Technical writer

A technical writer creates documentation for a technology. Their responsibility, like a graphic designer's, is to effectively communicate a message. A technical writer is responsible for writing text that is helpful to their intended audience: accurate, readable, and accessible.

Related Topics:
Document - Technology - Graphic designer

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Technical writing, a subset of technical communication, is used in fields as diverse as computer hardware and software, chemistry, the aerospace industry, robotics, consumer electronics, and biotechnology.

Related Topics:
Technical communication - Computer - Hardware - Chemistry - Aerospace industry - Robotics - Biotechnology

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At the beginning of a project, the technical writer identifies the audience for the documentation. For example, a writer might be documenting a VCR for a nontechnical American of average literacy who needs to know how to set the time and tape television shows, or for a technician who must diagnose, repair, or replace internal components.

Related Topics:
American - Television - Technician

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Technical writers often have a certified degree in English, technical writing, the technical field for which they are writing, or a combination of these. It is most important that they have enough expertise to understand their audience's background and needs. Writers who develop documentation for software APIs, microcontroller operation, and other technical subjects are often paid more than those who write guides for a nontechnical audience (for example, how to use email), because it is difficult to find good writers with advanced technical knowledge.

Related Topics:
Degree - English - Software - API - Microcontroller - Email

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After the documentation is written, using a desktop publishing tool or a help authoring tool, it is normally reviewed for accuracy by one or more "Subject Matter Experts" (SMEs).

Related Topics:
Desktop publishing - Help authoring tool - Subject Matter Expert

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Technical Writers are known in United Kingdom and some other countries as Technical Authors.

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