What do Technical Writers do?
Firstly, for those in the know, technical writer is one of the activities that fall under the umbrella "technical communicator". It also includes editors, illustrators, information architects, and many other roles. Technical communication involves all of the activities that contribute to creation, management and distribution of effective information. This grphics, web content, online help, usability consulting, and many other related activities
The questions is not as obvious as you might think. The majority of technical communicators produce or contribute to user-oriented guides or documents that form part of the software development process. This is what most employment agencies and employers refer to as "technical writer". You probably came to this page to find out more about technical writing, so most of the information here is about mainstream technical writing. But you should be aware that many technical communicators never produce documents or help.
Some technical communicators get paid for their writing, but most get paid to write. The difference is subtle but important! It is typically not a lifestyle for people who yearn for creativity.
Naturally technical communicators come in a wide range of experience and ability. The following list shows the three main categories that you should consider when hiring (or seeking employment):
Commodity tech writer this is "bread and butter" technical writer role. It corresponds very closely with the the type of candidate sought by most recruitment agencies for contract roles.
Writes procedures that are readily deduced by observation or use of a product.
Depends significantly on Subject Matter Experts for guidance and technical support.
Edits content, i.e. corrects grammar, spelling and formatting.
Applies styles and templates.
Can use at least one mainstream product of each type (word processor, flowcharting, help authoring, bitmap editor).
Typical role: writing guides or online help for software users. Some aspects of this role are becoming automated and the work is relatively easy to "offshore".
Appropriate rate: AUD $30-$45 per hour. This needs to be balanced against the concurrent cost of subject matter experts and information architect, ususally at a much higher rate.
Author/Writer this is the kind of role that requires good domain knowledge and technical skills. Candidates with genuine domain expertise combined with professional writing skills are rare in a small market like Australia.
All of the skills of a commodity technical writer.
Provides significant original content with minimal support from a Subject Matter Expert.
Can provide strategy advice based on completion of many projects.
Aware of usability and accessibility issues.
Can compare and advise on choice of tools, based on actual project experience with competing products in each category.
Can streamline the documentation process.
Can create templates and often can provide rudimentary automation through the use of macros and scripts.
Works towards self improvement and peer review, usually through participation in professional societies and/or relevant conferences.
May present 'tips and tricks' or 'case studies' at industry conferences.
Appropriate rate: AUD $50-$70 per hour (the higher rate reflects greater technical expertise).
Consultant this role crosses over with a number of others, including Information Architect and Knowledge Manager. Practitioners at this level operate outside of the maintream recruitment process as there are no recruiters (in Australia) with adequate expertise to identify the skills or match them to client needs.
All of the skills of an Author/Writer.
Can provide sound advice regarding policy and strategy for creation, management and publishing of information.
Expert with usability and accessibility issues.
Confident creating and publishing content in multiple media types, including best practices for single-sourcing.
Can compare and advise on end-to-end solutions that are appropriate for companies of different sizes.
Aware of defects/limitations of common tools and knows how to implement workarounds.
Can provide custom solutions when appropriate.
Can advise on an appropriate amount of document automation and implement some types of automation.
Has contributed significantly to the technical communication fraternity through participation in societies and conferences.
Appropriate rate: a negotiated fee for completion.
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