federal government, particularly the Departments of Defense and Agriculture, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), also hires many writers and editors with technical knowledge. STARTING OUT Many technical writers start their careers as scientists, engineers, technicians, or research assistants and move into writing after several years of experience in those positions. Technical writers with a bachelor’s degree in a technical subject such as engineering or computer science may be able to find work as a technical writer immediately upon graduating from college, but many employers prefer to hire writers with some work experience. Technical editors who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English or journalism may find entry-level work as editorial assistants, copy editors, or proofreaders. From these positions, they are able to move into technical editing positions. Alternatively, beginning workers may find jobs as technical editors in small companies or those with a small technical communications department. If you plan to work for the federal government, you need to pass an examination. Information about examinations and job openings is available at federal employment centers. You may learn about job openings through your college’s career services office and want ads in newspapers and professional magazines. You may also research companies that hire technical writers and editors and apply directly to them. Many libraries provide useful job resource guides and directories that provide information about companies that hire in specific areas. ADVANCEMENT As technical writers and editors gain experience, they move into more challenging and responsible positions. At first, they may work on simple documents or are assigned to work on sections of a document. As they demonstrate their proficiency and skills, they are given more complex assignments and are responsible for more activities. Technical writers and editors with several years of experience may move into project management positions. As project managers, they are responsible for the entire document development and production processes. They schedule and budget resources and assign writers, editors, illustrators, and other workers to a project. They monitor the schedule, supervise workers, and ensure that costs remain in budget. Technical writers and editors who show good project management skills, leadership abilities, and good interpersonal skills may become supervisors or managers. Both technical writers and editors can move into senior writer and senior editor positions. These positions involve increased responsibilities and may include supervising other workers. Many technical writers and editors seek to develop and perfect their skills rather than move into management or supervisory positions. As they gain a reputation for their quality of work, they may be able to select choice assignments. They may learn new skills as a means of being able to work in new areas. For example, a technical writer may learn a new desktop program in order to become more proficient in designing. Or, a technical writer may learn a hypermedia or hypertext computer program in order to be able to create a multimedia program. Technical writers and editors who broaden their skill base and capabilities can move to higher-paying positions within their own company or at another company. They also may work as freelancers or set up their own communications companies. EARNINGS Mean annual earnings for salaried technical writers employed in the telecommunications industry were $66,240 in 2006, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries for all technical writers ranged from less than $35,520 to more than $91,720. Editors of all types earned a median salary of $46,990 in 2006. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $27,340 or less and the highest paid 10 percent earned $87,400 or more. Most companies offer benefits that include paid holidays and vacations, medical insurance, and 401(k) plans. They may also offer profit sharing, pension plans, and tuition assistance programs. WORK ENVIRONMENT Technical writers and editors usually work in an office environment, with well-lit and quiet surroundings. They may have their own offices or share workspace with other writers and editors. Most writers and editors have computers. They may be able to utilize the services of support staff who can word process revisions, run off copies, fax material, and perform other administrative functions or they may have to perform all of these tasks themselves. Some technical writers and editors work out of home offices and use computer modems and networks to send and receive materials electronically. They may go into the office only on occasion for meetings and gathering information. Freelancers and contract workers may work at a company’s premises or at home. Although the standard workweek is 40 hours, many technical writers and editors frequently work 50 or 60 hours a week. Job interruptions, meetings, and conferences can prevent writers from having long periods of time to write. Therefore, many writers work after hours or bring work home. Both writers and editors frequently work in the evening or on weekends in order to meet a deadline. In many companies, there is pressure to produce documents as quickly as possible. Both technical writers and editors may feel at times that they are compromising the quality of their work due to the need to conform to time and budget constraints. In some companies, technical writers and editors may have increased workloads due to company reorganizations or downsizing. They may need to do the work that was formerly done by more than one person. Technical writers and editors also are increasingly assuming roles and responsibilities formerly performed by other people and this can increase work pressures and stress. Despite these pressures, most technical writers and editors gain immense satisfaction from their work and the roles that they per form in producing technical communications. OUTLOOK The writing and editing field is generally very competitive, regardless of the industry. Each year, there are more people trying to enter this field than there are available openings. The field of technical writing and editing, though, offers more opportunities than other areas of writing and editing, such as book publishing or journalism. Employment opportunities for technical writers and editors are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor,. Demand is growing for technical writers who can produce well-written computer manuals. Rapid growth in the high technology field, electronics industries, and the Internet will create a continuing demand for people to write users’ guides, instruction manuals, and training materials. Technical writers will be needed to produce copy that describes developments and discoveries in law, science, and technology for a more general audience. Technical writers will also be in demand in the telecommunications industry to write and edit materials for a wide range of audiences—from scientists and engineers; to technicians, installers, and repairers; to customers. Writers may find positions that include duties in addition to writing. A growing trend is for companies to use writers to run a department, supervise other writers, and manage freelance writers and outside con tractors. In addition, many writers are acquiring responsibilities that include desktop publishing and print production coordination. The demand for technical writers and editors is significantly affected by the economy. During recessionary times, technical writers and editors are often among the first to be laid off. Many companies today are continuing to downsize or reduce their number of employees and are reluctant to keep writers on staff. Such companies prefer to hire writers and editors on a temporary contractual basis, using them only as long as it takes to complete an assigned document. Technical writers and editors who work on a temporary or freelance basis need to market their services and continually look for new assignments. They also do not have the security or benefits offered by full-time employment. FOR MORE INFORMATION For information on careers, contact Society for Technical Communication 901 North Stuart Street, Suite 904 Arlington, VA 22203 -1822 Tel: 703-522-4114 Email: stc@stc.org PREV: Optical Engineers |