Some writers dream of creating the next The Lord of the Rings or HarryPotter and others find joy in describing how things work and helping others in performing certain tasks and hope that one day they will create software documentation for a big software company.

However, making that possible in today’s competitive industry requires a particular skill set and desire to learn continuously. Here is what you need to know to become a Technical Writer.

Technical Writing, also called as Technical Communication, is about conveying an idea or information to a specific end user in a readable manner. This is one of the best ways to re-enter the IT field for the professionals who would wish to join after a break or those from the non-technical background.

Technical Writing not only applies to the field of IT, but to other fields as well such as – Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Mechanical, Banking, Aeronautics, Automobiles, and others.

Sounds like a cool career option!!! Do you want to know more about Technical Writing? Let’s begin by finding out who these Technical Writers are and what they do.

Today’s world is rapidly developing and making technical breakthroughs. For every new product available in the market, companies find it difficult to keep their customers updated with the product’s function and advantages. Technical writers make these things easier by gathering information about these products from various sources, understand the technology and write in a style which is simple and easily comprehensible by a layman. Often most of the Technical Writers start their career as a research assistant or a trainer. There are also many freelancers who enter into the profession by writing for small-scale projects.

Apart from having a passion for writing, a Technical Writer should be skilled in the know-hows of software functions, possess sharp troubleshooting skills, and an urge towards finding technological ways so that users get benefited on a global scale.

Technical Writers create Instruction Manuals, Project Reports, Online Help files, Installation Guides, Read-Me files, Design Graphical Presentations, Brochures, Whitepapers, Proposals, Quick Reference Guides, Troubleshooting Guides, and so on.

The basic rule of Technical Writing is “Know Your Audience First”. Writers who are aware of their audience well be in a position to suggest and implement solutions to problems that nobody else can identify. The Technical Writer defines the complete structure of the documentation process, writes down the knowledge learned in that structure, and the completed document is sent for review to the technical and editorial teams. The approved document is then published in the desired format (PDF, XML, MS Word, Online Help).

The most challenging part of this writing process is to understand the technical jargon and translate it into a simple and easy-to-understand language. This helps to judge and include the content what the audience must know in order to use the software/application, and exclude what is irrelevant to them.

A must have skill –

It goes without saying that a Technical Writer should possess good communication skills, good command over English or the language he would be writing in; and the ability to present information in easily comprehensible manner.

Honestly, as a technical writer, it’s an exciting & enticing career for the ones who are willing to learn!!

Alongside creative writing MyStyle Communications also provides extensive Technical writing, now you know, that we know what it is!