How to Get Started as a Technical Writer

By James Gill

In 2010, US News and World Report named technical writing one of the "50 Best Careers" in the world.

Want a new (or better) career as a technical writer, but aren't sure where to begin? How to Get Started as a Technical Writer is a practical, personal, no-nonsense guide to preparing for and launching your career in technical writing. You won't find a lot of fluff or detailed instructions on how to write. Instead, you'll get over 80 pages of concise, real-world information on what it *really* takes to break into the field.

Take advantage of the author's 20 years of industry experience to get answers to questions like:

* What is a technical writer?
* What does a typical day look like?
* What are the "must have" skills for a technical writer?
* Should I get more education?

And, of course:

* How do I get experience and land my first job?

How to Get Started as a Technical Writer also includes an extensive list of useful Internet resources and a glossary of up-to-date technical writing terms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Gill
• Release date: Apr 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476223728

James Gill

James Gill (1942-2024) was a writer and a columnist who worked for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans, Louisiana, before joining the staff of The Advocate. He is author of Lords of Misrule: Mardi Gras and the Politics of Race in New Orleans and coauthor (with Howard Hunter) of Tearing Down the Lost Cause: The Removal of New Orleans's Confederate Statues, both published by University Press of Mississippi.

Book preview

Who is This Book For?

If you're serious about starting a career in technical writing, I believe How to Become a Technical Writer is for you.

I wrote this book to answer the questions I've been asked hundreds of times in my 20-year career as a technical writer, like:

What is technical writing, anyway?

How do I get experience and land my first job?

What are employers really looking for, and how do I get hired?

What are the must-have skills for a technical writer?

Should I get more education or training?

In the chapters that follow, I attempt to answer all those questions (and more) in practical ways that can help you prepare for and start a career in technical writing. It's the kind of book I wish I had when I began my career.

This is my view of the technical writing field, based on two decades of experience. Others will have different stories and advice. But I believe that what you'll find here applies to anyone interested in a career in technical writing—and who wants to get started now.

But before we go any further, I want to tell you two important things:

1: Technical writing isn't for everyone.

Technical writing is a fantastic career field. It's rewarding, both financially and personally, and few careers offer as much opportunity to learn, grow, and work in diverse fields and industries.

But it comes with challenges—and the first one is breaking into the field in the first place. Most of all, being a technical writer requires a lot of confidence in yourself, and the flexibility to continually learn new things and adapt to changing needs and environments.

2: There are no magic formulas.

Like any rewarding career, success is ultimately—and entirely—up to you. You're in charge. But if you're willing to stick with it and understand and apply the material here, I promise that you'll be better prepared than 99% of those you'll compete with for your first technical writing job.

Have I scared you off yet? Good. Let's get started!

How To Use This Book

This book assumes you already communicate well in your native language, both verbally and in writing. There is no substitute for this. It doesn't matter if English is your first or third language—as long as you're comfortable with your language and can use it to communicate clearly.

My goal is to provide tools and strategies that can help you prepare for and launch a career in technical writing. However, the key ingredient of this book is you; active participation is what will get results.

Each chapter builds on information in the previous chapter. If possible, read the chapters in order, from beginning to end. However, feel free to skip to any section you choose if you're looking for specific information.

To get the most out of this book, be sure to complete all the tasks in the Do This section at the end of each chapter. I recommend preparing a notebook or electronic document to keep notes, track your progress, and record the results of each chapter's exercises.

Do This

Get a notebook (or start an electronic document) to capture your notes and exercise results and track your progress.

Set a goal for yourself for completing the book and getting your first job. Make it explicit and fixed in time, and write it down. Don't worry if this changes later—the key is to set a goal and plan for how to reach it.

My Story

I never intended to become a technical writer.

I was going to be an electrical engineer. But in my first year of college, sweating through my second calculus course and praying for a passing grade, I realized—engineers are supposed to love math. I barely liked math.

I did love my writing and science courses, though, and was endlessly curious

Reviews for How to Get Started as a Technical Writer

[Sastra Nightingale · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Practical help to get into technical writing. Can't wait to put it into practice.

[frankie bush · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great read! Excellent tips!! I feel prepared and well equipped to begin working on my portfolio and get started in technical writing!

[Assis Zang · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A complete guide to improve your writing skills.
The author has domain in the subject. Each chapter bring suggestions to the reader practice the content. I really recommend it.